The Royal Feast: Colorful Coronation Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Creamy and vibrant coronation chicken has been a beloved British classic since queen elizabeth’s coronation in 1953.

Culinary traditions often spark unexpected delights across generations.

Royal chefs crafted this remarkable dish as a celebratory meal for the monarch’s special day.

Blending tender chicken with a rich, aromatic sauce creates a memorable experience for any gathering.

Exotic spices and smooth mayonnaise combine to deliver an elegant twist on traditional protein preparations.

Versatile and simple, this recipe adapts beautifully to sandwiches, salads, or standalone servings.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this timeless favorite.

What Makes Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe So Good

• Culinary Heritage Celebration: Dive into a classic British dish that honors the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, bringing historical culinary tradition to your dining table.
• Flavor Explosion Mastery: Combine complex spices like curry powder with creamy mayo and tangy mango for a multi-layered taste experience that surprises and delights.
• Quick Gourmet Preparation: Transform simple ingredients into an elegant meal with minimal cooking steps, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a sophisticated lunch.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a salad topping, sandwich filling, or party appetizer, making it adaptable for different meal styles and occasions.

What You’ll Need For Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe

• Chicken: A tender and succulent meat that serves as the primary protein in this classic British dish.

• Mayonnaise, Creme Fraiche: A creamy combination that provides a rich and smooth texture to the dressing.
• Curry Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic spice profile to the sauce.

• Shallot, Chilli: Provide a subtle sharp and spicy undertone to the dish.
• Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce's flavor.
• Stock: Enhances the overall savory profile of the recipe.
• Jam: Introduces a hint of sweetness to balance the spices.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy element to the sauce.
• Tabasco: Offers an extra kick of heat and spiciness.

• Mango: Adds a tropical sweetness and fresh texture.
• Onions, Coriander: Contribute freshness and additional layers of flavor.
• Almonds: Provide a crunchy topping for textural contrast.

• Butter: Used for sautéing the shallot and chilli.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall taste.

Easy Steps For Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Succulent Chicken

Steam the chicken with aromatic seasonings until fully cooked. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Create Fragrant Curry Base

Sauté finely chopped shallots and chilli in creamy butter. Sprinkle in rich curry powder and blend into a smooth puree.

Step 3: Develop Luxurious Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Fruity jam

Simmer the mixture gently until it thickens and develops deep flavors. Allow the sauce to cool completely.

Step 4: Blend Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Creme fraiche

• Diced mango
• Chopped red onions
• Fresh coriander leaves

Step 5: Combine and Season

• Tabasco sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve the coronation chicken chilled over a crisp green salad. Sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds for an extra crunch.

Tips That Help With Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe

• Perfectly Steam Chicken: Use a digital thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe, tender meat without overcooking.
• Balance Curry Flavors: Adjust curry powder gradually to control heat and depth, tasting as you blend for personalized spice level.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate mixture for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld and develop richer, more complex taste profile.
• Texture Tricks: Toast almonds briefly to enhance nutty crunch and sprinkle just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace mayo with Greek yogurt for lighter version or use coconut milk for dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy consistency.

Ways To Switch Up Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, steamed and cubed for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap curry powder with za'atar spice blend, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, add roasted red peppers and kalamata olives.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip jam, use sugar-free apricot preserve. Replace almonds with crushed pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
• Spicy Fusion: Increase chilli quantity, add sriracha sauce, use ghost pepper powder for intense heat-lovers, garnish with fresh jalapeños.

Top Pairings For Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Enjoy a crisp Riesling with subtle sweetness that complements the curry's warmth and balances the creamy texture of the Coronation Chicken.
• Zesty Cocktail Companion: Mix a gin-based cocktail with mango or passion fruit notes to echo the recipe's tropical undertones and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Strategic Side Suggestion: Serve alongside light, herbed couscous or a cucumber-mint salad to enhance the dish's complex spice profile and provide textural contrast.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a wheat beer or Belgian-style ale with hints of citrus and spice that will harmonize with the curry and creamy elements of the recipe.

How To Keep Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 1 month. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on surface to prevent freezer burn.
• Move from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm slightly in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Avoid overheating to maintain creamy texture and prevent sauce separation.

Quick Answers About Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe

• What is the origin of Coronation Chicken?

The dish was created in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume, combining British and exotic flavors to celebrate a historic royal moment.

• Is this recipe authentic to the original Coronation Chicken?

This version is a modern interpretation, maintaining the core curry and creamy elements of the classic 1953 recipe while incorporating contemporary ingredients like fresh herbs and mango.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, Coronation Chicken actually tastes better when prepared in advance, allowing flavors to meld together. You can refrigerate it for up to 2 days before serving.

Coronation Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coronation chicken elevates classic British comfort with a creamy, tangy blend of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and luxurious mayo-based sauce. Regal flavors dance across your palate, inviting you to savor this timeless culinary celebration of royal heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 ripe mango
• 150 milliliters (5 fluid ounces) mayonnaise
• 75 milliliters (2.5 fluid ounces) creme fraiche

Protein and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons Madras curry powder
• 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) white wine
• 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 1 tablespoon apricot jam
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) flaked almonds

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 shallot
• 1 red chilli
• 4 spring onions
• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt
• Pepper
• Tabasco to taste
• Salad leaves (to serve)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by seasoning and steaming for approximately 25 minutes until fully cooked, then allow to cool completely before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a saucepan, gently sauté finely chopped shallots and chilli in butter until softened, then incorporate curry powder and create a smooth puree.
3. Deglaze the pan with wine, allowing liquid to reduce, then introduce stock and jam, simmering until the mixture thickens and develops a rich flavor profile.
4. Let the curry mixture cool to room temperature, then blend with mayonnaise and creme fraiche until smooth and well combined.
5. Incorporate fresh lemon juice for brightness, then fold in diced mango, finely chopped onions, and chopped coriander leaves.
6. Gently mix the prepared chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
7. Season the mixture with Tabasco sauce, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
8. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop.
9. When ready to serve, plate over a crisp salad and garnish with toasted sliced almonds for added texture and nutty flavor.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by varying curry powder amount, creating a milder or more intense flavor profile.
• Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to make a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, creamy sauce.
• Chill ingredients thoroughly before mixing to enhance the cold salad’s refreshing texture and blend flavors more effectively.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of creme fraiche for a lighter, tangier alternative that reduces overall calories.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Steaming
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg