Coronation Chicken Recipe
Chicken Salad with Mango, Raisins, and Cashews
Ingredients
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- cup sultana raisins
- 1 large mango (about 1 pound), peeled and thinly sliced
- cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mild curry powder
- 1 tablespoon mango chutney
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper
- cup toasted cashews (optional)
Directions
- Poach the chicken breasts in lightly salted boiling water for 20 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink and fully cooked.
- Drain the chicken, allow it to cool, then slice it into -inch strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips, raisins, and half of the mango slices.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, curry powder, chutney, and lemon juice together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss the mayonnaise mixture with the chicken mixture, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Stir in half of the toasted cashews.
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter and garnish with the remaining mango slices and cashews on top.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 476
- Total Fat: 30g (38% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 5g (26% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 70mg (23% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 302mg (13% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrate: 28g (10% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (9% Daily Value)
- Total Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 27g (53% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 22mg (25% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 35mg (3% Daily Value)
- Iron: 2mg (12% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 452mg (10% Daily Value)
Note: The daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs. If you're following a medically restricted diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe.
Coronation Chicken is a British dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, spicy curry powder, and a touch of sweetness from dried fruits and mango. It's not just a flavorful meal but also a part of British culinary history. Below, we explore the origins, regional variations, and interesting facts about this iconic dish.
History of Coronation Chicken
Coronation Chicken was created in 1953 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The dish was originally named "Poulet Reine Elizabeth" and was designed by Constance Spry, a celebrated British florist and cook, alongside chef Rosemary Hume. The dish was meant to celebrate the new queens reign and reflect a blend of traditional British ingredients with a nod to the growing influence of international flavors. It was first served at the banquet following Queen Elizabeths coronation and quickly became a favorite across the UK.
Regional Variations
While Coronation Chicken is a dish commonly associated with British cuisine, regional variations abound. In some versions, the sweetness of the dish is enhanced with the inclusion of raisins, sultanas, or dried apricots. The curry powder, which is central to the flavor, can range from mild to spicy depending on personal preference or regional tastes. Some variations also incorporate additional ingredients like toasted almonds or fresh herbs, making each preparation unique to its creator.
How It Differs from Similar Dishes
Coronation Chicken stands out from other chicken salads because of its distinctive use of curry powder and mango chutney. While classic chicken salads tend to focus on ingredients like lettuce, celery, and mayonnaise, Coronation Chicken adds an exotic twist with the curry flavor and dried fruits. Its use of mango chutney as a key ingredient also sets it apart from other curried chicken dishes, giving it a rich, fruity sweetness. Unlike similar dishes, which might be served cold or as a simple side, Coronation Chicken is often served as a main course or sandwich filling, making it versatile enough for various occasions.
Where Is It Typically Served?
Coronation Chicken is often served in sandwiches, particularly at afternoon teas, picnics, and buffets. It can be enjoyed on its own as a salad or served alongside warm dishes like jacket potatoes or rice. The dish has become a popular choice for British summer gatherings, especially at events like garden parties, street parties, and national celebrations. Its also a common feature in the catering menus of special events, including coronations and royal celebrations.
Interesting Facts
- Coronation Chicken was one of the first dishes to use the then-exotic ingredient, curry powder, in mainstream British cooking.
- Despite being created for a royal occasion, the dish became a popular everyday meal, especially for summer picnics and lunches.
- In the early 1950s, curry was still a relatively new concept to many Brits, and Coronation Chicken helped introduce a wider audience to the flavors of South Asia.
- Over time, variations of Coronation Chicken have spread beyond the UK, with people in other parts of the world adapting it with local ingredients and tastes.
In conclusion, Coronation Chicken is more than just a dish it's a piece of British culinary history. From its royal origins to its versatility and continued popularity, this chicken salad offers a delightful blend of flavors that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you're celebrating a royal occasion or simply craving something flavorful and refreshing, Coronation Chicken is a dish that's always in season.
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FAQ about Coronation Chicken Recipe
Comments
Beci K-H
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
This is a fantastic traditional little dish that i have grown up eating in England. If you want it lower in fat go half and half with low fat mayo and half fat creme fraiche. Add a dash of worscestershire sauce for a twang and have it in a sandwich or on a Jacket Spud(large potato baked in the oven in its skin until the skin is crispy and the inside fluffy and lovely!) I tend to prefer chopped dried Apricots and sultanas to fresh mango, for more of a kick used spicy mango chutney! Yum!!!
HonestPrune2313
08/01/2022 09:09:53 PM
I used chicken cooked in Instant Pot with celery, onions, carrots, & thyme. I cook 6 big boneless, skinless breasts, & pull out 1/2 the chicken for this recipe. I use a can of chopped mango, drained, instead of the fresh mango. Saves a lot of time & effort! I add a little more mayonnaise & raisins to keep it from being so dry. Refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving, & we love it!
marzipan
05/16/2023 01:08:24 AM
I didn't have chutney so I used a citrus infused white balsamic vinegar. No nuts or raisins, but added finely diced celery and green onion, and 1 quart rough chopped iceberg lettuce. Everyone cleaned their plates. Perfect summer salad.
Margaret Leman
07/02/2025 02:59:29 PM
I omitted the nuts but otherwise made it as written, and used Major Grey Chutney. I made it into sandwiches (crustless of course), for a tea party with 6 friends. It received 2-thumbs up from everyone.
claudiab33
07/13/2024 03:59:42 PM
I mostly followed the recipe as is, but added more curry powder to taste, and added chopped green onions.
129191
08/12/2012 02:03:43 AM
I used Sahale's Sing Buri (Cashews with Pineapple, Peanuts, Lemongrass + Mild Chinese Chili) instead of the sultana raisins and toasted cashews and yogurt instead of mayonnaise and I have to say that this is one of the best recipes I've made using this web site. The mango chutney and curry powder in the yogurt really adds to the flavors in this dish.
ti
01/29/2025 02:50:33 AM
Would make a wonderful summer dinner or something for a potluck. When reading the recipe I missed a line and then had to alter the resulting salad. Now that I'm aware next time I make this I will cut both the chicken and the mango into smaller cubes.
dragonlady5
03/06/2006 01:25:48 PM
Wicked good! I didn't include the cashews and used regular rasins and lime juice as I forgot to purchase lemons. This came out great and will be very tasty to eat for my dinner during the upcoming week. I put it on a bed of brown rice. I'm going to try it with reduced fat mayo or maybe plain yogurt to make it a little healthier. A+!!
Jack Greenwood
08/20/2006 09:33:32 PM
Great recipe, my folks loved it! I subbed low-fat mayo but otherwise followed the recipe. Served it with a curried chicken fried rice that complimented the sweet mango taste of the main dish. Next time I'll try non-fat mayo or make my own olive oil mayo to see if it affects the taste and flavor; should give the dish less fat or at least less bad fat.
RSTDRTLUV
06/21/2006 03:50:30 AM
I was a little hesitant at first with the ingredients and what it looked like when it was done but you can't judge a book by it's cover. This was really tasty! I had to use regular raisins and I used low fat mayo and it was still delicious. I think I will make this again on a hot summer day.
Patricia
07/04/2025 03:56:07 PM
Just delicious. I often change up recipes once I follow them once, with the exception of using golden raisins instead of sultana raisins (which is what I had on hand), I wouldn't change anything. Perfect the way it is.
Thomas Anderson
04/10/2025 01:19:56 AM
Flavors are perfect — nailed it.
Connie Marse
09/14/2024 01:17:53 PM
This sounds good but I don’t have many of the ingredients on hand. I might make it with some of the substitutes others suggested.
Emma Martin
09/04/2024 11:07:58 PM
Made it last night — big success!
Cat's recipes
02/22/2024 10:46:59 PM
This was a big hit with our friends who visited us during the coronation of King Charles . It was a lot of fun, and the recipe was perfect.
NiftyGyro1400
08/16/2023 04:36:59 PM
So Easy and Good, I did omit the raisins, will add next time!
Kathy
05/09/2023 07:57:21 PM
I did like it and it was easy to make. I won't make it again-but it was worth making on time. Thank you for the recipe!! :)
Margery Aukstikalnis
06/18/2022 02:14:58 PM
By far the best tasting chicken breast I have ever had! I am not a fan of curry powder, so don' t keep it on hand, but the recipe for homemade curry, included, has made me a believer! I had homemade mango chutney preserved, so used that, but in the absence of fresh mango, I used canned diced pears. AWESOME. Next time I will make sure to have fresh mango.
SuperGram6
06/14/2022 11:52:04 PM
Everyone absolutely LOVED this! I added some halved red grapes and diced apple and substituted pecans and, since we really love curry, added more than the recipe required. I can't wait to make this again. If you can believe it, people were fighting over the leftovers and I wound up giving them all away so I had none for myself the next day.