Mary Berry Inspired Coronation Chicken
Creamy, dreamy, gently curried chicken salad with royal roots – whipped up for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. This Mary Berry-inspired version is reliable, delicious, and fuss-free, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or jacket potatoes.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring Cups (or scale for chicken)
- Whisk or Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Plastic Wrap or Lid
- Optional: Skillet or Baking Sheet (for toasting nuts)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cooked chicken boneless, skinless – Shredded or diced (Use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease)
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise Good quality, full-fat recommended like Hellmann's/Best Foods
- 2 tbsp mango chutney – Finely chopped!
- 2 tbsp apricot jam
- 1-2 tsp curry powder Mild or medium, start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp slivered almonds toasted (optional, for crunch)
- 2 tbsp raisins or sultanas optional, for chewy sweetness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – To taste
Instructions
- Mix the Magic Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped mango chutney, apricot jam, curry powder (start with 1 teaspoon!), and fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and blended.
- Chicken Goes In!: Add the cooked, shredded or diced chicken to the bowl. Gently fold it into the dressing until every piece is lovingly coated.
- Optional Add-Ins Party: Gently stir in the toasted almonds and/or raisins or sultanas, if using.
- Taste and Tweak: Taste the mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more curry powder if desired, remembering the chutney adds sweetness/saltiness.
- Chill Out Time (Important!): Cover the bowl tightly and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (an hour is even better) to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve Like Royalty (or just for lunch!): Serve the chilled Coronation Chicken as desired – piled on bread or croissants, in lettuce cups, stuffed in baked potatoes, or alongside rice.
Notes
Chicken Quality: Start with flavorful cooked chicken; leftover roast chicken is ideal. Avoid dry chicken.
Curry Powder: Curry powders vary greatly in strength. Start with 1 tsp and add more to taste before adding chicken if unsure.
Chutney Prep: Finely chop the mango chutney for even distribution.
Toast Nuts: Toasting almonds (optional) significantly enhances their flavor and crunch.
Chilling: Don't skip the minimum 30-60 minute chilling time; it's crucial for flavor development.
Variations: Add chopped fresh cilantro, parsley, or mint. Swap raisins for dried cranberries, apricots, or cherries. Add finely chopped celery or water chestnuts for crunch. Increase heat with cayenne or sriracha. Fold in diced fresh mango or pineapple.
Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yogurt Swap: You can substitute part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version, but the classic richness comes from using all mayonnaise.
