Yields:
1 Serving
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 20 Mins
Cook Time:
40 Mins
Total Time:
1 Hr
In this article, I’m going to show you how to make Delia Smith’s coronation chicken recipe, a classic British dish that was created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. This recipe is easy to make, delicious, and perfect for lunch or dinner. You’ll find a complete step-by-step guide with pictures, tips, and variations below. Let’s get started!
What is coronation chicken?
Coronation chicken is a dish that consists of cooked chicken pieces coated in a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, and mango chutney. It also has some dried fruits, nuts, and herbs for extra flavor and texture. Coronation chicken is usually served cold, either on a bed of rice, salad, or bread. It’s a great dish for buffets, picnics, or parties, as you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
How was coronation chicken invented?
Coronation chicken was invented by a team of chefs led by Rosemary Hume and Constance Spry, who were asked to create a special dish for the coronation banquet of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. They wanted to make a dish that was suitable for the hot weather and that could appeal to a wide range of guests. They came up with a recipe that combined cooked chicken with a sauce that had a hint of curry and a touch of sweetness. They named the dish Poulet Reine Elizabeth, but it soon became popularized as coronation chicken.
What is Delia Smith’s Coronation Chicken Recipe?
Delia Smith puts a fresh twist on the classic coronation chicken recipe first made for Queen Elizabeth II’s 1953 coronation. She keeps the hallmark creamy curry sauce but amplifies the flavor with spices and texture with crunchy nuts and chewy dried fruits. Delia transforms simple cooked chicken into a flavorful salad, coated in a vibrant spice-infused mayonnaise sauce. It can be served cold in sandwiches or over greens for a light summertime meal. This easy yet elegant chicken salad is fit for royalty.
Cool and creamy texture – perfect for warm weather
Versatile – works well in sandwiches, salads, and more
A classic dish with a royal history
Delia Smith coronation chicken ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Delia Smith coronation chicken:
2 cooked chicken breasts, diced or shredded
1 cup of mayonnaise
1/2 cup of plain yogurt
1 teaspoon of curry powder
1 teaspoon of mango chutney
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 teaspoon of paprika
1/4 teaspoon of turmeric
1/4 teaspoon of cumin
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
2 celery sticks, finely chopped
75 grams of dried ready-to-eat apricots, chopped
50 grams of sultanas
50 grams of flaked almonds
Instructions to make Delia Smith’s Coronation chicken
Follow these steps to make Delia Smith’s coronation chicken:
Step 1: Make the coronation chicken sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, mango chutney, salt, pepper, paprika, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well combined. This is your coronation chicken sauce.
Step 2: Add the chicken and other ingredients
Add the chicken, cilantro, celery, apricots, and sultanas to the bowl and toss to coat with the sauce. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or curry powder if needed.
Step 3: Transfer to a serving dish and chill
Transfer the coronation chicken to a serving dish and sprinkle with the flaked almonds. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the sauce.
Step 4: Enjoy your coronation chicken
Enjoy your coronation chicken with rice, salad, or bread. You can also use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or pitas.
What Do I Serve With Delia Smith Coronation Chicken?
You can serve Delia Smith Coronation Chicken with:
Rice: You can cook some basmati rice or jasmine rice and serve it with the chicken. You can also add some raisins, peas, or cashews to the rice for some extra flavor and texture.
Salad: You can toss some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado with some olive oil and vinegar and serve it with the chicken. You can also add some cheese, olives, or croutons to the salad for some extra richness and crunch.
Bread: You can toast some bread slices spread some butter or cream cheese on them and serve them with the chicken. You can also use some naan bread, pita bread, or croissants to make sandwiches with the chicken.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Delia Smith Coronation Chicken
Here are some pro tips to make the perfect Delia Smith Coronation Chicken:
Use the Right Mayonnaise
Opt for whole eggs mayo like Hellmann’s or a homemade version
Do not use low-fat or olive oil-based mayo – the texture will be off
The mayo provides the base creaminess and richness
Cook Chicken Correctly
Bake 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cook at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
Brushing with oil or butter keeps the chicken moist
Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before dicing or shredding
Pay Attention to Size and Shape
Dice chicken into 1/2 inch cubes for even coating and mixing
Similarly, dice fruit into 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces
Consistent sizes and shapes ensure a balance of flavors
Avoid letting chicken pieces get too stringy or mushy
Give Time for Flavors to Blend
Chill completed chicken salad for at least 2 hours before serving
For best results, prepare a day in advance and let it chill overnight
Time allows ingredients to fully absorb flavors
Add Crunchy Contrast
Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of sliced or slivered almonds
Look for toasted or roasted almonds for more depth
The crunch plays nicely against the creamy chicken
Herbs Brighten Things Up
Mix in some chopped fresh parsley, chives, or cilantro
Herbs add freshness and vibrance
Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust amounts as desired
Store Properly
Transfer leftovers to airtight glass or plastic containers
Glass Tupperware or plastic deli containers work well
Seal lids tightly and refrigerate promptly after use
Lasts 3-4 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen
Variations of Delia Smith Coronation Chicken
Here are some variations you can try with Delia Smith Coronation Chicken:
Coronation Chicken Pita – Stuff in a pita pocket with tomatoes, lettuce, yogurt sauce
Coronation Chicken Pasta – Toss with penne pasta, red peppers, parsley
How do I store and Freeze Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Leftovers?
You can store Delia Smith Coronation Chicken leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Here are some subheadings for storing the leftovers:
Refrigerating: Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before transferring it to the container. Seal the container tightly and label it with the date. Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, away from raw meat or seafood.
Freezing: You can also freeze coronation chicken for up to 3 months. Divide the chicken into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible and seal the bags or containers well. Label them with the date and the name of the dish. Freeze them flat in the freezer, and thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before using.
How do I reheat Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Leftovers?
You can reheat Delia Smith Coronation Chicken leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Here are some steps for reheating the leftovers:
Microwaving: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Microwave it on high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot and bubbly. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it may dry out or become tough.
Stovetop: Transfer the chicken to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbly. You may need to add some water or broth to thin out the sauce if it is too thick. Be careful not to boil the chicken, as it may curdle or separate.
Delia Smith’s coronation chicken is a classic British dish that is easy to make, delicious, and versatile. You can serve it with rice, salad, or bread, or use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or pitas. You can also make different variations with it, such as pie, salad, or pasta. It’s a great dish for buffets, picnics, or parties, as you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to serve. Try this recipe and enjoy the creamy, flavorful, and satisfying coronation chicken!