Coronation Chicken: A Royal Delight for Your Taste Buds
Indulge in a regal chicken salad that’s fit for royalty!
Coronation Chicken is a delightful fusion of tender cooked chicken and a creamy, curry-infused dressing. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a luxurious salad topping or as a sumptuous sandwich filling. The bold curry flavor, combined with the sweet and creamy dressing, beautifully marries the hearty traditional flavors of England with the beloved spicy notes of Indian cuisine that have become a staple throughout the UK.
This culinary masterpiece was born in 1953 at the prestigious Cordon Bleu School of Cookery in London, created specifically to honor the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The dish experienced a resurgence in popularity during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, cementing its place in British culinary history. While our recipe presents the chicken atop a bed of crisp lettuce, it also makes for an exceptional filling in a hearty sourdough sandwich.
Coronation Chicken is the perfect choice for a sophisticated picnic, an elegant addition to afternoon tea sandwiches, or as a satisfying meal-sized salad. For the ultimate pairing, serve it alongside a chilled rosé or a slightly sweet white wine to complement the complex flavors.
Coronation Chicken: A Taste of British Royalty
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 3 large thighs)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon apricot preserves
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon juice from 1 lemon
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds (optional)
- 1 head Bibb lettuce
Directions
- Start by combining the chicken stock and thighs in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which should take about 6 minutes after the simmer begins. Remove from heat and let the chicken cool in the stock. Once cool enough to handle, remove the chicken and chop it into 1/2 inch pieces. Set aside and strain the stock for future use.
- In a large bowl, create the royal dressing by combining mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, cream, apricot preserves, curry powder, turmeric, lemon juice, and scallions. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Gently toss the chicken in the sauce until every piece is well-coated. If desired, add the optional toasted almonds for a delightful crunch. To serve, divide the lettuce between 4 plates and crown each with a generous portion of the Coronation Chicken.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This regal dish can be prepared in advance and stored in your refrigerator overnight. In fact, it can be kept for up to 3 days without compromising its majestic flavors.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
313 | Calories |
24g | Fat |
4g | Carbs |
23g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 4 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 313 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 24g | 30% |
Saturated Fat 6g | 30% |
Cholesterol 120mg | 40% |
Sodium 487mg | 21% |
Total Carbohydrate 4g | 1% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 4% |
Total Sugars 2g | |
Protein 23g | |
Vitamin C 3mg | 17% |
Calcium 52mg | 4% |
Iron 2mg | 10% |
Potassium 380mg | 8% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |