Coronation Chicken

Coronation Chicken Recipe - A Delicious British Classic

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Coronation Chicken is a classic British dish that was created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. This dish is a delicious combination of poached chicken, curry-flavored mayonnaise, and apricots, topped with watercress for a fresh finish.

History

Coronation Chicken was invented by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume for the coronation banquet of Queen Elizabeth II. It was created as a way to showcase the flavors of the British Empire, with the curry representing India and the apricots representing the Middle East.

Ingredients

chicken, poached - 1 x 2.3 kg (5 lb)
vegetable oil - 1 tbsp
onion - 1 small, finely chopped
curry paste - 1 tbsp
tomato purée - 1 tbsp
red wine - 100 ml (4 fl oz)
bay leaf - 1
lemon - juice only
Canned apricot halves - 4, drained and finely chopped
mayonnaise - 300 ml
whipping cream - 100 ml (4 fl oz)
salt and pepper
watercress - to garnish

How to prepare

1. Remove the flesh from the chicken and cut it into small pieces. In a small saucepan, heat the oil, add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the curry paste, tomato purée, wine, bay leaf, and lemon juice. Simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes until well reduced. Strain and leave it to cool.
2. Purée the chopped apricot halves in a blender or food processor or through a sieve. Beat the cooled sauce into the mayonnaise with the apricot purée. Whip the cream to stiff peaks and fold it into the mixture. Season, adding a little extra lemon juice if necessary. Fold in the chicken pieces.
3. Garnish with watercress to serve.

Variations

Add chopped almonds or cashews for extra crunch.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Add raisins or sultanas for a sweeter twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to poach the chicken until it is fully cooked and tender.

- Make sure to cool the sauce before mixing it with the mayonnaise to prevent it from curdling.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more curry paste or lemon juice as needed.

- Garnish with fresh watercress for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Coronation Chicken on a bed of lettuce or with crusty bread for a delicious meal. It can also be served as a sandwich filling or as a topping for a salad.

Cooking Techniques

Poach the chicken until it is fully cooked and tender.

- Simmer the sauce until it is well reduced for maximum flavor.

- Whip the cream to stiff peaks before folding it into the mixture for a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use leftover roast chicken instead of poaching fresh chicken.

- Substitute mango chutney for the apricot purée for a different flavor profile.

- Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

Coronation Chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to garnish with watercress right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Coronation Chicken in a decorative bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Coronation Chicken pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. It also goes well with a side of rice or couscous.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Coronation Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 380 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 28g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 24g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% of daily value per serving

Vitamin C: 10% of daily value per serving

Iron: 8% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Eggs

Summary

Coronation Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and fats. It is a great source of vitamin A and iron, but may not be suitable for those with egg allergies.

Summary

Coronation Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a casual meal. With its rich history and unique flavor profile, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by it. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit my dear friend Margaret for tea. As soon as I entered her cozy kitchen, I was hit with the most enticing aroma. Margaret was standing at the stove, stirring a pot filled with a vibrant yellow curry sauce.

“What on earth are you making, Margaret?” I asked, unable to hide my curiosity.

“Oh, this is just a little something I picked up at the local market,” she replied with a mischievous smile. “It’s called Coronation Chicken.”

I had never heard of Coronation Chicken before, but the name alone intrigued me. Margaret explained that it was a dish created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and it quickly became a favorite among the British aristocracy. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fragrant spices sounded absolutely divine.

As Margaret plated the dish and handed me a fork, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to a world of exotic flavors and rich textures. The sweetness of the mango chutney, the crunch of the almonds, and the hint of curry all blended together perfectly. I couldn’t get enough.

“Margaret, this is absolutely delicious!” I exclaimed, already envisioning myself making it for my grandchildren in the future.

“Oh, it’s really quite simple to make,” Margaret replied modestly. “I’d be happy to share the recipe with you if you’d like.”

And so, Margaret graciously shared the recipe for Coronation Chicken with me that day. I eagerly jotted down the ingredients and instructions in my trusty recipe book, knowing that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I made Coronation Chicken for countless family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I always credited Margaret for introducing me to this culinary gem, and I cherished the memories of that fateful day in her kitchen.

As time went on, I began to put my own twist on the recipe, adding a touch of lemon zest for freshness or swapping out the almonds for cashews for a different texture. I loved experimenting with different variations, always keeping the core elements of the dish intact.

One day, my granddaughter Lily came to me with a school project on family traditions. She wanted to showcase a recipe that had been passed down through generations, and I knew immediately that Coronation Chicken would be the perfect choice. I shared the story of how I learned the recipe from Margaret, and how it had become a beloved favorite in our family.

Together, Lily and I spent an afternoon in the kitchen, preparing a batch of Coronation Chicken to share with her classmates. As we worked side by side, I passed down the tips and techniques that Margaret had taught me all those years ago. Lily was a quick learner, and soon she was stirring the curry sauce with confidence and sprinkling the almonds on top with precision.

The day of the presentation arrived, and Lily proudly shared the story of Coronation Chicken with her classmates. She explained the history behind the dish, the special memories it held for our family, and the love and care that went into making it. As she passed around samples for her classmates to try, I watched with pride as they oohed and aahed over the flavors and textures.

After the presentation, several of Lily’s classmates approached me, asking for the recipe so they could make it at home. I happily obliged, knowing that Coronation Chicken would continue to spread its magic to new generations.

As I sat back and watched Lily bask in the glow of her successful presentation, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the simple dish that had brought so much joy and connection to our family. Coronation Chicken may have originated in a royal palace, but to us, it was a humble symbol of love, tradition, and the power of shared recipes. And for that, I would always be grateful to Margaret and the day she introduced me to this culinary treasure.