Coronation chicken is a classic British dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce. Originally created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, this dish has stood the test of time and remains a favorite for picnics, sandwiches, and salads. The blend of curry powder, dried apricots, and sultanas gives it a unique and delightful taste.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. Dried apricots and sultanas add a sweet and chewy texture to the dish, and you can find them in the dried fruit section of your supermarket. Curry powder is a blend of spices that brings warmth and depth to the sauce, and it's usually located in the spice aisle. Make sure to pick up Greek yogurt for a tangy and creamy consistency.

Ingredients For Coronation Chicken Recipe
Chicken: Cooked and shredded, this is the main protein of the dish.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
Greek yogurt: Provides a tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Curry powder: A blend of spices that gives the dish its distinctive flavor.
Tomato paste: Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
Lemon juice: Brings a fresh, zesty note to balance the richness.
Dried apricots: Chopped and added for sweetness and texture.
Sultanas: Adds a sweet and chewy element to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the seasoning.
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 releases the essential oils and deepens the spice's complexity, making your Coronation Chicken even more delicious.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked chicken - Substitute with 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, similar to mayonnaise.
greek yogurt - Substitute with coconut yogurt: Coconut yogurt offers a dairy-free option with a similar consistency and a slight sweetness that complements the dish.
curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala provides a different but equally aromatic spice blend that can add depth to the dish.
tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup can provide a similar tomato flavor with added sweetness and acidity.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidic profile and can brighten the flavors in the same way.
dried apricots - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a similar chewy texture and a sweet-tart flavor that complements the dish.
sultanas - Substitute with golden raisins: Golden raisins have a similar sweetness and texture, making them an ideal substitute.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of moisture to the dish.
pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice, though use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Recipe
- Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation and bacterial growth.
- Transfer the coronation chicken to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
- Store the container in the refrigerator, where it can be kept for up to 3 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
- For longer storage, place the coronation chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- When freezing, ensure there is minimal air in the container or bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the chicken.
- The coronation chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, consume within this period.
- To thaw, transfer the frozen coronation chicken to the refrigerator and let it defrost slowly overnight. This helps retain its texture and flavor.
- Once thawed, give it a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients and check the seasoning, adjusting if necessary.
- Avoid refreezing the coronation chicken once it has been thawed to maintain its quality and safety.
- For a quick refresh, add a spoonful of mayonnaise or greek yogurt to the thawed coronation chicken to restore its creamy texture.
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 retain moisture, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Use a microwave-safe dish to reheat the Coronation Chicken in the microwave. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- For a stovetop method, place the Coronation Chicken in a saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and heat until it reaches the desired temperature.
- If you prefer a more gourmet approach, reheat the Coronation Chicken in a double boiler. Place the chicken in the top part of the double boiler and heat over simmering water, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: Used to heat the curry powder to release its aroma.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, tomato paste, lemon juice, and curry powder.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the curry powder, tomato paste, and lemon juice.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
Knife: Needed to chop the dried apricots.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the dried apricots.
Mixing spoon: Useful for mixing the shredded chicken, dried apricots, and sultanas with the sauce.
Serving dish: Ideal for presenting the finished coronation chicken, whether as a sandwich filling or over a salad.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the coronation chicken before serving.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-cook the chicken: Use pre-cooked chicken from the store to save time on preparation.
Use pre-chopped ingredients: Buy pre-chopped dried apricots and sultanas to reduce prep time.
Mix in one bowl: Combine all ingredients in a single bowl to minimize cleanup.
Prepare in advance: Make the Coronation Chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
Use a food processor: Quickly chop the dried apricots and sultanas using a food processor.

Coronation Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g Cooked chicken, shredded
- 200 ml Mayonnaise
- 100 ml Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoon Curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 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. Serve chilled, either as a sandwich filling or over a salad.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Recipe
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