Zesty Royal Feast: Coronation Chicken Recipe for Special Occasions

Tucking into a classic british coronation chicken recipe transports you straight to the heart of celebratory culinary traditions.

Memories of royal jubilees dance across taste buds with every creamy, tangy bite.

Delicate shredded chicken mingles with a luxurious sauce that whispers stories of regal banquets.

Fragrant spices weave through each mouthful, creating a symphony of flavors that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Cold or warm, this dish adapts brilliantly to picnics, lunchboxes, or elegant dinner parties.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical blend that turns ordinary meals into something extraordinary.

Let’s unwrap this delicious piece of culinary history and make something truly spectacular.

Why Coronation Chicken Is Fit for Royalty

• Celebrate Royal Culinary Heritage: Honor the classic British dish created for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, bringing a taste of history to your kitchen.
• Master Simple Gourmet Cooking: Learn an impressive recipe with straightforward techniques that transform basic ingredients into a sophisticated meal perfect for gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: Enjoy a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, crunchy almonds, and sweet apricots that dance together with warm curry spices.
• Quick and Versatile Meal Prep: Prepare a delicious protein-packed dish that works wonderfully as a sandwich filling, salad topper, or standalone main course for lunch or dinner.

What You’ll Need for Classic Coronation Chicken

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful meat that serves as the primary component of this classic British dish.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: A creamy base that provides richness and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Adds depth and a slight tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Curry Powder: Introduces warm and aromatic spices characteristic of Coronation Chicken.
• Red Wine: Contributes complexity and a subtle depth to the sauce.
• Mango Chutney: Brings a sweet and tangy element that balances the savory flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy acidity to enhance the overall taste.

• Onion: A foundational ingredient that adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbal note to brighten the dish.
• Bay Leaves: Infuse a subtle, earthy flavor during cooking.

• Almonds, Apricots: Add texture, crunch, and a slight sweetness to complement the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth base to the sauce.
• Salt, Peppercorns: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Water: Used for poaching the chicken and adjusting sauce consistency.

How to Make Creamy Coronation Chicken

Step 1: Poach The Chicken

• Whole peppercorns
• Bay leaf

Cover the chicken completely with water.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, which takes around 8-10 minutes.

Once done, let the chicken cool down, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Curry Sauce

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium warmth.

Sauté diced onions until they become translucent and soft. Stir in tomato paste and curry powder, allowing the spices to bloom for about a minute.

• Red wine
• Water
• Mango chutney
• Lemon juice
• Second bay leaf

Let the sauce reduce and concentrate its flavors for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Sauce Components

In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth. Fold in the cooled curry mixture, creating a rich and tangy sauce.

Step 4: Combine Chicken And Sauce

• Chopped apricots
• Sliced almonds
• Fresh cilantro

Gently pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir carefully to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the creamy, spiced sauce.

Tips for Tangy, Perfect Coronation Chicken

• Poach chicken carefully to maintain moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring the internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F for perfect tenderness.
• Use fresh, high-quality curry powder for an authentic and vibrant flavor profile that elevates the entire dish's taste.
• Consider toasting almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the chicken mixture.
• Experiment with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, tangier sauce that reduces overall calorie content.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight.

Twists on Coronation Chicken to Keep Things Fresh

• Spicy Coronation Kick: Add sriracha sauce and red chili flakes to the sauce for a fiery heat level that transforms the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Style: Replace mango chutney with sun-dried tomatoes, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add fresh oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Tropical Fusion: Incorporate diced pineapple and coconut milk into the sauce, swap almonds for macadamia nuts, and garnish with fresh mint leaves for a tropical flavor profile.
• Light and Fresh: Use Greek yogurt as a base, reduce mayonnaise quantity, add cucumber and fresh dill, and serve over mixed greens for a lighter, refreshing interpretation.

What Goes Well with Coronation Chicken

• Savor Complementary Flavor Combinations
• Pair with crisp Sauvignon Blanc white wine to balance the curry's warmth and cut through the creamy sauce.
• Serve alongside light, refreshing cucumber salad to provide cool contrast against the rich, spiced chicken mixture.
• Match with toasted brioche or soft flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural variety.
• Select chilled rosé as an alternative beverage that complements the dish's fruity and tangy notes from mango chutney and apricots.

Storing Coronation Chicken Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate: Store coronation chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep sealed tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Transfer chicken mixture to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing sauce separately from chicken.
• Thaw Safely: Move frozen coronation chicken to refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat Gently: Warm in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, heat in skillet over low temperature, adding small splash of water to prevent drying. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Coronation Chicken FAQs Answered

• What is the origin of Coronation Chicken?

The dish was created in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume, designed as a special celebratory meal for the royal event.

• Is Coronation Chicken considered a British classic?

Yes, it’s a quintessential British dish that has remained popular since its royal introduction, often served in sandwiches, salads, and as a picnic favorite.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

While traditionally made with chicken, you can substitute with turkey or rotisserie chicken for a similar flavor profile and texture.

• How spicy is this recipe?

The curry powder provides a mild, warm spice level that’s not overly hot, making it a gentle and flavorful dish suitable for most palates.

Coronation Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful Coronation Chicken celebrates British culinary heritage with tender chicken draped in a creamy, spiced sauce. Regal flavors dance together, creating a perfect harmony that invites you to savor each luxurious bite of this classic dish.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds or 680–790 grams)
• 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons mango chutney
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves

Liquids and Creams:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium white onion, diced
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by poaching in a large pot. Season with salt, add peppercorns and bay leaf. Submerge in water, bring to boil, then simmer until internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Cool chicken completely, then shred into tender pieces and set aside.
3. Create sauce by heating olive oil in a pan. Sauté diced onions until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate tomato paste and curry powder, stirring for one minute to release aromatic flavors.
5. Deglaze pan with red wine, then add water, mango chutney, lemon juice, and second bay leaf. Reduce liquid for 5 minutes over medium heat.
6. Remove sauce from heat and allow to cool completely.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, blend mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
8. Fold cooled curry mixture into creamy base, creating a rich, spiced sauce.
9. Combine shredded chicken with chopped apricots, sliced almonds, and fresh cilantro.
10. Gently coat chicken mixture with prepared sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Poach chicken gently to maintain moisture and prevent tough, dry meat.
• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter, tangier sauce that reduces calories.
• Adjust curry powder intensity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and adding gradually.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Poaching
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg