I’d like to share with you the rich history and delightful flavors of Coronation Chicken, a dish I’ve prepared countless times for special occasions. This royal recipe, created specifically for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, combines tender chicken with a creamy curry sauce that’s both sophisticated and approachable. The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy elements makes it a versatile dish that never fails to impress guests. Let me show you how this regal creation can transform your next gathering.
Key Takeaways
- Coronation Chicken is a British dish created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953.
- The dish combines cooked chicken with a curry-flavored sauce made from mayonnaise and cream.
- Key ingredients include chicken, curry powder, mango chutney, mayonnaise, and toasted almonds.
- It’s versatile for serving at parties, picnics, or elegant dinners, typically with rice or salad.
- A lighter version can be made using Greek yogurt instead of cream or plant-based alternatives for vegan options.
Why You’ll Love this Royal Celebration Chicken
Why settle for ordinary chicken when you can prepare a dish fit for royalty? This exquisite recipe combines tender chicken cubes with a rich, creamy curry sauce that’s both sophisticated and approachable.
I’ve found the blend of curry powder, mango chutney, and tomato creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s not too spicy but wonderfully aromatic.
What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. I can prepare it ahead for parties, serve it cold at picnics, or present it warm for elegant dinners.
The toasted almonds add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky sauce. Plus, it’s incredibly impressive-looking despite being straightforward to make—your guests will never guess how simple the preparation actually is!
What Ingredients are in Royal Celebration Chicken?
Coronation Chicken is a classic British dish with royal connections, originally created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. The recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy, mildly spiced curry sauce that’s both elegant and satisfying. It’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to add a touch of regal flair to your meal.
- 1 medium to large chicken
- 1 onion
- 1 tablespoon sunflower oil
- 2 tablespoons mango chutney
- 1/4 pint chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 pint mayonnaise
- 1/4 pint fresh cream
- 1/2 package flaked almonds
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters for this royal dish. Fresh chicken will give you the best results, though you could substitute pre-cooked chicken in a pinch (though the flavor won’t be quite as rich). The curry powder can be mild or medium depending on your preference—this isn’t meant to be a fiery dish, just warmly spiced. And while the recipe calls for mango chutney, in a bind you could use apricot preserves with a splash of vinegar for a similar sweet-tangy effect. The final dish should have a beautiful golden color, reminiscent of its regal namesake.
How to Make this Royal Celebration Chicken
To prepare this regal dish, start by skinning one medium to large chicken before cooking it completely. Once cooked, carefully remove all the bones and cut the meat into bite-sized cubes, then set aside to cool.
In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil and gently cook one finely chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent. Now for the flavor magic—add 2 tablespoons of mango chutney, 1/4 pint of chicken stock, 1 tablespoon of tomato puree, 1 tablespoon of curry powder, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the onions. Mix everything well and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until the mixture reduces and thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
While waiting for your curry mixture to cool, combine 1/4 pint of mayonnaise with 1/4 pint of fresh cream in a bowl. This creamy mixture is what gives Coronation Chicken its signature luxurious texture.
When the curry sauce has cooled down, gently fold it into the mayo-cream mixture until well incorporated. Need a slightly looser consistency? Simply add a touch more cream until you reach your desired texture.
Next, toast 1/2 package of flaked almonds under the grill until they turn a lovely golden brown—but keep an eye on them, those little guys can burn in seconds! Once cooled, mix about three-quarters of the almonds into the sauce along with your cubed chicken.
For those who enjoy making Asian cuisine, an electric dumpling maker can save time when preparing appetizers to accompany this royal dish.
To serve, sprinkle the remaining toasted almonds on top for that perfect finishing touch and delightful crunch. The contrasting textures and the blend of curry warmth with creamy richness make this dish fit for royalty, which is exactly what it was created for!
Royal Celebration Chicken Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe remains a favorite for formal occasions, you’ll find several delicious ways to adapt Coronation Chicken to suit dietary needs or personal preferences.
For a lighter version, I recommend substituting Greek yogurt for the fresh cream, which reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.
Vegans can replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or firm tofu, and use plant-based mayonnaise. If you’re avoiding nuts, try toasted pumpkin seeds instead of almonds for that crucial crunch.
The curry flavor profile is flexible too—experiment with Thai red curry paste for a more exotic twist, or add diced apricots instead of mango chutney for subtle sweetness.
For gluten-free guests, simply verify your curry powder contains no wheat derivatives, and serve with rice rather than traditional bread.
What to Serve with Royal Celebration Chicken
When planning a menu around Royal Celebration Chicken, I’ve found that complementary side dishes can transform this iconic dish into a complete feast worthy of any special occasion.
I recommend serving it with fluffy basmati rice, which absorbs the creamy curry sauce beautifully, or a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
For a more substantial spread, consider adding steamed new potatoes tossed with butter and herbs, or crusty artisanal bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
A platter of roasted vegetables, particularly carrots and asparagus, adds vibrant color and nutritional balance.
Don’t forget to offer some cooling cucumber raita or mint yogurt on the side – these traditional accompaniments help temper the curry spices while improving the overall dining experience.
Final Thoughts
Versatility stands as the defining characteristic of Coronation Chicken, making it an enduring classic for both casual family meals and sophisticated gatherings.
I’ve found that this royal recipe adapts beautifully to modern interpretations while maintaining its distinctive curry-infused flavor profile.
Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic, elegant tea, or weeknight dinner, Coronation Chicken delivers both convenience and elegance.
The balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy almonds creates a textural experience that’s truly satisfying.
I particularly appreciate how the dish can be prepared ahead of time, allowing flavors to develop and saving precious time when entertaining.
Similar to how vegetarian pot pie evolved as a contemporary innovation of a timeless recipe, Coronation Chicken represents how traditional dishes can be reimagined for today’s tastes.
If you’re looking for a recipe with both historical significance and practical appeal, you simply can’t go wrong with Coronation Chicken.
