Coronation Chicken Recipe (2024)

Published | Julia Frey (Vikalinka)

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Coronation Chicken Salad is a British classic! A scrumptious combination of cold cooked chicken, dried apricots, toasted almonds and spring onions in a curry flavoured creamy dressing. Here is my version that will surely please everyone who is into delicious food!

If you are a fan of delicious and hearty salads that fill you up like a meal, take a look at another reader favourite Potato and Chicken Salad ‘Olivier’.

Coronation Chicken Recipe (1)

Coronation Chicken Salad is an absolute staple when it comes to British lunches but it remains relatively unknown outside of the British Isles. I have never heard of it until we moved to London years ago.

As with many classic recipes, this one is ubiquitous in most UK shops, which is both good and bad. It’s great because many tourists get to be introduced to the local specialty.

However, many expressions of this almost century old salad lack flavour and freshness. So people’s first introduction to this beauty of a salad is less than favourable.

Coronation Chicken Recipe (2)

The Origin and History

Unsurprising, the name itself comes from the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The original recipe was invented by Le Cordon Bleu London, and was served at the coronation luncheon in 1953.

However, Coronation Chicken recipe was undoubtedly inspired by the Jubilee Chicken that was created for the silver jubilee of the reign of King George V, the current queen’s grandfather.

Coronation Chicken Recipe (3)

The Ingredients

Well…cooked chicken is the main ingredient as the name suggests, which is not too unique or unusual. So what makes this chicken salad “coronation”, you might wonder.

The cooked chicken is dressed with a curry flavoured sauce, and is usually mixed with raisins and nuts. As much as I like classics, I felt like I could definitely improve on the original recipe. Or at least bring my own personal twist.

Admittedly I wasn’t invited to the coronation luncheon, so I couldn’t definitely say that my recipe is better. However, I speak with confidence in saying that my version is much fresher and tastier than what you can find in most shops nowadays.

Coronation Chicken Recipe (4)

I kept the integrity of the classic by keeping it a cold chicken salad in a creamy curry flavoured dressing. I replaced sultanas with apricots, added rocket (arugula), spring onions, fresh coriander (cilantro) and black sesame seeds. You can use Nigella seeds as well.

Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this salad a snap to put together. I personally love preparing it when I have leftover roast chicken in the fridge. If you need to cook some chicken fast, use my air fryer whole chicken recipe. 45 minutes and you are set!

But what really sets this Coronation chicken salad apart is the dressing. It’s sweet, tangy and fragrant. It pulls the entire salad together into one familiar yet slightly exotic dish.

Serving Suggestions

Since I added some greens you can enjoy this salad on its own but let me make one suggestion.

It makes a killer sandwich, which will make you the envy of your entire office.This Coronation chicken makes an incredible sandwich or a wrap filler.

Enjoy and let me know if you have a favourite chicken salad in comments below.

Favourite chicken salad recipes to try:

  • Best Keto Cabbage Salad with Chicken
  • Middle Eastern Salad Bowl

Or feel free to explore out Salad Recipe Collection for more inspiration. There you will find all kinds of recipes. From simple side salads to elaborate main dish salads, which are incredibly delicious and satisfying.

If you make my Coronation Chicken Salad, tag @vikalinka in your Instagram photos, so I could see them!

Coronation Chicken Recipe (5)

Coronation Chicken Salad

Julia Frey of Vikalinka

Coronation Chicken Salad is a timeless British classic that got an facelift! A winning combination of the savoury, sweet and spicy this salad is a hit!

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 minute min

Course Main

Cuisine British

Servings 6

Calories 401 kcal

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 1.5lbs/3 cups cooked chicken skins and bones removed and chopped
  • 2 tbsp spring/green onions sliced
  • 10 dried apricots chopped
  • 2 tbsp sliced almonds toasted
  • 3 tbsp fresh coriander/cilantro chopped
  • 50g/2 cups rocket/arugula
  • 1 tbsp black sesame seeds or nigella seeds
  • salt to taste

For the salad dressing

  • 80ml/1/3 cup plain yogurt
  • 60ml/1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp curry powder fresh and good quality
  • 1 tbsp mango chutney
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  • In a mason jar mix yogurt, mayonnaise, curry powder, mango chutney, smoked paprika and lemon juice. Stir with a fork to combine and set aside.

  • Toast sliced almonds in a dry frying pan over low heat until they just about to start to colour. Immediately take off the heat and cool.

  • Take the chicken flesh off the bones and remove skin, chop into bite sized chunks.

  • In a large bowl combine chopped chicken, sliced spring onions, dried apricots, toasted sliced almonds, coriander/cilantro and rocket/arugula.

  • Add the salad dressing and salt to taste, mix gently and sprinkle with black sesame seeds.

Video

Notes

Only add arugula if you plan on eating the salad right away. Otherwise skip or add right before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 401kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 29gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 158mgPotassium: 472mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 2.9mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 2.4mg

Keyword coronation chicken salad

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Salad

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About Julia Frey (Vikalinka)

Julia Frey is a London based recipe developer and photographer. Julia founded Vikalinka in 2012 with the main mission to provide her readers with delicious and accessible everyday recipes, which could be enjoyed by everyone.
read more..

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Corinne says

    Really nice recipe. I did not have apricots so subsituted dried cranberries. This is a recipe that lends itself to loads of creative ideas. Thank you for sharing. I also have made wraps with this salad when we go on picnics.

    Reply

    • Julia Frey (Vikalinka) says

      I love the idea of sweet and tart dried cranberries added to this salad, Corinne!

      Reply

  2. Sandie says

    This is great with leftover turkey!

    Reply

    • Julia Frey (Vikalinka) says

      Oh yes, such a good idea!

      Reply

  3. Lisalia says

    Coronation Chicken Recipe (13)
    I absolutely love chicken salads for the summer time. Perfect on their own – but I made this and served it in a sandwich wrap for work all week long! It’s really delicious. Thanks for this recipe!

    Reply

    • Julia Frey (Vikalinka) says

      Love the wrap idea, Lisalia!

      Reply

  4. Toni says

    Coronation Chicken Recipe (14)
    Such a delicious combination of salad! Everyone loved it!

    Reply

    • Julia Frey (Vikalinka) says

      I am so happy to hear it, Toni!

      Reply

  5. Beth says

    Coronation Chicken Recipe (15)
    Oh wow! This salad looks so delicious and very yummy! I can’t wait to try this. My hubby and I are going to love this for lunch!

    Reply

    • Julia Frey (Vikalinka) says

      It’s definitely one of our favourite sandwich fillers!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Coronation Chicken Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the recipe for the Queen's coronation chicken? ›

Method
  1. Mix the mayonnaise, curry powder, cinnamon, chutney and sultanas together and season with black pepper.
  2. Add the shredded chicken and stir to coat in the sauce. Stir in 2 tbsp water to loosen if needed, then season and serve as desired.

What does coronation chicken contain? ›

Coronation chicken or Poulet Reine Elizabeth is an English dish of boneless chicken traditionally seasoned with parsley, thyme, bay leaf, cumin, turmeric, ginger and peppercorns, mixed with cream or mayonnaise, and dried apricots (or sultanas). Some modern variations also incorporate cinnamon.

Why is coronation chicken yellow? ›

And what was once a pinch of curry powder grew to several tablespoons, staining the mix a vivid — some say lurid — yellow. By the 1980s, coronation chicken salad had become ubiquitous in Britain, found in ready-made sandwiches at Marks & Spencer and on backyard party menus alike.

Was coronation chicken invented for the Queen? ›

Invented for a luncheon during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, coronation chicken is a dish of diced chicken with a creamy sauce and touch of curry powder that has endured – and evolved – in British cuisine for 70 years.

What is coronation chicken sauce made of? ›

For the sauce
  1. 250g mayonnaise.
  2. 100g Greek yogurt.
  3. 2 tbsp medium curry powder.
  4. 65g mango chutney.
  5. 2 celery sticks, diced.
  6. a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  7. 1 tsp lemon juice.
  8. 80g sultanas.

What is the Queen's coronation meal? ›

As part of the coronation luncheon on 2 June 1953, guests were served “Poulet Reine Elizabeth”, a dish credited to Rosemary Hume and Constance Spry from Le Cordon Bleu London, who catered the event, with the original recipe consisting of “young roasting chickens, water and a little wine to cover carrot, a bouquet garni ...

Does coronation chicken contain onions? ›

Heat oil in saucepan, add the chopped onion, cover and saute gently for 5 minutes until the onion is soft but not brown. Stir in the curry powder and cook for another two minutes, this will help bring out the flavour. Add the stock, tomato puree, lemon juice and chutney.

Why is it called coronation chicken? ›

Just like King Charles III's Coronation Quiche recipe, in 1953 Queen Elizabeth II's coronation was marked with a dish. It was Poulet Reine Elizabeth, a chicken dish made with an Indian-inspired creamy curry sauce.

What is coronation chicken sandwich made of? ›

Leftover chicken is shredded and mixed with mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder and chutney to create the ultimate sandwich filling. Coronation chicken is a retro favourite and one of our essential street party recipes. Fancy celebrating the coronation of King Charles?

Is yellow chicken OK to eat? ›

Check to see if any fatty parts have turned yellow or bright yellow, too. Fat with bright yellow spots is another sign chicken is no longer safe to eat. Once it starts turning grey or shows yellow spots on fat, do not cook it! Toss the chicken away immediately.

Is yellow chicken safe to eat? ›

Fresh raw chicken should have a pink hue to it with fat parts being white. If the color fades, it's looking yellow or gray in color, has mold or a different color tinge, it's no longer safe to eat. When purchasing frozen chicken, check for signs of thawing and refreezing.

What is the yellow stuff in chicken meat? ›

In conclusion, the yellow stuff on chicken is simply chicken fat, which is safe to eat and can add flavor to your dish. While the appearance may be a bit unusual, it's a natural part of the bird's anatomy and diet.

What meat did Queen Elizabeth eat? ›

Game Meats and Wild-Caught Fish Dinners

The queen's preference for game meats even extended to more casual meals; she was, reportedly, a big fan of hamburgers made with ground venison.

What was King Charles coronation dish? ›

King Charles coronation: Quiche declared official dish of the celebrations. Are you having a get together or helping plan a street party for the King's coronation?

What food was served at the coronation in 1953? ›

For the coronation, the food had to be prepared in advance, and florist Constance Spry proposed a recipe of cold chicken in a curry cream sauce with a dressed salad of rice, green peas and mixed herbs.

Can you buy coronation chicken sauce in a jar? ›

Stokes Coronation Sauce Jar 220g - Pack of 12.

What is a coronation Sussex chicken? ›

The Coronation Sussex is essentially the same as the light, but the black markings are replaced by the pigeon grey/blue colour. This grey/blue colour is described as 'lavender' by poultry breeders and is caused by a gene that dilutes the black colour.

What was served at the Coronation luncheon? ›

There has been some controversy surrounding the choice of a French dish for the coronation of a British monarch as well as whether it really is a quiche and not a tart. That aside though, the Coronation Quiche features cheddar, broad beans, spinach and tarragon in the egg and cream filling baked in a light pastry.

References

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