Name: Coronation Chicken {Easy Recipe}
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 650 g (1.4 lb) chicken breasts (about 4 breasts); 3 tablespoons Greek yoghurt (for marinating); 1 tablespoon mild curry powder (for marinating); 6 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Greek yoghurt (for sauce); 2 tablespoons mango chutney; 2 teaspoons mild curry powder (add 1 teaspoon more for stronger flavor); Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper; 50 g (2 oz) dried apricots, chopped into 1 cm pieces; 2 tablespoons flaked toasted almonds (for serving)

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Short description

Coronation chicken is a classic British dish created in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation banquet. Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a creamy, mildly spiced curry and mango chutney sauce, finished with dried apricots and toasted almonds for added flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A simple yet flavorful dish with a touch of history.
Creamy, sweet, and mildly spiced sauce complements tender chicken perfectly.
Easy to prepare with oven or air fryer cooking options.
Versatile—serve as a salad, sandwich filling, or main dish.
Can be made ahead, making it ideal for picnics, lunches, and parties.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

To cook the chicken

650 g (1.4 lb) chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
3 tablespoons Greek yoghurt
1 tablespoon mild curry powder

For the sauce

6 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Greek yoghurt
2 tablespoons mango chutney
2 teaspoons mild curry powder (add 1 teaspoon more for a stronger flavor)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
50 g (2 oz) dried apricots, chopped into 1 cm pieces

To serve

2 tablespoons flaked toasted almonds

Directions

Prepare the chicken

Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F if baking.
In a large bowl, mix chicken breasts with Greek yoghurt and curry powder until well coated.

To oven cook

Line a baking tray with foil or greaseproof paper. Place chicken on top.
Roast for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through. Cooking time may vary depending on thickness—check with a thermometer to ensure doneness.
Set aside to cool.

To air fry

Spray the bottom of the air fryer with oil. Place coated chicken breasts in the basket, spray tops lightly with oil.
Cook at 200°C/400°F for 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness. Always check internal temperature for doneness.
Set aside to cool.

Make the coronation chicken

Shred, slice, or chop the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces (about 1 cm cubes).
In a large bowl, combine chicken with mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, mango chutney, curry powder, salt, pepper, and dried apricots. Mix until well coated.
Sprinkle with flaked toasted almonds before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes.
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes.
Cooling and mixing time: 15 minutes.
Total time: 45–50 minutes.

Variations

Use sultanas or raisins instead of apricots.
Add a splash of lemon juice for extra freshness.
Swap almonds for cashews or pistachios.
Make it lighter by replacing some mayonnaise with extra yoghurt.
Add chopped coriander for a fresh herb twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store coronation chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
It is best served cold and not recommended for reheating, as the creamy sauce can separate.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, cooked leftover chicken works perfectly for this recipe.

2. What does coronation chicken taste like?

It’s creamy, mildly spiced, slightly sweet from the chutney and apricots, with a hint of tang from the yoghurt.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until serving.

4. What can I serve coronation chicken with?

It’s delicious in sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes, or as part of a buffet.

5. Can I use light mayonnaise and yoghurt?

Yes, using lighter versions makes the dish less rich but still tasty.

6. Do I have to use apricots?

No, you can substitute with sultanas, raisins, or even chopped dried cranberries.

7. How do I toast almonds?

Simply heat them in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant.

8. Can I freeze coronation chicken?

It’s not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.

9. Can I make it spicier?

Yes, add more curry powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

10. Is coronation chicken served hot or cold?

Traditionally, it is served cold as a salad or sandwich filling.

Conclusion

Coronation chicken is a timeless British recipe that combines tender chicken with a creamy, spiced sauce and sweet dried fruit. Easy to make and versatile to serve, it’s perfect for parties, picnics, or simply a flavorful lunch. With its rich history and delicious taste, this dish remains a beloved classic.