Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Recipe

Today, I’m going to share with you a delicious and easy recipe for Mary Berry Coronation Chicken, a classic British dish that was created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. This recipe is based on the original version by Mary Berry, a famous British cook and author, who has perfected the balance of flavors and textures in this dish. You will love this creamy and fruity chicken salad that can be served with bread, salad, or jacket potatoes.

Let’s get started!

What is Coronation Chicken?

Coronation Chicken is a type of cold chicken salad that is mixed with a creamy yellow sauce made from mayonnaise, curry powder, and other ingredients. The sauce has a mild and sweet flavor, with a hint of spice from the curry powder. The chicken is usually shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces, and the sauce often contains sultanas, mango chutney, and sometimes raisins. The dish is named after the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, as it was specially created for the banquet that celebrated her accession to the throne in 1953.

Why is it called Coronation Chicken?

The dish was invented by Constance Spry, a food writer and florist, and Rosemary Hume, a chef, and founder of the Cordon Bleu cookery school. They wanted to create a dish that would reflect the British colonial past and the exotic flavors of India, which was part of the Commonwealth at the time. They also wanted to use ingredients that were available and affordable in post-war Britain, such as chicken, mayonnaise, and curry powder. The dish was originally called Poulet Reine Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth Chicken), but it became popularly known as Coronation Chicken after it was served at the coronation luncheon.

What is Mary Berry Coronation Chicken?

Mary Berry Coronation Chicken is a delicious and easy recipe for a cold chicken salad that is mixed with a creamy yellow sauce made from mayonnaise, curry powder, mango chutney, cinnamon, and sultanas. It is based on the original dish that was created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and it has a mild and sweet flavor with a hint of spice.

Related Recipes to Try

• Delia Smith Coronation Chicken
• Jamie Oliver Coronation Chicken
• Hairy Bikers Coronation Chicken

Why You Love this Recipe

You will love this recipe because it is:

• Simple and quick to make: You only need 5 minutes to prepare this dish, and you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Versatile and adaptable: You can serve this dish with various accompaniments, such as bread, salad, potatoes, rice, pasta, couscous, naan bread, or pita pockets. You can also adjust the amount of curry powder and sultanas to suit your taste.
• Perfect for any occasion: You can enjoy this dish as a main course or a side dish, and it is ideal for picnics, parties, lunches, or dinners. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Coronation Chicken

To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500g shredded cooked chicken
• 6 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2-3 tsp mild curry powder (to taste)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp mango chutney
• 1-3 tbsp sultanas (or to taste)

How to Make Mary Berry Coronation Chicken

Follow these simple steps, to make Mary Berry Coronation Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, curry powder, cinnamon, mango chutney, and sultanas. Mix well until everything is blended.
2. Add the shredded cooked chicken pieces to the sauce. Mix everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.
3. If the mixture is too thick, add 2 tablespoons of water and mix again.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Serve it the way you like, either with bread, salad, or jacket potatoes.

How to Properly Cook Chicken?

Cooking chicken correctly is vital not just for taste, but also for safety. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Preparation: Clean your chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps in getting a crispy skin when cooking.
2. Temperature Check: Always ensure that chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Using a food thermometer is the most accurate way to check.
3. Methods: Depending on your recipe, you can grill, bake, sauté, or boil the chicken. Each method gives a distinct flavor and texture.
4. Resting: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This ensures the juices are redistributed, keeping the meat moist.
5. Storage: If you’re prepping in advance, ensure the chicken cools completely before refrigerating.

What to Serve with Coronation Chicken?

Coronation Chicken, inspired by Mary Berry, is a versatile dish suitable for a variety of meals. Here’s how to best serve it:

Accompaniments:

• Bread: Whether it’s white, whole wheat, baguette, ciabatta, naan, or even a croissant, Coronation Chicken complements all. Create a sandwich or use it as a topping.
• Salad: Pair it with a green or fruit salad. Add nuts for added crunch.
• Starches: Serve atop jacket potatoes, alongside fluffy rice, with al dente pasta, or mixed into couscous.
• Wraps: Use it as a filling for pita pockets or wraps. Add veggies like lettuce or cucumber for freshness.

Additional Serving Suggestions:

• Enhance the dish with cheese, sour cream, parmesan, fresh herbs, dried fruits, or yogurt, depending on the accompaniment.
• Ideal for picnics, parties, lunches, or dinners. Prepare in advance and refrigerate or freeze until serving.

How to store Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Leftovers?

• Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Use airtight glass containers for refrigeration.
• For freezing, cool it completely first.
• Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Remove as much air as possible before freezing.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• To thaw, place in the fridge overnight.
• For a quick thaw, use the microwave’s defrost setting. Eat immediately after thawing.

How do I Reheat Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Leftovers?

FAQs

How long does Mary Berry Coronation Chicken last in the fridge?

You can keep Mary Berry Coronation Chicken fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Ensure it’s sealed in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and freshness. If left outside, consume it within an hour to prevent potential spoilage. While it’s possible to freeze the dish, it’s best avoided since thawing can impact the consistency of the sauce.

What can I use instead of crème fraîche in Mary Berry Coronation Chicken?

Crème fraîche lends a unique tangy richness to the Coronation Chicken sauce. If unavailable, several alternatives can mimic its creamy texture and flavor. Sour cream is the closest substitute, but yogurt or cream cheese can also work. If you’re inclined to DIY, craft homemade crème fraîche by blending a cup of heavy cream with two tablespoons of buttermilk. Allow this mixture to rest at room temperature for 12-24 hours until it achieves the desired thickness.

How can I make Mary Berry Coronation Chicken vegan or vegetarian?

Adapting the classic Mary Berry Coronation Chicken for vegan or vegetarian diets is simple with a few ingredient swaps. Replace the chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu, seitan, jackfruit, or soy curls. These substitutes retain the sauce’s flavor while offering a meaty texture. For the creamy elements, opt for vegan versions of mayonnaise and crème fraîche. Elevate the dish’s health quotient and visual appeal by adding vibrant veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots.

Final Words

I hope you enjoyed this recipe for Mary Berry Coronation Chicken, a classic British dish that is easy to make and delicious to eat.

This dish is perfect for picnics, parties, or lunches, as it can be served cold or at room temperature, and with various accompaniments. It is also a great way to use up leftover chicken and turn it into a new and exciting dish. Try this recipe today and let me know what you think in the comments below!