Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe – A Fusion Of Flavors

Finding a dish that effortlessly combines exotic flavors with familiar comfort can be challenging. That’s where the Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe steps in, a culinary gem that blends creamy, curried luxury with the simplicity of a chicken salad. 

This unique recipe caught my attention during a summer gathering, where its unexpected yet harmonious flavors left a lasting impression. 

I was faced with the dilemma of preparing an exciting and comforting meal, so I turned to this dish. 

Its rich history, tracing back to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, adds a touch of elegance to any occasion. 

The salad’s creamy texture, punctuated by bursts of fruity sweetness and the warmth of curry, offers a delightful sensory experience.

What Is Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe?

Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe is a classic British dish created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. It features cold, cooked chicken in a creamy curry dressing, often with mayonnaise and yogurt. 

For crunch, the salad is enhanced with mixed herbs, sultanas or raisins, and sometimes almonds. 

It’s typically seasoned with curry powder and lemon juice, balancing spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. 

This versatile dish can be served as a sandwich filling or on a bed of lettuce, making it a popular choice for picnics, luncheons, and festive occasions.

What Is The Origin Of Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe?

Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe originated in 1953, created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation banquet. 

Conceived by chef Rosemary Hume and food writer Constance Spry, the recipe was designed to be a practical yet elegant dish suitable for large-scale events. 

It was initially named “Poulet Reine Elizabeth.” The recipe combined cold, cooked chicken with a creamy, curry-flavored sauce, incorporating a blend of mayonnaise, curry powder, and herbs. 

This blend of British and Indian flavors reflected the post-war era’s culinary diversity and the Commonwealth’s influence. 

Since then, Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe has become a British classic, often served at celebrations and casual meals.

Ingredients List

For The Chicken	Amount
Bone-in chicken parts (all breasts or a combination)	3½ to 4 pounds
Fine sea or table salt, plus more to taste	1 tablespoon
Black peppercorns	1 teaspoon
Bay leaf	1
Onion	1
Cinnamon stick	1

For The Salad	Amount
Mayonnaise, preferably homemade	½ cup, plus more as needed
Plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or crème fraîche	½ cup
Mango chutney, chopped if large pieces	3 tablespoons, more to taste
Curry paste or powder (such as Madras)	1 tablespoon, plus more to taste
Diced dried apricots or golden raisins	⅓ cup
Fresh lemon or lime juice	3 tablespoons
Sliced almonds, toasted	½ cup
Chopped cilantro, leaves and tender stems, or scallions	¼ cup
Fine sea or table salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste	As needed

What Are The Variations Suitable For The Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe?

Here are some variation list for Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe:

• Vegetarian/Vegan Replace chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or grilled vegetables for a plant-based alternative. Use vegan mayo and yogurt.
• Fruity Twists Incorporate grapes, diced apples, or pineapple for added sweetness and texture.
• Nut-Free Omit almonds and substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.
• Spicy Version Increase the curry powder or add fresh chilies for extra heat.
• Low-Fat Use low-fat yogurt and light mayonnaise.
• Exotic Flavors Experiment with different chutneys, like apricot or plum, for unique tastes.
• Herb Variations Add fresh herbs like mint or basil for a refreshing twist.
• Wrap Or Sandwich Serve in a wrap or as a sandwich filling, using whole grain or gluten-free bread.

What Are The Tips For The Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe?

• Quality Chicken: Use fresh, quality chicken. Poaching the chicken in aromatic broth enhances flavor.
• Balance Flavors: Carefully balance the curry’s spice with the chutney’s sweetness and lemon juice’s tanginess.
• Homemade Mayo: If possible, use homemade mayonnaise for a richer taste.
• Let it Marinate: Allow the chicken to marinate in the sauce for a few hours for deeper flavor.
• Consistency of Sauce: Adjust the sauce’s consistency by adding more mayonnaise or yogurt to your liking.
• Toasting Nuts: Toast almonds to enhance their flavor and crunch.
• Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro add a burst of freshness.
• Chill Before Serving: Serve chilled for a refreshing taste, especially in warmer weather.
• Customize Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the amount of curry, chutney, and dried fruits according to your taste preferences.
• Garnish: Garnish with extra herbs or nuts before serving for an appealing presentation.

Are There Any Unusual Or Exotic Ingredients That Work Well With This Salad?

Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe is a classic dish, but you can introduce unusual or exotic ingredients for a unique twist:

• Mango Chutney: Adds a sweet, fruity, and slightly spicy flavor.
• Cashews or Almonds: Provide a nutty crunch and richness.
• Pineapple Chunks: Bring tropical sweetness and a juicy texture.
• Curry Leaves: Infuse aromatic, earthy notes.
• Greek Yogurt: A tangy twist on the traditional mayo base.
• Cilantro or Mint: Fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
• Saffron Threads: Add vibrant color and a subtle floral aroma.
• Roasted Coconut Flakes: Impart a toasty, coconutty depth.

Recipe Directions

Prepare The Chicken

• Combine chicken, salt, peppercorns, bay leaf, onion, and cinnamon sticks in a large saucepan or soup pot.
• Add enough water to cover everything by 1 inch. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
• Let simmer until the chicken is cooked, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Let the chicken cool in the broth.

Shred The Chicken

• Transfer the cooled chicken to a cutting board, reserving the broth for another use.
• Pull the meat off the bones, discarding the skin. Shred or dice the meat into bite-size pieces.

Assemble The Salad

• Whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, chutney, curry paste or powder, dried apricots or raisins, and lemon or lime juice in a large bowl.
• Fold in the chicken, almonds, cilantro, or scallion. Add a little more mayonnaise if the mixture seems dry.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more curry paste or powder, chutney, lemon or lime juice, salt, and pepper as needed.

Rest And Serve

• For the best flavor, let the mixture rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• The salad will be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Wellness in a bowl. Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe brings health and flavour together.

What Herbs And Spices Work Well In Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe?

• Curry Powder: A key spice that gives the salad its signature flavor, offering warmth and depth.
• Cinnamon: Often used in the poaching liquid for the chicken, adding a subtle sweetness.
• Bay Leaves: Included in the poaching process, imparting a subtle, herbal flavor to the chicken.
• Fresh Cilantro or Scallions: These herbs add a fresh, bright taste and a lovely green color.
• Black Peppercorns: They lend a sharp, aromatic quality to the poaching liquid.
• Turmeric: For an extra hint of earthiness and color, especially if your curry powder is milder.
• Ginger: Fresh or powdered, it adds a spicy, warm note.
• Lemon or Lime Zest: Adds a citrusy zing, complementing the creamy and spicy elements.
• Garam Masala: A pinch can deepen the curry flavor profile.
• Fresh Mint: For a refreshing contrast, especially in warmer weather.

Nutritional Values

A typical serving of Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe is moderately high in calories. It contains a good amount of protein and fats, with a moderate level of carbohydrates.

What Are The Total Calories In The Salad?

A standard serving of Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe typically contains around 300-400 calories, with significant amounts of protein (20-30 grams), fat (20-30 grams), and moderate carbohydrates (15-25 grams).

Health Benefits Of Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe

Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe offers several health benefits:

Nutrition Table

What Dressings Are Best Served With Coronation Chicken Salad?

Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe pairs well with various dressings to enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent dressing options:

• Mango Chutney Dressing: Adds sweetness and fruity depth to complement the salad’s flavors.
• Curry Mayonnaise: Offers a rich, savory, and slightly spicy twist.
• Greek Yogurt Cumin Dressing: A healthier, tangy choice with earthy cumin notes.
• Lemon Herb Vinaigrette: Adds zesty brightness and a fresh herbal touch.
• Honey Mustard: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness and tang.
• Tamarind Chutney Dressing: Provides a sweet and tart profile with an Indian-inspired flair.
• Coconut Lime Dressing: A tropical option with a creamy, zesty kick.

Are There Any Unique Toppings That Can Elevate The Crunch Factor?

• Fried Shallots: Thinly sliced and fried to a crisp, they add a savory crunch.
• Crispy Chickpeas: Roasted or air-fried until crunchy, a protein-packed option.
• Puffed Quinoa: Light and crispy, it brings a subtle nutty flavor.
• Sesame Brittle: A sweet and savory shard of crunch, adding an unexpected twist.
• Crispy Kale Chips: Oven-baked for a healthy, crunchy addition.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: They add a tropical, sweet crunch.
• Pickled Red Onion Rings: Thinly sliced, pickled, and fried for a tangy crunch.
• Toasted Buckwheat (Kasha): Nutty and crunchy, ideal for a textural contrast.
• Parmesan Crisps: Baked into thin, crunchy discs.
• Wasabi Peas: For a spicy, crunchy kick.

What Is The Difference Between Homemade And Store-Bought Coronation Chicken Salad?

• Freshness: Homemade salads typically use fresher ingredients compared to store-bought, which may have been prepped days in advance.
• Ingredient Quality: You have control over the quality and source of ingredients in homemade salads.
• Customization: Homemade salads allow for personalization regarding ingredients, flavors, and dietary needs.
• Nutritional Value: You can make healthier choices with homemade salads, avoiding preservatives and additives common in store-bought versions.
• Flavor: Homemade salads often taste fresher and can be seasoned to your preference.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Making salads at home can be more economical than buying pre-made salads.
• Packaging and Environment: Homemade salads reduce packaging waste, unlike store-bought salads that often come in single-use plastic.
• Portion Sizes: You can control portion sizes more effectively at home.
• Preservatives and Additives: Store-bought salads may contain preservatives to extend shelf life, which are absent in homemade versions.
• Variety and Creativity: Homemade salads offer endless possibilities to experiment and try new recipes.

How Can You Store Or Preserve The Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe Leftovers?

• Airtight Container: Store the salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Refrigeration: To slow bacterial growth, keep the salad refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C).
• Consume Quickly: Ideally, consume the leftovers within 2-3 days.
• Separate Components: Store the dressing separately from the chicken and other ingredients to maintain texture.
• Avoid Freezing: Freezing may alter the texture of the mayonnaise and other creamy ingredients, leading to separation when thawed.
• Stir Before Serving: If the ingredients have settled or separated, stir the salad well before serving.
• Check Before Eating: Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming leftovers.
• Keep Cool During Transport: If taking the salad on the go, use an ice pack to keep it cool.

Special Tools & Equipment List

• Food Processor: Ideal for chopping, grinding, and blending ingredients quickly.
• Stand Mixer: Essential for baking, it’s perfect for mixing doughs and batters.
• Immersion Blender: Great for pureeing soups and sauces directly in the pot.
• Mandoline Slicer: Provides uniform slices of fruits and vegetables.
• Digital Kitchen Scale: Ensures precise ingredient measurements for consistent results.
• Pressure Cooker: Speeds up the cooking process, especially for tougher cuts of meat and legumes.
• Sous Vide Machine: For precision cooking, ensuring perfect temperature control.
• Cast Iron Skillet: Versatile for both stovetop and oven cooking, excellent for searing and baking.
• Silicone Baking Mats: Reusable and non-stick, ideal for baking and roasting.
• Spice Grinder: For freshly ground spices, enhancing flavor profiles in dishes.
• Thermometer: Essential for checking the doneness of meats and baked goods.
• Pasta Maker: For homemade pasta, fresh and customized pasta dishes are allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Leftover Chicken Or Rotisserie Chicken For This Recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, including leftovers or rotisserie chicken. Just skip the poaching step and shred or dice the chicken.

Is There A Substitute For Mango Chutney?

If you don’t have mango chutney, you can use apricot jam mixed with a bit of vinegar for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.

Can This Salad Be Made Ahead Of Time?

Yes, it’s better when made ahead. The flavors meld together beautifully when refrigerated for a few hours or overnight.

What Are Some Vegetarian Alternatives For Chicken In This Recipe?

Chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh are great vegetarian substitutes. They absorb the flavors well and offer a similar protein-rich texture.

How Long Can I Store Coronation Chicken Salad In The Fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 3 days. However, the texture is best in the first 24 hours.