Introduction

Ever wondered what a dish fit for a queen actually tastes like? I’m not talking about some fussy, unapproachable gourmet meal. I’m talking about a recipe so iconic, it was literally created for a coronation. That’s the magic of a proper coronation chicken recipe. Honestly, I used to think it was just a fancy name for curried chicken salad, but oh, how wrong I was! This isn’t your average picnic fare; it’s a beautiful, creamy, and subtly spiced masterpiece with a royal pedigree. Let’s dive into its story and then into how you can easily whip up this legendary British classic in your own kitchen.

A Quick Dip into History (And Mayo)

Before we get our hands messy, a little context makes this so much better. This dish was invented for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Can you imagine the pressure? You need to feed thousands of international guests a cold chicken dish that’s elegant, flavorful, and won’t spoil. The result was a triumph—a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and gently spiced flavors that has stood the test of time. It’s more than just a coronation chicken recipe; it’s a edible piece of history. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make.

What You’ll Need: The Royal Lineup

Gathering these ingredients is half the fun. This is where you can really make the recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to play around!

For the Poached Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
• 1 bay leaf
• 4-5 black peppercorns
• A pinch of salt

For the Legendary Coronation Sauce:

• 1 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp curry powder (Madras is classic, but use your favorite!)
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 4 tbsp red wine (or water if you prefer)
• 4 tbsp good-quality mango chutney (some chunks are great!)
• ½ cup (120g) mayonnaise (full-fat for best texture, trust me)
• ½ cup (120g) Greek yogurt or crème fraîche (yogurt is lighter, crème fraîche is richer)
• 2 tbsp apricot jam or purée
• A big squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

The Fun Add-Ins (Optional but Recommended):

• ¼ cup (30g) sultanas or chopped dried apricots
• 2 tbsp toasted flaked almonds, for that essential crunch

• Pro Substitution Tip: No time to poach? A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic, time-saving hack. Just shred the meat! Vegetarian? This sauce is incredible with chickpeas or roasted cauliflower.

Your Coronation Timeline

Let’s be real, we all check the timing first. This recipe is surprisingly quick, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (less if you’re a speedy chopper!)
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes (mostly hands-off poaching)
• Total Time: 35 minutes, which is about 40% less faffing about than most traditional recipes you’ll find. Queen-approved efficiency!

Crafting Your Crown Jewel: Step-by-Step

This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a bowl of gold.

Step 1: Poach to Perfection

Place your chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover them with cold water. Add the bay leaf, peppercorns, and that pinch of salt. Bring it to a very gentle simmer—we’re not doing a rolling boil here, that’ll make the chicken tough. Let it poach for about 15-18 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken, let it cool on a plate, and then shred it with two forks. By the way, save that poaching liquid! It’s a fantastic, light stock for soups.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You’re not looking for color, just sweetness. Now, add the curry powder and tomato purée and cook for another minute. This wakes up the spices and makes their flavor sing. It should smell incredible.

Step 3: Deglaze and Develop

Pour in the red wine (or water) and let it bubble away for a minute, scraping all those tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pan. This is flavor, don’t leave it behind! Remove the pan from the heat and let this mixture cool completely. I know, waiting is the hardest part, but adding a hot mixture to mayo will make it split. Tragedy avoided!

Step 4: The Grand Sauce Mixing

In a large bowl, combine the mayo, yogurt, mango chutney, apricot jam, and lemon juice. Give it a good whisk. Now, stir in your cooled onion and spice mixture. Taste it. Seriously, grab a spoon. Does it need more lemon? A pinch more salt? A crack of pepper? This is your kingdom; adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Step 5: The Coronation Ceremony

Fold the shredded chicken, your optional sultanas, and most of the toasted almonds into the glorious sauce. Mix gently until everything is beautifully coated. Spoon it into a serving dish and scatter the remaining almonds on top for a gorgeous finish.

Nutritional Information

Let’s be transparent. This is a celebratory dish, but knowledge is power! Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: ~28g (Excellent for muscle repair!)
• Fat: ~32g (It’s the creamy goodness)
• Carbohydrates: ~22g
• Sugar: ~18g (Mostly from the fruit and chutney)
• Fiber: ~2g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Want to lighten up the crown? Easy swaps make it guilt-free.

• Swap Mayo & Yogurt: Use a 50/50 mix of light mayonnaise and fat-free Greek yogurt. The yogurt adds tang and protein without all the fat.
• Go Sugar-Conscious: Look for sugar-free apricot jam and a mango chutney with no added sugar. The fruit will still provide plenty of natural sweetness.
• Boost the Veg: Stir in a handful of finely diced red bell pepper or celery for extra crunch, volume, and vitamins.
• Leaner Protein: Using poached chicken breast is already a lean choice. You could also use turkey breast for a similar effect.

Serving Suggestions: How to Rule the Table

This dish is the ultimate versatile ruler.

• The Classic: Piled into a jacket potato with a simple green salad on the side. Comfort food heaven.
• The Summer Sovereign: As a sandwich filler in soft, wholemeal bread or scooped onto a fresh croissant. Perfect for picnics and parties.
• The Modern Monarch: Served on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce or baby spinach as a hearty salad.
• The Canapé King: Spooned onto mini pastry vol-au-vents or little crackers for a posh party bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made these so you don’t have to!

• The Hot Spice Mix Blunder: Adding the spicy onion mix to the mayo while it’s still hot. This will cause the mayo to curdle and oil to separate. Always let it cool!
• Skipping the Tomato Purée: It adds a crucial depth of flavor and rich color. Don’t leave it out.
• Using a Blender: You want a bit of texture from the onions and chutney. Mixing by hand is the way to go.
• Underseasoning: The sauce needs enough salt and lemon to balance the sweetness of the chutney and jam. Taste, taste, taste!

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This dish actually gets better overnight as the flavors meld together!

• Fridge: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing it as the mayo-based sauce is likely to split when thawed.
• Make-Ahead: You can absolutely poach and shred the chicken up to 2 days in advance. You can also make the sauce base (through step 3) and store it in the fridge. Combine everything on the day you want to serve it for the freshest taste.

Conclusion

See? Creating a legendary coronation chicken recipe doesn’t require a royal kitchen or a team of chefs. It’s about simple techniques and bold, balanced flavors. It’s a dish that impresses every single time, whether you’re serving it at a summer garden party or just treating yourself to a spectacular lunch.

So, what are you waiting for? Don your apron, crown yourself head chef of your kitchen, and give this recipe a go! I’d love to hear how it turns out. Did you add a secret ingredient? Did your family love it? Scroll down and leave a comment—let’s chat!

FAQs

What kind of curry powder is best for coronation chicken?
Honestly, it’s a matter of taste! A classic Madras curry powder is traditional and provides a warm, medium heat. But feel free to use your favorite brand. A Korma powder would make it milder, while a hotter vindaloo powder would give it a serious kick. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your preference.

Can I make coronation chicken without alcohol?
Absolutely! The red wine adds a little depth, but you can easily replace it with water or even a tablespoon of red wine vinegar diluted with three tablespoons of water to mimic the acidity.

How far in advance can I make it?
You can make the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, I recommend it! Letting it sit in the fridge allows all the flavors to marry and develop beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving.

What can I use instead of mango chutney?
Apricot chutney or even a peach chutney would be a great substitute. In a real pinch, you could use a mixture of apricot jam and a tiny dash of vinegar, but the texture and complexity of a good chutney are worth seeking out.

Is coronation chicken served hot or cold?
It is traditionally served cold, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for events. However, it’s also delicious slightly warmed and served over rice or pasta—though purists might raise an eyebrow!