Coronation Chicken

This easy coronation chicken recipe is creamy, slightly spicy and a delicious and simple recipe for leftover roast chicken. Enjoy it as a chicken salad, or use as a sandwich filler.

This recipe is so quick and simple and is ready in 10 minutes! Cold cooked chicken, dried apricots and almonds are mixed into a mayo and Greek yogurt dressing spiced with curry powder and mango chutney.

This is one of my favourite chicken salad recipes. The creamy curried dressing with a slight tang from the greek yogurt goes so well with the cold chicken, and a hint of sweetness from the dried apricots and crunch from almonds means it really is a meal in itself – as well as being delicious with extra salad leaves, or between two slices of soft bread in a sandwich!

Why is it called coronation chicken? The original Coronation chicken was invented in 1953 for the banquet of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The dressing was made with a combination of mayonnaise and whipped cream. However, in this recipe I have used plain Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to the cream.

For more leftover chicken recipes, check out my chicken salad on naan or creamy chicken pie

FAQ:

What is curry powder?

Curry powder is thought to be a British invention, and is a mixture of turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground ginger, chilli powder and pepper. It can be bought in mild, medium or hot strengths. In this salad, I use mild curry powder.

Use this coronation chicken:

• In a sandwich
• In a wrap – use either bought flatbread or make homemade chapatis
• Place in lettuce leaves and roll to make a no carb chicken wrap
• Spoon in on top of jacket potatoes
• Serve on top a handful of peppery watercress

How long will this salad keep for?

If you cooked the chicken the day before, then the salad will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Can you freeze this dish?

No, I wouldn’t recommend freezing this chicken salad.

Make it yours:

Leftover poached chicken: use cold poached chicken instead of roast chicken.

Leftover turkey: swap the chicken for cooked turkey.

Dried Fruit: add 2 tbsp of sultanas instead of the dried apricots.

No chives: use a finely chopped spring onion instead.

 

If you like this recipe you might also like these other British recipes

Or for more easy lunch ideas:

Ham and Cheese galettes

Tuna Melt Croissants – ready in 20 minutes

Spinach and Cheese Croissants – 4 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes

Crispy lamb wraps –  a quick and easy leftover roast lamb recipe

Roast Pumpkin Soup