Coronation Chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a vibrant piece of British culinary history, originally crafted to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. This recipe brings you a faithful recreation of that iconic British Royal dish – a delectable curried chicken salad that is both surprisingly easy to prepare and incredibly versatile. Bursting with savory, creamy, and subtly sweet flavors, it can grace your table in many forms: as an elegant salad, a quintessential tea sandwich, or a light and refreshing lettuce wrap, perfect for any snack or meal. Its enduring popularity stems from its unique blend of textures and tastes, making it a timeless classic cherished by many.
Table of contents
- The Royal History of Coronation Chicken
- Why This Coronation Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try
- Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Coronation Chicken
- Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Coronation Chicken
- Creative Ways to Serve Coronation Chicken
- Additions and Modifications for Your Coronation Chicken
- Storage Tips for Freshness
- More Recipes for Your Next Tea Party
The Royal History of Coronation Chicken
The story of Coronation Chicken begins in 1953, a pivotal year for Britain as it celebrated the ascension of Queen Elizabeth II to the throne. For the celebratory coronation lunch, a special dish was commissioned to reflect the grandeur of the occasion and the tastes of post-war Britain. It was created by the legendary founder of the famous Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Rosemary Hume, assisted by Constance Spry. The original creation was aptly named Poulet Reine Elizabeth, or “Chicken Queen Elizabeth,” and it quickly became a sensation, cementing its place in British culinary lore.
This dish was conceived during a time when exotic spices were becoming more accessible in the UK, yet rationing had only recently ended, leading to a desire for both celebratory and practical food. The blend of rich, creamy sauce with the subtle warmth of curry powder was revolutionary and immediately popular. Over the years, countless chefs and home cooks have attempted to recreate or adapt this classic, but its core elements—tender chicken, a vibrant curried mayonnaise sauce, and hints of fruit and nuts—have remained sacred. My particular recipe aims to honor the integrity of the original found on the menu at the Queen’s coronation lunch, providing an authentic taste of royal history.
Why This Coronation Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try
My first encounter with this exquisite dish was at a delightful tea party hosted by my friend Ivy for her birthday. She served elegant coronation chicken tea sandwiches, and I was utterly captivated. I found myself returning for a third helping of those delicious sandwiches, a testament to their irresistible flavor. Naturally, I immediately asked her for the recipe, eager to recreate that experience at home.
Ivy not only shared her recipe but also enlightened me on the fascinating history behind it. The prospect of making this royal dish at home filled me with excitement, especially as my husband and I were about to embark on our honeymoon in Europe, with our first stop being London, perfectly timed with King Charles III’s coronation at Westminster Abbey. While the signature dish for the King’s coronation ceremony was a new creation, a Coronation Quiche by royal chef Mark Flanagan, the original Coronation Chicken holds a special place in my heart, and I couldn’t wait to delve into its preparation.
What I adore most about this Coronation Chicken recipe is its harmonious blend of complex flavors, its delightful textures, and its incredible versatility. The creamy, gently spiced sauce perfectly coats succulent chicken, complemented by the sweetness of apricots and the crunch of almonds. It’s a dish that truly shines, whether you’re serving it as elegant tea sandwiches for a sophisticated brunch or a casual picnic, or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, light lunch. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy it, I am confident that this scrumptious royal recipe will become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Coronation Chicken
Crafting the perfect Coronation Chicken relies on a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each contributing to its distinctive flavor profile and luxurious texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this British classic:
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil forms the base for sautéing our aromatics, adding a subtle richness without overpowering the delicate curry notes.
- Shallots: Finely minced shallots provide a milder, sweeter, and more refined onion flavor compared to regular onions. If shallots are unavailable, minced red onions can be used as a suitable substitute, though they may impart a slightly sharper taste.
- Bay leaf: This aromatic herb infuses the curry sauce with a subtle, earthy undertone, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. Remember to remove it before serving!
- Curry powder: The heart of Coronation Chicken’s flavor. Any good quality mild, yellow curry powder found in the spice aisle of your grocery store will work beautifully. Choose a blend you enjoy, as its flavor will define the dish.
- Tomato paste: For this recipe, I highly recommend using a triple-concentrated tomato paste. These often come in squeeze tubes (as pictured above) rather than cans, offering a more intense, sweet, and umami-rich flavor that is crucial for the sauce’s depth.
- Chicken broth: Serves as the liquid base for our curry sauce, helping to blend the spices and create a cohesive flavor. Opt for a low-sodium variety to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount here. It provides a bright, zesty counterpoint that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and crème fraîche, balancing the flavors perfectly. Bottled lemon juice simply won’t offer the same vibrant taste.
- Brown sugar: Just a hint of brown sugar adds a delicate sweetness that beautifully complements the savory and spicy elements of the curry, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Salt + black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the other ingredients in the sauce. Adjust to your personal taste.
- Mayonnaise: The primary creamy base for the chicken salad. Use a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture. It provides the signature richness and binding for the salad.
- Crème fraîche: This luxurious, slightly tangy French cream elevates the sauce with its velvety texture and sophisticated tang. If you can’t find crème fraîche (often located near fine cheeses in US grocery stores), full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, though they will offer a slightly different, tangier profile.
- Dried apricots: A non-negotiable ingredient for the authentic Coronation Chicken experience. Finely diced, these dried fruits introduce a delightful chewiness and a burst of natural sweetness that is crucial to the dish’s complexity and characteristic flavor.
- Cooked, shredded chicken breasts: The star of the show. I highly recommend using juicy, tender breast meat. For convenience, you can follow an Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe, or simply pull meat from a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local deli. Ensure the chicken is cooled completely before mixing for the best texture.
- Slivered or sliced almonds: These add a wonderful textural contrast and a delicate nutty crunch, providing the perfect finishing touch to this regal chicken salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Coronation Chicken
Making this classic Coronation Chicken is a straightforward process, and with these detailed steps, you’ll achieve perfect results every time. Follow along to create a dish fit for royalty!
- Prepare the Aromatics: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat on your stovetop. Once shimmering, add the finely diced shallots, curry powder, and the bay leaf to the skillet. Sauté gently for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial for blooming the spices and softening the shallots, which releases their full aromatic potential and deepens the flavor of the curry.
- Build the Curry Sauce Base: Next, stir in the triple-concentrated tomato paste and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. The tomato paste adds a vital layer of umami and color to the sauce.
- Season and Simmer: To the simmering sauce, add the fresh lemon juice, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 2 minutes. This brief simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and the sugar to dissolve, creating a harmonious and balanced base.
- Strain the Curry Sauce: Carefully remove the skillet from the heat. Place a fine mesh strainer over a large mixing bowl and pour the curry sauce through it. This step is essential for achieving the smooth, refined texture characteristic of the original royal dish. Discard the bay leaf and any strained shallots left behind.
- Create the Creamy Base: To the warm, strained curry sauce in the large bowl, add the mayonnaise and crème fraîche.
- Whisk to Combine: Vigorously stir the curry sauce, mayonnaise, and crème fraîche together until you achieve a beautifully smooth and creamy consistency. This forms the luxurious dressing for your chicken.
- Assemble the Coronation Chicken: Add the cooled, shredded chicken, finely diced dried apricots, and slivered almonds to the creamy sauce in the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the rich, aromatic sauce. Be careful not to overmix, which can break down the chicken too much.
- Serve or Chill: Your Coronation Chicken is now ready to be served immediately. For an even richer flavor, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, making the dish even more delicious.
Creative Ways to Serve Coronation Chicken
The beauty of Coronation Chicken lies in its adaptability. While traditionally served in tea sandwiches, its delightful flavor profile lends itself to a variety of presentations. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this royal classic:
- As elegant tea sandwiches: This is arguably the most iconic way to serve Coronation Chicken. For the perfect tea sandwich, opt for soft white bread, like a loaf of brioche, as its slight sweetness beautifully complements the curried chicken. Layer pieces of tender butter lettuce or crisp romaine on one slice of bread, top with a generous dollop of Coronation Chicken, and add another piece of lettuce. Finish with a second slice of bread, then carefully trim off the crusts for a neat presentation. Cut the sandwich into halves or quarters, depending on your desired size, for a charming and easily managed appetizer at brunches, baby showers, or elegant tea parties.
- In a baked potato, or “jacket potato”: A popular and comforting way to serve Coronation Chicken in England. Bake large russet potatoes until their skins are crispy and their insides are fluffy. You can use traditional oven methods, or for quicker results, try these recipes for air fryer baked potatoes or Instant Pot baked potatoes. Once cooked, slice the potatoes open, fluff the interior with a fork, and generously fill them with the creamy, curried chicken. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal.
- As a refreshing salad: For a lighter meal, simply arrange a bed of your favorite fresh greens, such as mixed lettuce, arugula, or spinach, on a plate. Spoon the Coronation Chicken directly on top. You can add extra garnishes like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added color and texture. This makes for a vibrant and healthy lunch option.
- On gourmet toast: For a more substantial brunch or a quick, flavorful lunch, toast a thick slice of artisanal sourdough bread until golden and crisp. Spread the Coronation Chicken generously over the toast. A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro on top adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful green garnish.
- As light lettuce wraps: If you’re looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option, serving Coronation Chicken in crisp lettuce cups is an excellent choice. Use large, pliable butter lettuce leaves or endive spears. Simply scoop the chicken mixture into the leaves, creating fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying wraps that are perfect for a snack or a light lunch.
Additions and Modifications for Your Coronation Chicken
While the recipe shared here closely adheres to the original dish served at Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, one of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt and personalize. Having made this recipe several times, I’ve discovered a few modifications that I particularly enjoy, and I encourage you to experiment to find what suits your palate best. Feel free to try these suggestions or stick to the classic, authentic recipe.
- Omit the step of straining the sauce: The original recipe calls for straining the sauce to achieve a perfectly smooth, refined consistency. However, I often find myself skipping this step. I personally enjoy the subtle texture that the finely cooked, diced shallots add to the chicken salad. If you prefer a slightly more rustic texture and don’t mind a little shallot in your sauce, simply use tongs to remove and discard the bay leaf and forgo the straining process entirely.
- Add more dried apricots: The sweetness and chewiness of dried apricots are, in my opinion, one of the defining characteristics of Coronation Chicken. I am particularly fond of their contribution to the dish, so I often double the amount, adding 4 tablespoons of finely diced dried apricots instead of the 2 tablespoons specified in the original recipe. This intensifies the delightful sweet-savory balance.
- Consider golden raisins (sultanas) instead of apricots: While dried apricots are believed to be part of the original dish, some modern interpretations online occasionally feature sultanas (known as golden raisins in the US). If you have a preference for golden raisins or find them more readily available, they can certainly be substituted for the apricots to provide a similar fruity sweetness and texture.
- Serve it cold, and allow it to rest before serving: Although Coronation Chicken can technically be served warm, its flavors truly come alive when served chilled. I highly recommend allowing the prepared chicken salad to set in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This resting period is crucial, as it gives all the delicious flavors ample time to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and satisfying taste experience.
- Double the recipe for larger gatherings or meal prep: This recipe is so beloved in my household that we frequently double it to ensure we have enough for lunches throughout the week, or when entertaining guests. To easily scale up, many recipe cards (like the one below, if it were interactive) offer a “2X” button that automatically updates the ingredient quantities. This original recipe comfortably serves 4 people as a main meal, or 8-10 people as a delightful appetizer or tea party snack, so doubling will serve 8 as a meal or 16-20 as an appetizer.
- Make it naturally gluten-free: The core Coronation Chicken recipe is inherently gluten-free, which is fantastic news for those with dietary restrictions. To ensure your entire meal remains gluten-free, simply serve it on gluten-free bread, nestled in baked potatoes, or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. This makes it a wonderfully inclusive dish for any occasion.
- Introduce additional crunch: For an even more varied texture, consider adding finely diced celery or a handful of toasted cashews along with the almonds.
- A hint of spice: If you enjoy a little heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can be added to the curry sauce for an extra kick.
Storage Tips for Freshness
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Coronation Chicken for days after preparation. To maintain its freshness and delightful flavors, always store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored correctly, it will keep beautifully for up to 5 days. It’s important to note that I do not recommend heating up Coronation Chicken before serving. The delicate balance of the mayonnaise and crème fraîche-based sauce is best enjoyed cold, allowing its creamy texture and complex flavors to shine through as a salad, lettuce wrap, or sandwich filling.
More Recipes for Your Next Tea Party
Planning a royal coronation watch party, or perhaps a charming birthday tea party like my friend Ivy’s? These delightful bite-sized recipes are perfect companions to your Coronation Chicken and will make your next tea party truly special!
This recipe proudly earned the #5 spot on the Top 23 New Recipes of 2023! Discover more delicious and highly-rated recipes by exploring the full list!
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Coronation Chicken
4
people
15
15
Whitney Bond
Appetizer, Brunch, Main Course, Salad
English
Ingredients
-
1
tablespoon
olive oil
-
2
tablespoons
finely chopped shallots -
1
bay leaf
-
1
tablespoon
mild curry powder -
1
teaspoon
triple-concentrated tomato paste -
½
cup
chicken broth
-
1
tablespoon
fresh-squeezed lemon juice -
½
teaspoon
brown sugar
-
½
teaspoon
salt
-
½
teaspoon
black pepper
-
½
cup
mayonnaise
-
½
cup
creme fraiche -
2
tablespoons
dried apricots,
finely chopped -
4
cups
cooked, shredded chicken
-
3
tablespoons
slivered almonds
Instructions
-
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on the stove over medium heat.
-
Add the shallots, bay leaf and curry powder, cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and shallots are softened.
-
Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to begin melding.
-
Add the fresh lemon juice, brown sugar, salt and pepper to the simmering sauce, ensuring a balanced sweet and savory profile.
-
Continue to simmer the sauce for 2 minutes to allow all the added flavors to fully integrate and deepen.
-
Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully strain the curry sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a large mixing bowl for a silky smooth finish. Discard the bay leaf and any strained shallots.
-
To the strained curry sauce, add the mayonnaise and crème fraîche, then whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and wonderfully creamy.
-
Gently fold in the finely chopped dried apricots, the cooled cooked shredded chicken, and the slivered almonds. Toss carefully until all the chicken is fully coated in the luxurious curry sauce.
-
Serve your magnificent Coronation Chicken immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. It’s exquisite on crisp butter lettuce, piled high on toasted sourdough, as a filling for a baked potato (jacket potato), or elegantly prepared as delicate tea sandwiches.
Notes
- This recipe is designed to serve 4 people as a satisfying main meal, making it perfect for family dinners or a substantial lunch. Alternatively, if you’re hosting a gathering, it will generously serve 8-10 people as a delightful appetizer or a sophisticated tea party snack.
- The Coronation Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities or preferences. To maintain a completely gluten-free meal or snack, ensure you serve it with gluten-free accompaniments such as gluten-free bread, in baked potatoes, or as refreshing lettuce wraps.
- For optimal flavor and safety, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It is highly recommended not to heat up the Coronation Chicken before serving, as the texture and integrity of the mayonnaise-based sauce are best preserved when served cold. Enjoy it chilled as a fresh salad, a crisp lettuce wrap, or a delicious sandwich filling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
585
kcal
(29%)
Carbohydrates
11
g
(4%)
Protein
47
g
(94%)
Fat
39
g
(60%)
Saturated Fat
8
g
(40%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
15
g
Monounsaturated Fat
13
g
Cholesterol
148
mg
(49%)
Sodium
704
mg
(29%)
Potassium
609
mg
(17%)
Fiber
2
g
(8%)
Sugar
7
g
(8%)
Vitamin A
535
mg
(11%)
Vitamin C
3
mg
(4%)
Calcium
89
mg
(9%)
Iron
3
mg
(17%)
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