Coronation Chicken is a classic British dish created in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation banquet. It blends cooked chicken with a mildly spiced, creamy curry sauce, perfectly balancing sweetness and spice. Often served cold, it is a versatile dish that’s great for sandwiches, salads, or as a filling for jacket potatoes. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant curry flavors, and a hint of sweetness from fruit like raisins or apricots makes Coronation Chicken a delightful and flavorful addition to any meal.
Coronation Chicken Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp mild curry powder
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp mango chutney
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp raisins or chopped dried apricots
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the chicken: Poach the chicken breasts in boiling water for about 15-20 minutes, until fully cooked. Remove from the water, let them cool, and then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the curry base: Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the curry powder and tomato paste, and cook for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add stock and simmer: Pour in the chicken stock and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled curry base with mayonnaise, yogurt, mango chutney, lemon juice, and dried fruit. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the dish: Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, and serve chilled as part of a salad, in a sandwich, or over a baked potato.
Enjoy your Coronation Chicken!
