Coronation chicken is a classic British dish that combines tender chicken breast with a creamy, flavorful sauce. This dish was originally created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and has since become a beloved staple. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a standalone dish, it's a delightful mix of savory and sweet flavors.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. Dried apricots and sultanas add a unique sweetness to the dish and can usually be found in the dried fruit section of your supermarket. Additionally, curry powder is essential for the distinctive flavor and can be found in the spice aisle.

Ingredients for Coronation Chicken Recipe
Chicken breast: Shredded cooked chicken breast provides the base for this dish.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
Greek yogurt: Balances the mayonnaise with a tangy flavor and lighter texture.
Curry powder: Gives the dish its signature warm and spicy flavor.
Tomato paste: Adds depth and a slight sweetness to the sauce.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity.
Dried apricots: Chopped dried apricots provide a sweet and chewy texture.
Sultanas: These golden raisins add a burst of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the flavors.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of the curry powder, toast it in a dry saucepan over medium heat for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. This step helps to release the essential oils and deepen the spice's flavor, making your Coronation Chicken even more aromatic and delicious.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
shredded cooked chicken breast - Substitute with shredded cooked turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative.
mayonnaise - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor that can mimic mayonnaise.
greek yogurt - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt offers a similar consistency and tanginess, though it may be slightly less thick.
curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala provides a complex spice blend that can replicate the depth of flavor found in curry powder.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can add a similar sweetness and tomato flavor, though it is less concentrated.
freshly squeezed lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative.
chopped dried apricots - Substitute with chopped dried peaches: Dried peaches have a comparable sweetness and texture, making them a suitable substitute.
sultanas - Substitute with golden raisins: Golden raisins have a similar sweetness and texture, making them an excellent alternative.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty flavor along with a bit of umami, enhancing the overall taste.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a similar level of heat, though it is spicier, so use sparingly.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
- Store the coronation chicken in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
- Place the container in the fridge, ensuring it is kept at a consistent temperature of 4°C (39°F) or below. This will keep the chicken safe to eat for up to 3 days.
- If you plan to freeze the coronation chicken, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored.
- For optimal quality, consume the frozen coronation chicken within 2 months. While it may remain safe to eat beyond this period, the texture and flavor might degrade.
- When ready to use the frozen coronation chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
- Once thawed, give it a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. If needed, add a bit more mayonnaise or greek yogurt to restore its creamy consistency.
- Always check the coronation chicken for any off smells or changes in texture before consuming, as these can be signs of spoilage.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the Coronation Chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Transfer the Coronation Chicken to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you prefer a stovetop method, place the Coronation Chicken in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat for about 5-7 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
To maintain the creamy texture, add a splash of greek yogurt or mayonnaise before reheating. This will help keep the dish moist and flavorful.
If you have a steamer, place the Coronation Chicken in a heatproof dish and steam for about 10 minutes. This gentle method helps retain moisture and flavor.
For a unique twist, reheat the Coronation Chicken in a covered baking dish with a bit of chicken broth or white wine added. This will infuse additional flavors and keep the dish succulent.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: Use this to heat the curry powder and release its aroma.
Mixing bowl: Combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, tomato paste, lemon juice, and curry powder in this.
Wooden spoon: Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Measuring spoons: Measure out the curry powder, tomato paste, and lemon juice accurately.
Measuring cups: Measure the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt precisely.
Knife: Chop the dried apricots into smaller pieces.
Cutting board: Provide a stable surface for chopping the dried apricots.
Mixing spatula: Fold in the shredded chicken, dried apricots, and sultanas gently.
Refrigerator: Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serving dish: Present the Coronation Chicken attractively when ready to serve.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-cook the chicken: Use pre-cooked chicken breast from the store to save time on cooking and shredding.
Use ready-made ingredients: Opt for pre-chopped dried apricots and sultanas to skip the chopping step.
Mix in bulk: Prepare a larger batch of the mayonnaise mixture and store it for future use.
Chill quickly: Place the Coronation Chicken in the freezer for 10 minutes instead of the fridge for 30 minutes to speed up the chilling process.

Coronation Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g Cooked Chicken Breast shredded
- 200 ml Mayonnaise
- 100 ml Greek Yogurt
- 2 tablespoon Curry Powder
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- 50 g Dried Apricots chopped
- 50 g Sultanas
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- 1. In a saucepan, heat the curry powder for a minute to release its aroma.
- 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, tomato paste, lemon juice, and curry powder.
- 3. Add the shredded chicken, dried apricots, and sultanas. Mix well.
- 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Dish
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