The original Coronation chicken recipe is a classic British dish that was created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. It is a delicate and scrumptious chicken salad that is generally made with cooked chicken, mayonnaise, curry powder, and a variety of other ingredients such as apricot jam, raisins, and almonds.
The original coronation chicken recipe was invented by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume, who was assigned with creating a dish for the coronation banquet that would be easy to prepare and serve to many guests. Since also, the coronation chicken has become a popular dish in Britain and around the world and has been acclimated and reinvented by uncountable cookers and home cookers likewise
What to serve with coronation chicken?
Coronation Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences. Here are some popular options for serving Coronation Chicken:
- Salad: The original form calls for Coronation Chicken to be served as a salad, so you can simply arrange the chicken on a bed of lettuce or other flora and serve it as a light lunch or dinner.
- Sandwich: Coronation Chicken makes a succulent stuffing for sandwiches, whether you prefer classic white bread or commodity heartier like a baguette or ciabatta. You can add some lettuce or other veggies for crunch and excess nutrition.
- Wrap: You can also serve Coronation Chicken in a wrap, either as a standalone stuffing or with some fresh constituents like avocado, tomatoes, or cheese.
- Rice or Couscous: For a more substantial meal, you can serve Coronation Chicken on a bed of rice or couscous. The flavors of the sauce will complement the grains nicely.
- Roasted Vegetables: You can also pair Coronation Chicken with some roasted vegetables, similar to carrots, sweet potatoes, or broccoli. The agreeableness of the vegetables will balance the spiciness of the curry sauce.
What does the coronation chicken taste like?
The flavor profile of coronation chicken is both delectable and unparalleled. The delicate sauce is infused with a mild seasoning of curry powder, imparting a subtle warmth and intricacy to the dish. The presence of sweetness from the apricot jam and tartness from the lemon juice contributes to harmonization and equilibrium of the various flavors.
As a whole, coronation chicken’s taste is a combination of savory, sweet, and slightly provocative flavors that complement the tenderness of the chicken meat. The dish boasts a rich and gratifying flavor that provides both comfort and delectation to the palate.
Storage Tips
Here are some storage tips for coronation chicken:
- Refrigeration: Store coronation chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Coronation chicken can be frozen, but the texture of the sauce may change after freezing. If you choose to freeze it, make sure to freeze it in an airtight container and consume it within 1–2 months.
- Thawing: If you freeze coronation chicken, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating or consuming it.
- Reheating: If you plan to reheat coronation chicken, make sure to do so thoroughly. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Safety: Always practice safe food handling practices when storing and reheating coronation chicken. Discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as they may no longer be safe to consume.
Original Coronation Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1 spoonful of apricot jam or finely chopped dried apricots
- 1 teaspoon of tomato purée
- ⅕ cup slivered almonds, optionally toasted
- 1 ½ teaspoons mild curry powder
- 2 medium green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ lemon, juice only
- 1 pinch of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan, add the chopped onion, bay leaf and curry leaves once it starts to shimmer and fry for about 2 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, ⅕ cup water, lemon juice and lemon wedge and cook for about 3 more minutes.
- Now add a pinch of sugar and season with salt and pepper to taste, and leave to cool completely.
- Strain the sauce through a sieve into a large bowl and stir in the apricot marmalade, mayonnaise and Greek yoghurt for a creamy dressing and add the chopped chicken.
- Check the seasoning and add more salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve.
Notes
- Chicken: Use cooked, boneless, and skinless chicken for this recipe. You can use leftover roasted or boiled chicken, or cook the chicken specifically for this recipe.
- Sauce: The sauce is the heart of this recipe. It’s important to strike the right balance between the creamy base and the spices. You can adjust the amount of curry powder, lemon juice, and apricot jam according to your taste preferences.
- Mayonnaise: Use good quality mayonnaise to make the sauce. Homemade mayonnaise works great, but store-bought mayonnaise is also fine.
- Yogurt: To lighten the sauce and add a tangy flavor, use Greek yogurt or plain yogurt. You can also use sour cream or crème fraîche instead of yogurt.
- Curry powder: Use a good quality curry powder that is not too spicy. Mild or medium curry powder works best in this recipe.
- Serving: Coronation chicken is traditionally served as a sandwich filling, but you can also serve it as a salad or appetizer. It’s a great make-ahead dish that can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Garnish: To add some color and freshness, garnish the coronation chicken with chopped herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, and toasted slivered almonds.