Coronation Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish with regal roots and undeniable charm, Coronation Chicken is it! Dreamed up for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, this ultra-creamy, golden chicken salad brings together the gentle warmth of curry with luscious mayonnaise and crème fraîche, dotted with sweet apricots and crunchy almonds. It’s rich and refreshing all at once, making a stunning centerpiece for everything from casual brunches to fancy teas. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why Coronation Chicken remains a British classic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The joy of Coronation Chicken lies in its simple ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. This list is short, but every item has a crucial part in creating those signature layers of flavor, creaminess, and color.

• Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing the aromatics, giving your sauce a lush, rich foundation.
• Finely chopped shallots: Shallots lend sweetness and depth, mellowing the curry and adding beautiful flavor undercurrents.
• Bay leaf: Brings subtle herbal notes that perfume the whole sauce beautifully.
• Mild curry powder: The heart of the dish, giving Coronation Chicken its soft golden hue and fragrant warmth.
• Triple-concentrated tomato paste: Adds tang and a touch of savoriness, balancing out the creaminess.
• Chicken broth: Loosens the sauce and infuses it with savory, meaty depth.
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice: Wakes up the flavors with a bright, zesty kick.
• Brown sugar: Highlights the curry spices and complements the sweetness of dried fruit.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors and making everything pop.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy backbone of the sauce, making every bite luxurious.
• Crème fraîche: Adds silky richness and a delicate tang that lightens the whole dish.
• Dried apricots, finely chopped: Tiny bursts of sweetness that contrast beautifully with the curry spices.
• Cooked, shredded chicken: The star! Using well-prepared chicken ensures your salad is both tender and substantial.
• Slivered almonds: Provide an irresistible crunch and a subtle, nutty flavor.

How to Make Coronation Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots, bay leaf, and that all-important curry powder. Cook gently, stirring often, for about 3 minutes. Your kitchen will be instantly filled with an irresistible, fragrant aroma—this is the first hint of the dish’s depth!

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Next, stir in the tomato paste and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer; this melds the flavors and begins to create a sauce that’s rich and aromatic. Let it bubble away for a minute before moving to the next step.

Step 3: Brighten and Balance

Now, add the lemon juice, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for another 2 minutes—just enough time for everything to mingle and the sauce to become balanced and harmonious. Taste a little if you want; you should get hints of sweet, sharp, and savory throughout.

Step 4: Strain and Cool

Take the pan off the heat and remove the bay leaf. Carefully strain the golden sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. This step is key for that ultra-smooth, refined texture—no surprises of stray shallots or spices!

Step 5: Stir in the Creamy Elements

To the warm (but not hot) curry sauce, add the mayonnaise and crème fraîche. Stir until everything is perfectly smooth and glossy. The sauce should look pillowy with a subtle yellow hue—a sight to make your mouth water.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the chopped apricots, shredded chicken, and slivered almonds to the bowl. Gently toss so every piece of chicken is luxuriously coated and the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed. The result? An inviting, creamy salad dotted with color and ready to transform your next meal.

How to Serve Coronation Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra slivered almonds, a handful of chopped herbs (like chives, parsley, or cilantro), or a few more diced apricots look beautiful and add pops of color, crunch, and flavor. Lemon zest or a light dusting of curry powder just before serving can also make your Coronation Chicken shine.

Side Dishes

Fresh greens like butter lettuce or arugula make a crisp, cooling base for your chicken, while crusty bread, warm naan, or fluffy baked potatoes turn it into a hearty meal. For something truly classic, serve with delicate finger sandwiches or soft brioche buns—fancy tea time, here you come!

Creative Ways to Present

Coronation Chicken is wonderfully versatile: spoon it into lettuce cups for a fresh, gluten-free option, pile it on sourdough toast for a posh open-faced sandwich, or tuck it into wraps and picnic rolls. Tiny tartlet shells or crostini are perfect for parties and appetizers—just let your imagination and appetite lead the way!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Coronation Chicken into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors even deepen after a day, making lunchtime extra special. Always use a clean spoon for serving to keep it fresh as possible.

Freezing

Coronation Chicken isn’t ideal for freezing, as the creamy mayonnaise and crème fraîche can separate and affect the texture when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or from the fridge within those first few days.

Reheating

This dish is designed to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. Reheating can break the sauce and make the salad less appetizing, so embrace its chilled charm—try it over salads, as a sandwich filling, or scooped onto crackers for a quick snack.

FAQs

What’s the origin of Coronation Chicken?

It was originally created by two Le Cordon Bleu-trained chefs for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation banquet in 1953. It remains a beloved symbol of British cuisine and creative, celebratory cooking.

Can I use leftover roast chicken?

Absolutely! In fact, leftover roast chicken is ideal—just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. The richer flavor of roast chicken makes Coronation Chicken even more enticing.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for the crème fraîche?

Yes, you can substitute with a good-quality plant-based sour cream or thick coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version. Just make sure you enjoy the flavor, since it’ll play a key part in the sauce.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Definitely. Use a mild curry powder for a gentle warmth, or switch to a medium or hot blend if you like things with more punch. Taste as you go so you get exactly the right level of spice for your crowd.

What can I do if I don’t have apricots?

Try substituting chopped dried mango, golden raisins, or even dried cranberries for a different sweet element. Just keep the bits small so their flavor stays balanced throughout the salad.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly celebratory about making Coronation Chicken at home—it’s elegant, rich, and just quirky enough to spark conversation around the table. Give this British classic a try, and you may just discover your new signature salad!

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