Sarah Butler: These recipes are a pair of speedy, family-friendly show-stealers
These quick and easy recipes will be quick family favourites
When you’re juggling work, school runs, and everything in between, getting a wholesome, satisfying meal on the table can feel like a challenge.
That’s where these two family-friendly recipes come in—delicious, comforting, and made with real ingredients, they prove that quick meals don’t have to mean cutting corners on flavour or nutrition.
Crispy chicken Kiev is a true classic that brings comfort and a wow factor to the dinner table.
With its golden, crunchy coating and rich garlic butter centre, it feels indulgent yet is made entirely from scratch.
It’s a great make-ahead option too—prep the butter in advance and enjoy a meal that tastes like it came from your favourite bistro, but on your own schedule.
Pizza bites are a go-to for busy families—simple to prep, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customisable.
Both recipes are perfect examples of how homemade meals can be easy, nourishing, and fun.
With a bit of planning and some clever shortcuts, you can feed your family well, even on the busiest days.
Crispy Homemade Chicken Kiev
Chicken Kiev is the ultimate comfort food—crispy on the outside with a golden breadcrumb coating, and bursting with rich garlic butter on the inside.
Servings
4Preparation Time
20 minsCooking Time
25 minsTotal Time
45 minsCourse
MainIngredients
For the garlic butter:
100g butter, softened
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
For the chicken:
4 chicken breasts
100g flour
2 eggs, beaten
160g breadcrumbs
Salt and freshly ground pepper
400ml sunflower oil (for frying)
Method
Mix butter, garlic, and parsley. Roll into a log using clingfilm and freeze until firm (can be done a day ahead).
Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C fan/Gas 6.
Place each chicken breast in a zip-lock bag and gently flatten with a rolling pin.
Cut four slices of the garlic butter.
Lay chicken flat, place butter in the centre, and fold the sides, top, and bottom over to enclose.
Season flour with salt and pepper.
Line up three bowls: flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then roll in breadcrumbs.
Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Test with a breadcrumb—it should sizzle and rise.
Carefully fry each breast until golden all over (a few minutes each side).
Transfer to a rack and bake for 15 minutes until cooked through (juices should run clear).
Don't fancy frying? These can easily be baked in the oven.
Spray lightly with cooking oil and bake for 40–45 minutes for a lighter version with all the flavour.
Pizza Bites
When it comes to kid-approved food that’s easy to prepare and fun to eat, these pizza bites are a clear winner.
Servings
8Preparation Time
10 minsCooking Time
35 minsTotal Time
45 minsCourse
MainIngredients
4 demi baguettes
150g cherry tomatoes
2 whole garlic cloves
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp tomato purée
Handful of cherry tomatoes for topping
Handful of fresh basil leaves
120g grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/Gas 6.
Place the cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a little salt and pepper into a small metal baking dish.
Roast in the oven for 15–20 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened.
Transfer the roasted mixture to a jug with the tomato purée and a few basil leaves. Blend until smooth to make the sauce with a blender.
Slice each demi baguette in half lengthways.
Spread some of the tomato sauce onto each slice.
Sprinkle with grated cheese and top with extra cherry tomato slices.
Place on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.
Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Prep these pizza bites and then freeze uncooked.
When you feel like a snack, simply grab one from the freezer and pop in the oven for a speedy, satisfying snack.
