Sarah Butler: These simple family staples are bursting with flavour

These dishes are simple to prepare, packed with flavour, and easily adaptable for different occasions—from weeknight dinners to relaxed weekend barbecues

Sweet chilli chicken skewers are a summer favourite.

This week, I have two fantastic family recipes that are ideal for the summer months.

Both dishes are simple to prepare, packed with flavour, and easily adaptable for different occasions—from weeknight dinners to relaxed weekend barbecues.

Sweet chilli skewers 

Sweet chilli chicken skewers are a summer favourite because they combine the ease of oven or grill cooking with bold, family-friendly flavour. The marinade of herbs, spices, and a touch of lemon creates tender, juicy chicken pieces that kids and adults enjoy.

Glazed with sweet chilli sauce and sprinkled with coriander and sesame seeds, they bring just the right balance of sweet and savoury. Best of all, they can be prepped ahead of time and cooked quickly — ideal for families on the go. Serve them with rice, salad, or tucked into flatbreads for a quick, satisfying meal.

Sweet Chilli Chicken Skewers

recipe by:Sarah Butler

Sweet chilli chicken skewers are easy to prepare, fun to grill, and packed with flavour that everyone loves. The gentle heat of sweet chilli sauce adds a tasty kick without being too spicy, making them ideal for all ages.

Servings

4

Preparation Time

 20 mins

Cooking Time

 30 mins

Total Time

 50 mins

Course

 Main

Ingredients

• 4 metal or wooden skewers - if using wooden ones, soak in water for 10 minutes first to avoid them burning.

• For the dip:  6 tbsp mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp barbecue sauce

• 1 tsp chopped coriander (optional)

• For the skewers:  4 chicken breasts cut into cubes

• 1 tbsp dried oregano

• 1 tbsp dried sage

• 1 tbsp paprika

• 1 tbsp mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp tomato purée

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Juice of ½ lemon or lime

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground pepper

• To glaze: 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

• 1 tbsp chopped coriander

• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200˚C/180˚C fan/gas mark 6.

2. To make the dip, mix the ingredients and refrigerate until serving.

3. Add all the chicken skewer ingredients to a bowl and combine well.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Thread the coated chicken onto the skewers tightly.

6. Place the kebabs on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, turning halfway. The chicken should be golden.

7. Remove the chicken kebabs from the oven and brush them with the sweet chilli sauce.

8. Garnish with coriander and sesame seeds before serving with the dip.

Sarah's Secret 

If you have time, allow the chicken to marinate for 20 minutes, but don’t worry if it is not possible.

Great to cook on the barbecue, prepare these skewers in the morning and refrigerate for cooking a speedy dinner later.

Cheesy croquettes

Cheesy croquettes, on the other hand, are a crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s both fun and fast to make. Made with leftover mashed potatoes, they’re budget-friendly and reduce waste.

The crisp breadcrumb coating contrasts beautifully with the gooey melted cheese inside. Whether served as a snack, lunchbox filler, or side dish, they’re a guaranteed hit with kids. You can even involve little hands in the shaping and coating process, turning prep time into a family activity.

Together, these dishes offer quick, delicious, and flexible options that make summer meals stress-free and enjoyable. Include them in this week’s dinner plans.

Cheesy Croquettes

recipe by:Sarah Butler

Cheesy croquettes are incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious. With just a few ingredients—mashed potatoes, cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasoning—you can whip up a batch in no time.

Servings

4

Preparation Time

 15 mins

Cooking Time

 15 mins

Total Time

 30 mins

Course

 Side

Ingredients

• 400g cooked mashed potato

• 60g red or white cheddar cheese grated

• 2 tsp freshly chopped parsley

• Salt and freshly ground pepper

• 130g flour

• 2 large eggs whisked

• 150g breadcrumbs - I use Panko breadcrumbs

• 400ml vegetable oil

•  

Method

1. Mix the mashed potato, grated cheese and parsley in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper.

2. Place the flour into one bowl.

3. Put the beaten eggs into another bowl.

4. Finally, the breadcrumbs into a third bowl.

5. Allow the potato mixture to cool so they are easier to handle.

6. Shape the potato mixture into 2-inch log shapes - I like to use disposible gloves for this part.

7. Roll each log in flour first, then dip and coat entirely in egg wash, and finally coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat until the mixture is all used.

8. Add the vegetable oil to a deep frying pan on high heat.

9. Test by placing a crumb in. It should sizzle and rise to the top once hot enough.

10. Fry the croquette in batches for about 2 minutes per batch, turning until golden all over. keep a close eye as they can burn quickly.

11. Place on a raised rack until serving to allow excess oil to drip off.

Sarah's Secret

Disposable gloves are a great idea for the rolling and crumbing process. Croquettes freeze so well. Crumb them and freeze before frying, Defrost overnight and fry or bake.