Mary Berry Recipes

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Oh, what a truly delightful dish we have here! Coronation Chicken, a recipe steeped in British history and beloved by so many. It's a culinary creation that perfectly marries tender pieces of chicken with a wonderfully aromatic, creamy sauce, a taste sensation that transports you straight to a summer garden party or a grand celebratory buffet. I find such joy in dishes that have a story, and this one, created for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, certainly does.

This recipe is a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can be transformed into something quite extraordinary. My version stays true to the classic, ensuring that beautiful balance of savoury and sweet, with just the right hint of spice to awaken the palate without overpowering. It's a dish that evokes nostalgia for many, and for those new to it, a delightful discovery awaits.

Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion, a light lunch, or a simply elegant sandwich filler, this Coronation Chicken is wonderfully adaptable. It's one of those recipes that, once mastered, you'll find yourself turning to again and again. So, let's get our ingredients ready and create a truly memorable dish, shall we?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A truly classic flavour profile, perfectly balanced between sweet, savoury, and gently spiced.
Incredibly versatile – ideal for sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes, or as a delightful centrepiece for a buffet.
Can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully, making entertaining a breeze.

Ingredients

500g cooked chicken, shredded or diced (chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully)
3 tbsp good quality mayonnaise
3 tbsp Greek yogurt (or crème fraîche for extra richness)
1-2 tsp mild curry powder (adjust to your preference)
1 tbsp mango chutney
1 tbsp apricot jam (or finely chopped dried apricots)
Juice of half a lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tbsp flaked almonds, toasted (for garnish, optional)
Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish, optional)
A little extra water or milk, if needed, to achieve desired consistency

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl • Whisk • Chopping board • Sharp knife • Measuring spoons • Measuring jug (if poaching chicken) • Small frying pan (for toasting almonds, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

If starting with raw chicken, poach or roast the chicken breasts/thighs until cooked through. Allow to cool completely, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial for the best texture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mild curry powder, mango chutney, apricot jam, and lemon juice. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
Taste the sauce at this stage. You might wish to add a little more curry powder for extra warmth, or a touch more lemon juice for brightness. Season with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper.
Gently fold the cooked chicken pieces into the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated. If the mixture seems a little too thick, you can add a tiny splash of water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for a few hours, to allow the flavours to properly meld and develop. This makes all the difference!
Before serving, give it another gentle stir. Garnish with toasted flaked almonds and a sprinkle of fresh coriander, if you like. Serve chilled.

Perfect Substitutions

Chicken: Leftover roast chicken is absolutely perfect here, making this a wonderful way to use up Sunday's supper.
Greek Yogurt: Crème fraîche or sour cream can be used for a richer sauce, or omit for an all-mayonnaise version.
Mango Chutney/Apricot Jam: If you don't have both, you can use a little more of one, or add a pinch of sugar and a dash of white wine vinegar for a similar sweet-sour balance. Finely chopped dried apricots are also excellent.
Curry Powder: For a milder flavour, use less; for more heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added.
Flaked Almonds: Cashew nuts or sunflower seeds can provide a lovely crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful Coronation Chicken is wonderfully versatile! Serve it piled high in soft white bread for classic sandwiches, or nestled in crisp lettuce cups for a lighter option. It's absolutely superb with a jacket potato, a vibrant green salad, or as part of a grand buffet spread alongside other cold cuts and salads. A simple rice salad or couscous would also be a lovely accompaniment. If you enjoyed this, you might also love our Classic Lancashire Hotpot: A Heartwarming Family Favourite and Hearty Chilli Con Carne.

How to Store \u0026 Reheat

Coronation Chicken is best served chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Due to the mayonnaise and cooked chicken, it is not recommended for freezing, as the texture can become quite unappealing upon thawing. Always ensure it's kept well-chilled and consumed within the recommended timeframe.

Mary's Secrets to Success

The secret to a truly superb Coronation Chicken lies in allowing the flavours to develop. Once you've mixed everything, pop it into the fridge for at least an hour, or even overnight. This resting time makes all the difference, allowing the spices and fruit notes to infuse beautifully into the chicken. And always taste and adjust your seasoning – a little extra lemon juice or a pinch more salt can elevate it from lovely to sheer perfection!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this spicier?

If you fancy a bit more kick, you can increase the amount of curry powder, or add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Taste as you go, my dear!

What if I don't have mango chutney?

Not to worry! You can use a little more apricot jam for sweetness and a touch of fruitiness, or even a spoonful of finely chopped dried mango. The key is that lovely sweet-sour note.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Indeed! This dish actually tastes even better when made a few hours, or even a day, ahead of time. This allows all those lovely flavours to truly meld and deepen. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator.

Is it suitable for a picnic?

Oh, it's absolutely perfect for a picnic! Just be sure to keep it well-chilled in a cool bag with ice packs until serving to ensure it stays fresh and delicious.