The coronation chicken dish dates back to 1953 when it was created by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. This popular dish is a base of cooked chicken, fruit, and curry-based mayonnaise that can be served as a main course over rice or in sandwiches as a classic picnic food. Many variations of the dish have been improved by modern chefs, making the coronation chicken a truly timeless classic.
Read on to find out our classic recipe for making the Queen’s coronation chicken and all the delicious variations.
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
To make a classic coronation chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (pre-cooked, rotisserie chicken is an easy favorite)
• ½ cup red seedless grapes, halved
• ½ cup golden raisins
• ½ cup mayonnaise*
• 2 tablespoons mango chutney
• 1 teaspoon Madras curry powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dry sherry
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste
*You can substitute Veganaise for a vegan-friendly version.
Step 2: Preparing the Chicken
Before you begin, it is important to have the chicken prepped and ready for the recipe. The classic and easiest way of doing this is to use store-bought, pre-cooked chicken such as a rotisserie chicken. Simply remove the skin from a whole chicken and shred the meat into small pieces with a fork or your hands. It’s best for the chicken pieces to be smaller rather than larger. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken readily available, you can also use fresh chicken. Simply cook it through before shredding into small pieces.
Step 3: Making the Coronation Chicken
Now that your chicken is prepared and ready to go, it’s time to make the coronation chicken itself. Start by combining the mayonnaise with the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl. Add in the mango chutney, Madras curry powder, ground ginger, garlic powder, and dry sherry. Mix the ingredients with a spoon or whisk until they are evenly combined.
Next, add in the shredded chicken and grapes and stir until the chicken is completely coated in the mayonnaise mixture. Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for about an hour in order to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: To Serve
Once chilled, the coronation chicken is ready to serve. If the dish is a main course, serve it over hot cooked rice with a side of bread or rolls. For sandwiches, put the coronation chicken on bread and top with a slice of cheese and/or some lettuce leaves.
Variations to Consider
The Queen’s coronation chicken is a truly timeless classic that can be adjusted to be delicious any way you like. Here are just a few variations to consider when making you own coronation chicken dish:
• Add some vibrant sweetness by adding dried cranberries or cherries.
• Use pork instead of chicken.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chilies and spices like cardamom or cinnamon to the mix.
• Try replacing the mayo with thick Greek yogurt.
• Get creative with other add-ins like diced apples, dates, figs, macadamia nuts, or cashews.
The Queen’s coronation chicken is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed for generations. With our classic recipe and helpful tips for variations, you can make your own coronation chicken dish any way you like. Try it out today and enjoy the delicious tastes of a truly timeless classic.
