Why Coronation Chicken Recipe Is the Perfect Sandwich (or Baked Potato) Filling
If you think all sandwich fillings are created equal, think again. Coronation Chicken is a British classic that transforms any meal into something truly special. Creamy, lightly curried, subtly sweet, and with a delicate nutty crunch, it’s a flavor combination that keeps everyone coming back for more.
I first experienced it at a festive afternoon tea last Christmas — tiny finger sandwiches piled high with this filling — and I was instantly hooked. Every bite was a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet notes. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary sandwiches, wraps, or even baked potatoes into a memorable treat.
What makes this homemade version even better? It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a quick lunch, or a casual dinner, this Coronation Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Coronation Chicken
⭐ Creamy & Flavorful: Tangy, nutty, and lightly curried for a perfect bite.
⭐ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20–25 minutes.
⭐ Versatile: Ideal for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or baked potatoes.
⭐ Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors develop beautifully when chilled.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Coronation Chicken, and over the years, I’ve perfected my own version of this classic British favorite. While the traditional recipe calls for poached chicken, I prefer roasting chicken breasts—it adds extra depth of flavor and makes the meat much easier to handle. Once roasted, the chicken is simply chopped into bite-sized pieces and mixed with simple, everyday ingredients straight from the pantry. This recipe is also a great way to use up leftover roast chicken. Many modern versions of Coronation Chicken include sultanas, but I love using dried apricots for their richer texture and a flavor closer to the original 1953 dish.
Coronation Chicken has a truly royal origin! It was created in 1953 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu cookery school in London. Originally named Poulet Reine Elizabeth, this dish quickly became a British favorite and remains beloved to this day. Interestingly, it was designed to be served cold because the kitchens at Westminster School—where it was prepared for visiting dignitaries—weren’t large enough to handle a hot meal for so many guests. Created in the post-World War II era, it also symbolized a touch of luxury during a time of rationing, combining simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish that has stood the test of time.
Coronation Chicken Ingredients Notes
Chicken: This recipe calls for 4 chicken breasts, roughly 650g (1.4 lb). Skinless and boneless works best for easy handling, but you can remove the skin or bone yourself if you prefer.
Marinade: The chicken is coated in creamy Greek yoghurt and a touch of mild curry powder, which infuses the meat with gentle, warming flavor.
Sauce: The luscious sauce combines mayonnaise, extra Greek yoghurt, mango chutney, mild curry powder, chopped dried apricots, flaked toasted almonds, and a pinch of salt and pepper, creating the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, nutty, and lightly spiced flavors.
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yoghurt and mild curry powder. Toss the chicken breasts in the mixture until they are fully coated, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned. Once coated, roast the chicken as directed below.
2. Prepare the Coronation Chicken: Once the chicken has cooked and cooled, slice or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl and add the remaining ingredients — mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, mango chutney, curry powder, chopped dried apricots, flaked toasted almonds, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Substitutions
- Sultanas: If you prefer a slightly sweeter texture, you can swap the apricots for sultanas without any issue.
- Precooked Chicken: Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. While it may not have the same roasted depth of flavor, it will still create a delicious and creamy Coronation Chicken.
How to Make Coronation Chicken
Description
Coronation Chicken is a classic British dish made with tender, poached or roasted chicken tossed in a creamy, mildly spiced curry sauce with apricots and almonds. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and a touch of tang, this versatile recipe works beautifully as a sandwich filling, a salad topping, or served over rice and jacket potatoes. Quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients, it’s a nostalgic favorite that brings a royal touch to any meal.Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Coat 4 chicken breasts with Greek yoghurt and mild curry powder. Roast for 18–20 minutes until fully cooked. Alternatively, use cooked or leftover chicken. Let it cool slightly, then chop or shred into bite-sized pieces.
-
In a large bowl, combine 6 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt, 2 tbsp mango chutney, 2 tsp mild curry powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
-
Chop 50 g dried apricots into small pieces and fold them into the sauce for a sweet, tangy flavor.
-
Add the chopped or shredded chicken to the sauce and gently fold until fully coated.
-
Sprinkle 2 tbsp flaked toasted almonds on top. Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
-
Enjoy cold as a sandwich filling, in wraps, on salads, or as a topping for jacket potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 920kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 160g247%
- Saturated Fat 44g221%
- Cholesterol 372mg124%
- Sodium 1604mg67%
- Potassium 2080mg60%
- Total Carbohydrate 36g12%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 28g
- Protein 28g57%
- Vitamin A 2080 IU
- Vitamin C 16 mg
- Calcium 272 mg
- Iron 8 mg
- Vitamin D 4 IU
- Vitamin E 12 IU
- Vitamin K 48 mcg
- Vitamin B6 2 mg
- Folate 180 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2.4 mcg
- Magnesium 160 mg
- Zinc 7.2 mg
- Selenium 88 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
📝 Recipe Notes
Chicken Options:
You can use poached, roasted, or rotisserie chicken for this recipe. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds extra flavour.
Apricot Substitutes:
If fresh or dried apricots aren’t available, you can use apricot jam or mango chutney for the same sweet, fruity balance.
Cream Alternatives:
Heavy cream can be replaced with double cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Spice Level:
This recipe is mildly spiced. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use Madras curry powder.
Make-Ahead Friendly:
Coronation Chicken tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep and parties.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing:
Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
Serving Ideas:
Serve in sandwiches, wraps, salads, jacket potatoes, or with rice.
Extra Crunch:
Add toasted almonds or cashews for extra texture if desired.
