Coronation Chicken
A classic British dish created to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. This cold chicken salad features tender chicken coated in a creamy, curried mayonnaise with a hint of sweetness from mango chutney and a delightful chew from raisins. Perfect for sandwiches, jacket potatoes, or as part of a buffet.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Cooked chicken(Can be leftover roast chicken, poached chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken. Ensure it's cooled.)
- 200 g Mayonnaise(Full-fat mayonnaise will yield the best flavor and texture.)
- 2 tbsp Curry powder(Mild or medium curry powder is traditional. Adjust to your spice preference.)
- 2 tbsp Mango chutney(Adds sweetness and a fruity tang. Use a good quality chutney.)
- 50 g Raisins(Optional, but adds a classic touch. Can be substituted with sultanas or chopped dried apricots.)
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper(To season the sauce.)
- to taste Salt(To season the sauce.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chicken: If using whole pieces of cooked chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or dice it into roughly 1-2 cm cubes. Aim for pieces that are easy to eat in a salad.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Make the coronation sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, curry powder, and mango chutney. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. The sauce should be creamy, fragrant with curry, and have a balance of sweet and savory.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Combine and chill: Add the prepared chicken and the raisins (if using) to the bowl with the coronation sauce. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Ensure all the chicken pieces are coated in the creamy sauce. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to chill thoroughly. This step is crucial for the best flavor.
⏱️ 5 minutes active time, plus chilling - 4
Serve: Coronation Chicken is best served cold. It can be served in various ways: piled high in sandwiches (especially on white or wholemeal bread), spooned into jacket potatoes, served alongside a fresh green salad, or as part of a buffet or picnic spread. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Coronation Chicken was originally created by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume for the banquet celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's coronation on June 2, 1953.
- ✓For a richer flavor, let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or even overnight.
- ✓Add toasted flaked almonds for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, a popular addition to this dish.
- ✓Ensure your cooked chicken is completely cooled before mixing to prevent the mayonnaise from becoming oily.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped fresh chili to the sauce.
- Substitute raisins with chopped dried apricots or cranberries for a different fruity note.
- Add finely chopped celery for extra crunch and freshness.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can add brightness to the sauce.