What is Coronation chicken recipe ?
Coronation Chicken is a classic British dish that was created in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Originally, it was served at a banquet for the queen and has since become a beloved staple in British cuisine.
The dish consists of cooked chicken, typically shredded or cubed, mixed with a creamy, mildly spiced curry sauce made from mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, and often a bit of mango chutney. The combination of the rich, creamy sauce and the warmth of the curry creates a delicious, comforting flavor profile.
It’s often served cold, making it ideal for salads, sandwiches, or as a party dish. Coronation Chicken also typically includes other ingredients like grapes, raisins or apricots for added sweetness, and some variations may feature toasted almonds or fresh herbs for extra texture and flavor. The dish has evolved over time, but its origins as a celebratory royal dish remain a significant part of its charm.
Table of contents
- A bit of History about coronation chicken
- Get the best
- Variations and Substitutes of Coronation chicken recipe
- Frequently asked questions
A bit of History about coronation chicken
Coronation Chicken is a dish with a royal history and a flavor fit for royalty! It was created in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The story goes that the dish was whipped up by chef Rosemary Hume and food expert Constance Spry for the grand banquet celebrating the queen’s big day. They needed a dish that was not only delicious but could be made ahead of time and served cold to a crowd.
The result? A creamy, curried chicken salad with a sweet kick from mango chutney, mixed with a touch of mayonnaise and yogurt. The combination of savory chicken and the mild curry flavors made it a hit, and the dish quickly became a British favorite.
Originally called “Poulet Reine Elizabeth” (which means Queen Elizabeth’s Chicken), it was soon dubbed Coronation Chicken, and its popularity skyrocketed. This dish became a party staple, perfect for sandwiches, salads, and picnics, and it’s still loved today for its tasty blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. A true dish of the people whether you’re celebrating a royal occasion or just craving something special!
Ingredients for Coronation chicken
- 500g Chicken (either boiled or roasted, based on your preference)
- 150g Mayonnaise
- 25g Curry powder
- 20g Mango chutney
- 100g Seedless fresh grapes, cut in half
- 50g Toasted almonds, thinly sliced
- 5g Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 10g Salt
- 5g Pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t done so already, cook your chicken—either boil or roast it until tender. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, curry powder, and mango chutney. Stir well until the dressing is smooth and well-blended.
- Mix the Chicken and Dressing: Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the creamy curry dressing.
- Add Grapes and Almonds: Gently fold in the halved grapes and toasted almond slices. These ingredients add both sweetness and crunch, balancing the richness of the sauce.
- Season: Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, then toss everything together once more. For an extra fresh burst, stir in the chopped cilantro.
- Chill and Serve: Let the Coronation Chicken sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a salad, on sandwiches, or with your favorite side.
Authentic coronation chicken recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 500 g Chicken either boiled or roasted according to your preference.
- 150 g Mayonaisse
- 25 g Curry powder
- 20 g Mango chutney
- 100 g Seedless fresh grapes cut in half
- 50 g Toasted Almonds thin sliced
- 5 g Fresh cilantro
- 10 g Salt
- 5 g Pepper
Instructions
- Cook and shred the chicken. You can use leftover roasted or boiled chicken for this. I prefer roasting the chicken adds more flavor.500 g Chicken
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mango chutney, and curry powder. Adjust the curry powder amount based on your preference for spiciness.150 g Mayonaisse, 20 g Mango chutney, 25 g Curry powder
- Add the shredded chicken to the dressing and mix well until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the halved grapes and toasted slivered almonds. Ensure an even distribution of ingredients.100 g Seedless fresh grapes, 50 g Toasted Almonds
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the mango chutney may add sweetness, so adjust accordingly.10 g Salt, 5 g Pepper
- If time allows, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional but can enhance the taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve the Coronation Chicken on a bed of lettuce leaves or as a sandwich filling.5 g Fresh cilantro
Notes
- Perfect Poached Chicken: Poach chicken gently with aromatics like bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt for juicy meat. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works too.
- Creamy Sauce Balance: Blend mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, and mango chutney. Adjust yogurt for a lighter texture or chutney for extra sweetness.
- Spice Level: Use mild curry powder for traditional flavor or add cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare a day in advance to let flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve as a salad on lettuce, in sandwiches or wraps, or with jacket potatoes or rice.
- Substitutions: Replace yogurt with sour cream or crème fraîche, or use vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens or in soft bread rolls for a classic sandwich.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
This Coronation Chicken with Grapes is perfect for any celebration or just as a delicious lunch, bringing together sweet, savory, and crunchy textures in every bite.
Get the best
Mixing bowls
Good mixing bowl is important for even mixing and multi use.
Variations and Substitutes of Coronation chicken recipe
Coronation Chicken is wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative with variations and substitutes! Here are a few fun ideas to tailor the dish to your taste or dietary preferences:
Variations:
- Vegetarian Version:
- Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or chickpeas. These alternatives will absorb the flavorful curry dressing and make the dish just as satisfying. If you want any recipe for the vegetarian version comment down and i will personalize a recipe for you.
- Spicy Twist:
- If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili flakes to the curry dressing. You can also use a spicier chutney, like a chili mango chutney, for an extra kick.
- Fruitier Option:
- Try adding different fruits like diced apples, pomegranate seeds, or pineapple in place of or alongside the grapes. These additions will bring a fresh, sweet contrast to the spiced chicken.
- Nuts Galore:
- While toasted almonds are the classic choice, feel free to mix it up with cashews, walnuts, or even pistachios for a different texture and flavor.
- Creamier Version:
- For a richer, creamier sauce, try using crème fraîche or sour cream instead of yogurt. It adds a slight tang and extra creaminess.
Substitutes
- Chicken Substitutes:
- If you want to skip the meat, opt for cooked tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein that takes on the dressing beautifully. If you’re after something more indulgent, roasted turkey or even cooked shrimp could work.
- Mayonnaise Substitutes:
- If you’re not a fan of mayo, Greek yogurt or a mix of sour cream and yogurt will still give you that creamy texture. For a lighter option, try using avocado for a silky smooth dressing.
- Curry Powder:
- If you don’t have curry powder, you can easily create your own blend by using turmeric, cumin, coriander, and a touch of paprika or cinnamon. It will give you a similar flavor profile, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Mango Chutney:
- If mango chutney is hard to find, apricot jam or any other sweet chutney works as a substitute. You can even try a mix of honey and a dash of vinegar for a homemade twist!
- Grapes:
- While grapes are traditional, you could also use raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots for a chewy, sweet element in place of fresh grapes. Or, if you prefer a tart fruit, green apple slices could be a zesty replacement!
Coronation Chicken is one of those dishes that invites experimentation. Don’t be afraid to switch things up and make it your own, whether you’re looking to spice it up, lighten it, or switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently asked questions
Can I use cooked leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover chicken works perfectly for this dish! It’s a fantastic way to repurpose roast chicken or even rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and mix with the creamy curry dressing.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
Yes! Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, or tofu for a vegetarian (or vegan) version. The creamy curry dressing pairs beautifully with these alternatives. Try shallow fry tofu in butter and add in the sauce which really enhances the taste.
For more questions and doubts, check out our Coronation chicken FAQ and free feel to try it out with your own style
