A classic British dish that is ready in just 5 minutes. Leftover shredded chicken in a flavour packed creamy sauce with raisins and almonds. Coronation Chicken is easy to prepare and versatile too as it can be served in a sandwich, on a salad or on baked potatoes.
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This traditional Coronation Chicken recipe couldn't be easier to make. It is made using leftover chicken, and then mixed together with ingredients that you probably already have in your cupboard.
If you are looking for some other British recipes to try, then have a look at our Cumberland Pie, Cheese and Onion Pasty, Prawn Cocktail or Bakewell Pudding.
What is Coronation Chicken?
If you are wondering about the history of Coronation chicken, it was invented in 1953 as part of a celebration banquet for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The recipe was shared far and wide so people could make it themselves to be enjoyed in at street parties. The basic ingredients are chicken, mayonnaise and curry powder.
Whilst the modern day recipe includes sultanas/raisins and flaked almonds, the traditional recipe didn't and it had dried apricots instead. So feel free to swap those if you want to stick with tradition.
Our Coronation Chicken recipe is like the kind you would find in supermarkets and delis.
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Why you will love it
- A British classic - There are not many dishes that we are famous for, but thanks to The Queen this is one of them.
- A great way to use leftover chicken - If you are bored of the usual leftover chicken salads and sandwiches, then this is a great way to use leftovers.
- Adaptable - Feel free to adapt the spice levels depending on your preferences.
- Versatile - There is so much that you can do with Coronation chicken. Sandwiches, potato filling, salads and more!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Chicken - You can use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken for this, or you could poach chicken breasts and shred them up to use. Why not use leftovers from our Roast Chicken Recipe or Slow Cooker Whole Chicken?
- Mayonnaise - This is what makes up the Coronation sauce and makes it nice and creamy. You could use reduced fat, but full fat has all the flavour. You could also use reduced fat creme fraiche.
- Yogurt - We added some Greek yogurt, to make it a little lighter. However you could just use more mayo which would make it creamier.
- Mango Chutney - This is essential in our opinion. It adds a sweetness and tanginess to the Coronation chicken. You could even use our Mango Chutney recipe.
- Raisins - As mentioned above, this is not traditional, but we love the flavour of raisins or sultanas. You can swap for dried apricots to keep it more traditional.
- Almonds - These add a nice crunch, but are optional.
- Curry powder - We used a medium curry powder, as we like the kick of spice in it. However, use a mild curry powder if you just want flavour and not spice.
- Salt and pepper - Generously season.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to make Coronation chicken - Step by step
One: Put the shredded chicken into a bowl.
Two: Add all the other ingredients to the chicken.
Three: Mix well so that everything is combined.
Variations
We have already adapted the Coronation chicken recipe a little from the classic traditional version, so we didn't want to mess with it too much more. However, there are a few other additions that you could add if you wanted to:
- Diced celery
- Sliced spring onions (scallions)
- Sultanas
- Dried apricots
- Fresh coriander (cilantro)
- Creme fraiche
Serving suggestions
Coronation Chicken is such a versatile dish. We have served ours on top of a baked potato. Make it even easier and make our Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes.
You could also serve it in a sandwich which is more traditional. Add some crunchy lettuce like iceberg to a Coronation chicken sandwich to add some texture. Some sliced tomatoes would add some freshness too. We like it in our Homemade Bagels.
It also goes really well on a light and fresh green salad. Why not try it as a topping on our Grilled Little Gem Salad?
Although not very traditional, this recipe for Coronation chicken is delicious served on top of some rice or couscous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any leftovers of the mixture can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. We wouldn't recommend freezing it.
Yes, you can, and we actually find that it gives the flavours time to really come together.
This is naturally gluten free, just make sure there is no cross contamination.
Extra tips
• If you want to loosen the sauce a little, you can add a couple of tablespoons of water.
• Instead of mayonnaise you can just use creme fraiche and yogurt to make a lighter version.
• To keep this more traditional, swap the raisins for dried apricots and leave out the mango chutney - but we love the flavour it adds.
More chicken recipes
If you've tried this Coronation chicken recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Easy Coronation Chicken
Ingredients
- 200 g (7 oz) Cooked chicken - shredded
- 3 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Curry powder
- 1 tablespoon Mango chutney
- 1 tablespoon Raisins
- 20 g (2 tablespoon) Flaked almonds
- 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper
Instructions
- Put the shredded chicken into a bowl.
- Add all the other ingredients to the chicken.
- Mix well so that everything is combined.
Recipe Tips
- If you want to loosen the sauce a little, you can add a couple of tablespoons of water.
- Instead of mayonnaise you can just use creme fraiche and yogurt to make a lighter version.
- To keep this more traditional, swap the raisins for dried apricots and leave out the mango chutney - but we love the flavour it adds.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Aimee Mars says
I subbed in the dried apricots and it was amazing. The flavor is beautiful and I will be making this again!
Dee says
Absolutely love the sweet and savory flavors in this one, and the crunchy bits are great. Such a wonderful way to enjoy chicken for lunch!
Claudia Lamascolo says
What a fantastic tasty unique was to make a chicken salad, we loved the freshness just delicious!
Jen says
Such a perfect meal for busy days!! Can't wait to make it again!
Tayler says
We had this chicken for dinner last night and it was so full of flavor! Definitely going to be making this often!
Janessa says
This looks so simple yet flavourful. Going to keep this in mind next time I have leftover shredded chicken.
kushigalu says
Love the combination of flavors in this chicken dish. My family is going to love these. Thanks for sharing.
Dionne says
It is exactly what the recipe name says - easy chicken recipe. Love how yummy it is, too!
Mahy says
Fantastic chicken recipe that is an absolute blast to make. Keeping the recipe for sure!
Nancy says
I’ve never heard of Coronation Chicken but it was tasty and good way to use up leftover chicken
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
This is one of my favourite salads and the perfect way to use up leftover roast chicken.
Dana says
This is so incredibly flavorful. I just love the sweet and savory bits. One of my favorite ways to enjoy chicken for lunch!
Jovita says
This is smelling really good! I love the combination of salted chicken with sweet and spicy flavors.