A Royal Recipe: Coronation Chicken for King Charles III's Coronation
- James S.
- May 6, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7, 2023
The flavour of this dish is so irresistible that you'll be tempted to make it every week, without waiting for another 70 years to pass!
Are you interested in learning how to make a classic British dish that is perfect for any celebratory occasion? Look no further than coronation chicken, a delicious and easy-to-prepare dish that was created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. With King Charles III's coronation coming up this Saturday, what better way to celebrate than by cooking up a batch of this royal favourite?
Coronation chicken is a cold dish that is perfect for picnics or as a light lunch, you can serve it over a bed of greens, as a sandwich filler, with pasta, with a jacket potato, in an avocado half, a brioche bun, or in pastry cups! It is a combination of cooked chicken, mayonnaise, curry powder, and other spices, and is typically served with rice or in a sandwich. The dish was created by Constance Spry, a well-known British cook and florist, and her colleague Rosemary Hume, for the coronation banquet of Queen Elizabeth II. It was an instant success and has remained a popular British dish ever since.
How to make coronation chicken
Start by cooking your chicken. You can use a whole chicken, chicken breasts, or chicken thighs.
Poaching the chicken in water with a bay leaf and some peppercorns will give it a lovely flavour, but you can also roast or grill it if you prefer. Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool and then cut it into small pieces.
In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, curry powder, and a little bit of tomato paste.
You can also add other spices such as cumin or coriander to give it a more complex flavour. Mix the sauce with the chicken until it is evenly coated.
To finish off, add some raisins or sultanas and chopped almonds for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
You can also add some chopped celery or red onion for extra flavour and texture.
Chill the coronation chicken in the fridge for at least an hour before serving, to let the flavours meld together.
Jazz Up Your Chicken With Home-Made Mayo
Why settle for store-bought mayo when you can whip up your own? It's easy-peasy! Just pop a large free-range egg yolk into a big non-metallic bowl and give it a good whisk for 2 minutes until it turns into a thick and creamy texture. Then, slowly pour in 250ml of vegetable oil, while continuously whisking until everything's fully combined. Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice to add a tangy zing, if desired.
Prep In Advance
Are you planning to wow your friends at a street party with this chicken dish? Then, why not get a head start by roasting the chicken the day before? Simply let it cool completely, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you're ready to serve, give the skin a quick crisp and sprinkle some crushed poppadoms on top for that extra crispy crunch. And, if there are any leftovers, just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Coronation chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any celebratory occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or just looking for a quick lunch, this classic British dish is sure to impress. And with King Charles III's coronation just around the corner, there's no better time to try it out for yourself.
So why not celebrate the coronation of King Charles III this Saturday by making a batch of coronation chicken? It's a dish fit for a king, and a perfect way to honour the traditions and history of the United Kingdom. And with Monday 8th May being a bank holiday, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy your creation with friends and family.
God Save The King!
Are you excited for the upcoming coronation weekend? Why not celebrate by cooking up some delicious dishes fit for a royal occasion? We'd love to hear what you'll be making in the kitchen, so feel free to get in touch and share your recipes and ideas with us. Let's celebrate the coronation in true British Fashion. Cheers!
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