The Royal Comfort: Coronation Chicken Recipe for Jubilant Meals

Creamy and vibrant coronation chicken has been a British culinary staple since Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.

Royal chefs crafted this delightful dish to celebrate a momentous national occasion.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with a luscious, tangy sauce that balances sweet and savory perfectly.

Mild curry powder adds a subtle warmth, creating a complexity that surprises and delights.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe ideal for casual lunches or elegant gatherings.

Lightweight yet satisfying, this classic recipe promises to transport you to a regal dining experience.

Grab your apron and let’s create something truly special that will impress everyone at the table.

What Makes Coronation Chicken a Royal Favorite

• Boost Flavor with Spices: Curry powder, paprika, and cumin create a rich, aromatic profile that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet delight.
• Master Quick Cooking Technique: Searing chicken in a skillet and finishing in the oven ensures juicy, perfectly cooked meat with minimal kitchen time.
• Celebrate Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a sandwich filling, salad topper, or party appetizer, making it ideal for picnics, lunch boxes, and casual gatherings.
• Elevate with Simple Ingredients: Mango chutney, almonds, and raisins add unexpected texture and sweetness, turning a basic recipe into something extraordinary.

Ingredients That Define Coronation Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the foundation of this classic British dish.

• Curry Powder, Paprika, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: A fragrant and warm spice mixture that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor.

• Mayonnaise, Yogurt: A creamy base that provides a smooth and tangy foundation for the sauce.
• Mango Chutney: A sweet and slightly spicy condiment that adds a tropical twist to the dish.
• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that contribute a bright and zesty flavor profile.
• Toasted Almonds, Raisins: Crunchy and sweet ingredients that provide textural contrast and additional flavor layers.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.

Easy Prep for Coronation Chicken at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a skillet and splash some olive oil, heating it over medium flame.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Curry powder
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Coat both sides generously with these zesty seasonings.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown

Slide the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet.

Let it dance and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until it develops a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 4: Oven Finish

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.

Slide it into the preheated oven and let it cook for 20-25 minutes until perfectly done.

Step 5: Rest and Shred

Give the chicken a quick 5-minute break.

Then transform it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or a sharp knife.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Yogurt
• Mango chutney

Blend until smooth and velvety.

Step 7: Mix and Mingle

• Shredded chicken
• Chopped cilantro
• Toasted almonds
• Plump raisins
• Sliced green onions

Stir everything until well combined.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some extra fresh cilantro on top.

Chill before serving for maximum flavor fusion.

Kitchen Tips for Creamy Coronation Chicken

• Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Adjust the curry powder amount to match your spice preference, starting with less and adding more gradually.
• Swap Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce or use dairy-free alternatives for lactose-intolerant diets.
• Toast almonds in a dry skillet for extra crunch and deeper nutty flavor before adding to the dish.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the texture and taste best when chilled.

Creative Twists on Coronation Chicken

• Spicy Kick Coronation: Boost heat by adding diced jalapeños, red chili flakes, and a dash of sriracha sauce to the creamy mixture.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace mango chutney with sundried tomato paste, swap almonds for pine nuts, and mix in crumbled feta cheese.
• Light Summer Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, add diced cucumber, and incorporate fresh mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
• Indian Street Food Style: Mix in chopped green chilies, use garam masala instead of curry powder, and sprinkle chaat masala for authentic street food flavor.

Serving Ideas That Complement Coronation Chicken

• Elevate Bread Pairing: Serve this coronation chicken on soft, lightly toasted brioche or crusty ciabatta for a delightful texture contrast and rich, buttery undertones.
• Wine Harmony: Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the dish's complex spices and fruity mango chutney notes.
• Refreshing Side Salad: Create a simple mixed green salad with cucumber and light vinaigrette to balance the creamy chicken and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint.
• Cooling Beverage Match: Pair with a chilled mango lassi or sparkling ginger ale to enhance the tropical and spicy flavor profile of the coronation chicken.

Best Ways to Keep Coronation Chicken Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Pack the chicken salad in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if using fresh yogurt as it may separate.
• Reheating: Gently warm in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of yogurt or mayonnaise to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Quick Tip: For best taste and texture, consume refrigerated Coronation Chicken within 2 days and always stir well before serving to redistribute ingredients.

Answers to Common Coronation Chicken Questions

• What spices give Coronation Chicken its unique flavor?

Curry powder, paprika, and cumin create the distinctive, warm taste that makes this dish aromatic and exciting. These spices blend perfectly to give the chicken a rich, complex flavor profile.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even turkey as alternatives. The key is to ensure the meat is tender and can be easily shredded or chopped.

• Is Coronation Chicken considered a British dish?

Absolutely! This recipe was originally created in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, making it a classic British culinary invention that has become popular worldwide.

Storied Coronation Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Royal “coronation chicken” brings British culinary elegance to your table, celebrating regal flavors with creamy, spiced charm. Delicate chicken mingles with a luxurious sauce, offering a delightful taste of historical cuisine you can savor right at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices:

• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mango chutney
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a skillet with olive oil over medium heat.
2. Create a spice blend using curry powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to coat chicken breasts thoroughly.
3. Sear the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops.
4. Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then carefully shred or dice into uniform bite-sized pieces.
6. Whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, and mango chutney in a spacious mixing bowl until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved.
7. Fold the shredded chicken into the sauce, gently incorporating cilantro, toasted almonds, raisins, and green onions for balanced flavor and texture.
8. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding and allow ingredients to chill.
9. Before serving, garnish with additional fresh cilantro and serve cold as a refreshing chicken salad.

Notes

• Adjust curry powder intensity based on personal spice preference to create a milder or bolder flavor profile.
• Toast almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty richness and provide extra crunch to the dish.
• Swap yogurt with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed version that adds extra creaminess.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free mayonnaise and checking chutney ingredients for potential wheat-based additives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg