Coronation Chicken to Die For

My Coronation Chicken: A Family Favorite

This Coronation Chicken recipe isn't just any old chicken salad; it's a culinary tradition in my family, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. It's a dish I've perfected over the years, always a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at every gathering. I've served it at countless buffets, potlucks, and even casual family dinners, and it consistently disappears first. The secret? It's surprisingly simple to make, yet the flavors are incredibly rich and complex, a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory.

The story behind the name is just as delightful. As many of you may know, Coronation Chicken was created for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation banquet in 1953. While it might seem unusual to classify it as British cuisine, given its vibrant curry flavors, its royal history is undeniable. And trust me, this recipe pays proper homage to its regal origins – with an easy twist perfect for even the busiest home cook. I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years, always testing new additions, swapping ingredients here and there, trying different ways to serve, and always finding new ways to make the experience unforgettable and most importantly easy!

What makes this recipe special? It’s the balance. The creamy richness of the mayonnaise and double cream pairs perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the mango chutney (or apricot jam, if that's what you have on hand). The savory curry powder adds a hint of warmth and spice, while the lemon juice brightens everything up. It's a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue.

Beyond the Buffet: While it's undeniably a show-stopper at buffets, this Coronation Chicken is incredibly versatile. I've served it on crusty bread as a sandwich filling (the perfect light lunch), atop crisp lettuce for a summer salad, and even as a filling for baked potatoes. The possibilities are truly endless.

Tips for Success:

• Use good quality ingredients: The better the chicken and the spices, the better the final dish will taste. I recommend using free-range chicken if possible.
• Don't overcook the onion: You want it soft and sweet, not browned and caramelized.
• Adjust the spices to your liking: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the amount of curry powder. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Make it ahead: This is a great make-ahead dish. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
• Serve it cold: Coronation Chicken is best served cold or at room temperature.

More than just a recipe; it's a memory. This Coronation Chicken evokes memories of family gatherings, laughter, and good food. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a cherished tradition I’m happy to pass on. So, give it a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve it over cold rice, as a classic.
• Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
• Top a bed of crisp salad greens with it for a refreshing summer meal.
• Stuff baked potatoes with it for a hearty and satisfying dinner.

Now, go ahead and make your own batch of this magnificent Coronation Chicken – it’s a dish that’s guaranteed to impress and become a staple in your own culinary repertoire. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

• Heat oil in saucepan, add the chopped onion, cover and saute gently for 5 minutes until the onion is soft but not brown.
• Stir in the curry powder and cook for another two minutes, this will help bring out the flavour.
• Add the stock, tomato puree, lemon juice and chutney.
• Stir until bubbling, then cook for 5 minutes and the mixture reduces and thickens.
• Allow to cool for half an hour or so, then stir in the mayonnaise and cream.
• Add chicken (which should be chopped into reasonable sized chunks) and mix throughly.
• Serve over cold rice.
• Excellent buffet dish.
• Enjoy.