Coronation Chicken Recipe Mary Berry: Royal Wedding Classic Revived

I’m excited to share this classic Coronation Chicken recipe, inspired by Mary Berry’s timeless creation. This dish is a staple of British cuisine, originally crafted for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, and remains a popular choice for special occasions.

With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this Coronation Chicken is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant spices, and tangy mayonnaise creates a truly royal dish that’s perfect for serving at your next gathering.

Ingredients for Coronation Chicken Recipe Mary Berry

Classic Coronation Chicken needs just a handful of ingredients. Simple, yet royal.

For the best flavor, use high-quality mayonnaise—the kind you’d eat straight from the jar. Full-fat yogurt makes it creamy, while mild curry powder adds warmth. If you’re feeling fancy, grab Patak’s or Major Grey’s chutney for that authentic touch.

No mango chutney? Apricot jam with a squeeze of lemon is a decent substitute. Want more heat? Bump up the curry powder or add some cayenne. The almonds can be toasted for extra crunch if you’re feeling extra. Raisins are optional—they add sweetness, but it’s fine without them.

This keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make it ahead and let the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container and give it a good stir before serving. Perfect for make-ahead meals or party prep.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Coronation Chicken

Here’s the method to create this royal wedding classic with perfect balance of flavors.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breast

Start by cooking the 1.5 lb Chicken Breast until it’s tender and fully cooked. I like to poach it in simmering water for about 15-20 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, let it cool completely before dicing into bite-sized pieces.

The chicken should be moist and tender – if it feels dry, you’ve overcooked it. Letting it cool completely before dicing helps maintain its texture.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup Mayonnaise, 0.5 cup Plain Yogurt, 2 tbsp Curry Powder, and 2 tbsp Lemon Juice. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well blended. The sauce should have a creamy consistency with a noticeable curry aroma.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it needs more tang, add a bit more lemon juice. If it needs more depth, add a pinch more curry powder.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Add the diced chicken to the sauce mixture and stir until the chicken is fully coated. Then fold in the 0.25 cup Mango Chutney and 0.25 cup Raisins. The mixture should be well combined but still retain some texture from the chutney and raisins.

Season with 1 tsp Salt and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper to taste. The flavors should be balanced – tangy from the yogurt, spicy from the curry, and sweet from the chutney.

Step 4: Add Final Touches

Just before serving, stir in the 0.5 cup Almonds for added crunch. Sprinkle the 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro on top as a garnish. The dish should look fresh and vibrant with the green cilantro contrasting against the yellow sauce.

Serve on a bed of lettuce or on crusty bread for a delightful sandwich filling. This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a small gathering or picnic.

Essential Equipment for This Dish

Essential Cooking Tools

To make this Coronation Chicken recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. I recommend using a large mixing bowl to combine the sauce ingredients and a sharp chef’s knife for dicing the chicken. A cutting board is also essential for prepping your ingredients. 🔪

Measuring Equipment

Accurate measurements are crucial in this recipe. Use measuring cups for the mayonnaise, yogurt, and chutney, and measuring spoons for the curry powder and lemon juice. I prefer using digital measuring spoons for precision. 📏

Cooking Equipment

For cooking the chicken, you’ll need a large pot for poaching. I use a stainless steel pot as it distributes heat evenly. A meat thermometer is also necessary to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. 🌡️

Serving Equipment

For serving, consider using a serving platter or individual plates. You can garnish with fresh cilantro and serve on a bed of lettuce or with crusty bread. A slotted spoon can be helpful for serving the chicken mixture neatly.

Optional Equipment

If you want to get fancy, you can use a food processor to chop the almonds or cilantro. Some cooks also like using a citrus juicer for freshly squeezed lemon juice. These tools can make the process easier, but they’re not essential.

Storage Equipment

For storing leftovers, use an airtight container to keep the Coronation Chicken fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This will help maintain the flavors and texture of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions