Coronation Chicken
A regal British classic — cold curried chicken salad with mango chutney, apricots, and a creamy, mildly spiced dressing.
Details
Ingredients
- 500g cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp mango chutney
- 1 tbsp mild curry powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Mix-ins:
- 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 2 tbsp sultanas or raisins
- 2 tbsp flaked almonds, toasted
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves and crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mango chutney, curry powder, turmeric, and lemon juice in a large bowl until smooth.
- 2
Fold in shredded chicken, apricots, and sultanas. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- 4
Serve over lettuce leaves or in sandwiches, topped with toasted almonds and fresh coriander.
About This Recipe
Conceived in 1953 by the legendary florist Constance Spry and chef Rosemary Hume for Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation banquet, Coronation Chicken is far more than just a chicken salad; it's a culinary emblem of British ingenuity and adaptability. This regal dish masterfully combines tender, cooked chicken with a creamy, subtly spiced dressing that whispers of the Empire's culinary influence, yet remains quintessentially British in its elegance. What makes it truly special is the harmonious blend of savory chicken, the rich, aromatic curry-infused mayonnaise, the sweet tang of mango chutney and dried apricots, and the delightful textural contrast from sultanas and toasted flaked almonds. The key technique involves ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked and cooled before shredding or dicing, then gently folding it into a well-emulsified dressing. For best results, use a good quality full-fat mayonnaise and a mild, fragrant curry powder to avoid overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors. While the original recipe was quite specific, modern variations often include fresh celery for crunch, a touch of ginger, or even a hint of red chili for those desiring more heat. It's superb served simply with crisp lettuce leaves and crusty bread, as a sophisticated sandwich filler, or as a centerpiece for a summer buffet.
Tips & Tricks
- • Ensure your cooked chicken is completely cool before shredding or dicing and mixing into the dressing; this prevents the mayonnaise from breaking and helps the flavors meld properly.
- • For a lighter or dairy-free alternative, substitute half of the mayonnaise with a high-quality cashew cream or silken tofu, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- • Coronation Chicken benefits greatly from being made ahead. Prepare it at least 2-3 hours in advance, or even the day before, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld in the refrigerator.
- • Beyond bread and lettuce, serve this dish as a filling for vol-au-vents, on mini jacket potatoes, or as an elegant topping for cucumber canapés at a gathering.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)