Regal Curried Chicken Salad

Coronation Chicken Salad: A Timeless British Classic Making a Delicious Comeback

Delight in the exquisite blend of flavors and textures with Coronation Chicken Salad, a vintage recipe experiencing a well-deserved resurgence. This iconic chicken salad is distinguished by its unique combination of tender chicken, a subtle curry warmth, the satisfying crunch of almonds, and the delightful sweetness of dried fruit and mango chutney. It’s a dish that’s not just easy to prepare but also refreshingly different from your everyday chicken salad, making it a must-try for any occasion. Whether nestled between slices of artisanal bread or savored straight from the bowl, its rich and harmonious profile promises a truly memorable culinary experience.

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The Regal History of Coronation Chicken Salad

The story of Coronation Chicken Salad is as rich and intriguing as its taste. This celebrated dish was originally conceived in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Created by the esteemed chef Rosemary Hume and floral decorator Constance Spry at Le Cordon Bleu culinary academy in London, it was initially known as “Poulet Reine Elizabeth” (Chicken Queen Elizabeth). Tasked with developing a dish that would be both elegant and easy to serve to foreign dignitaries at the Coronation luncheon, Hume and Spry crafted a recipe that perfectly captured the spirit of the era. The original version featured cold chicken in a creamy curry-cream sauce, a reflection of post-war Britain’s growing interest in exotic spices and global flavors.

Over the decades, the recipe has naturally evolved, adapting to readily available ingredients and changing culinary preferences. While some modern iterations simplify the sauce or vary the additions, the core elements that define Coronation Chicken Salad – its signature sweet-savory curry notes, the delicate crunch of almonds, and the burst of sweetness from dried fruits like raisins or apricots – remain its defining characteristics. This enduring appeal is a testament to its perfectly balanced and truly unique flavor profile, securing its place as a beloved British classic that continues to charm palates worldwide.

Essential Ingredients for Your Coronation Chicken Salad

Crafting the perfect Coronation Chicken Salad requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its distinctive flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Cooked Chicken Breast: The foundation of our salad. You can use freshly baked, boiled, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Ensure it’s diced into small, manageable cubes for easy mixing and an even distribution of flavor. About 1 pound of cooked chicken is ideal.
• Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy, rich base for the dressing. Opt for a good quality full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and lightens the richness of the mayonnaise, contributing to the signature creamy consistency. Full-fat sour cream is recommended, but Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
• Raisins: These small, sweet dried grapes add bursts of natural sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the savory notes. Diced dried apricots are an excellent alternative if you prefer a slightly tarter fruit.
• Curry Powder: The heart and soul of Coronation Chicken. This spice blend provides the warm, aromatic, and slightly exotic flavor profile. A mild to medium curry powder works best to introduce flavor without overwhelming the palate.
• Green Onion: Both the white and green parts are used, sliced thinly. They add a mild oniony bite and a fresh, vibrant color to the salad.
• Slivered Almonds: Essential for that signature nutty crunch. Toasting them lightly in a dry pan beforehand significantly enhances their flavor and aroma, adding depth to the salad.
• Mango Chutney: A sweet and tangy condiment with pieces of mango, spices, and sometimes ginger or chilies. It’s a crucial ingredient, providing a unique fruity sweetness and a depth of flavor that really makes this salad sing. Look for it in the international food aisle.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. These fundamental seasonings are vital for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of herbaceous freshness, a beautiful pop of green, and brightens the overall profile of the salad.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Coronation Chicken Salad

Making this classic Coronation Chicken Salad is surprisingly simple, allowing you to create a gourmet-tasting dish with minimal effort. Follow these steps for perfect results:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by ensuring your cooked chicken breast is cooled and ready. Dice the chicken into small, uniform cubes, roughly ½ to ¾ inch in size. This ensures that each spoonful contains a perfect balance of chicken and dressing. Place the diced chicken into a large mixing bowl, which will allow ample space for stirring.
2. Create the Creamy Base: To the bowl with the chicken, add the mayonnaise, sour cream, and the star ingredient, mango chutney. Next, incorporate the raisins (or diced dried apricots) for sweetness and chew, and the curry powder for its signature warmth and exotic aroma.
3. Combine Thoroughly: Using a spatula or large spoon, mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Continue stirring until the chicken pieces are completely coated with the creamy, flavorful dressing. Ensure there are no dry spots and that the chutney and curry powder are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Add Freshness and Crunch: Now, gently fold in the sliced green onions, the toasted slivered almonds, and the fresh chopped parsley. These additions bring essential fresh flavors and a delightful textural contrast. Season the salad generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed until the flavors are perfectly balanced.
5. Chill to Perfection: For the best possible flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Coronation Chicken Salad for at least an hour before serving. This chilling time is crucial as it allows all the wonderful flavors to meld and deepen, transforming it from a good salad into an exceptional one.

Step-By-Step Process Visualized

Expert Tips from Chef Jenn

Achieving the perfect Coronation Chicken Salad is easy with a few insider tricks. Here are Chef Jenn’s expert tips to elevate your dish:

• **Chicken Preparation is Key:** If you’re using leftover chicken (like rotisserie or grilled), taste it first. Ensure it’s not overly seasoned, as you want the delicate curry and chutney flavors to shine through, not be overpowered. For fresh chicken, baking or poaching it simply with a pinch of salt and pepper is ideal.
• **Don’t Skip Toasting the Almonds:** This step makes a significant difference! Lightly toast the slivered almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and golden. This intensifies their nutty flavor and provides an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly.
• **Optimize Your Curry Powder:** The quality and freshness of your curry powder directly impact the salad’s taste. Use a fresh, good-quality curry powder. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tiny amount of hot curry powder. For a milder version, opt for a sweet or mild curry blend.
• **The Power of Chilling:** Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or even better, overnight. This resting period is crucial for the flavors to fully meld and develop, resulting in a much more harmonious and delicious salad.
• **Healthier Alternatives:** For a lighter take, substitute part or all of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. You can also use a light mayonnaise. These adjustments will reduce fat and calories without sacrificing too much on creaminess or tang.
• **Perfect Dicing:** Aim for uniformly diced chicken pieces. This ensures that every bite offers a consistent texture and flavor, and the dressing coats everything evenly.
• **Taste and Adjust:** Always taste your salad before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more salt, pepper, or even a tiny extra dollop of mango chutney or a sprinkle of curry powder to suit your preference.

Creative Variations to Explore

While the classic Coronation Chicken Salad is perfect as is, it also lends itself beautifully to creative variations. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• **Fruitful Additions:** Beyond raisins or apricots, consider dried cranberries for a tart counterpoint, or even finely diced fresh apple or grapes for a crisp, juicy texture and natural sweetness.
• **Nutty Alternatives:** If almonds aren’t your preference, toasted cashews, walnuts, or pecans can offer different flavor nuances and satisfying crunch. For a nut-free version, consider toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
• **Spice It Up:** Want more heat? A pinch of red chili flakes or a finely minced fresh jalapeño can add a vibrant kick. For a smoky touch, a tiny dash of smoked paprika can be intriguing.
• **Herbal Enhancements:** While parsley is traditional, fresh cilantro can lend a more pronounced “curry house” flavor, while chives or dill can offer a subtle, fresh twist.
• **Vegetable Boost:** For added texture and nutrients, finely diced celery, red bell pepper, or even grated carrot can be folded in. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the salad.
• **Creamy Dressing Swaps:** Explore using crème fraîche instead of sour cream for a richer, more luxurious texture, or a combination of plain yogurt and a touch of olive oil for a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions: Make It a Memorable Meal

Coronation Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile and can be presented in numerous delightful ways, transforming it into a light snack, a hearty lunch, or an elegant centerpiece for entertaining. Its balanced flavors make it a fantastic pairing for a variety of accompaniments.

For a light and refreshing meal, serve a generous scoop of Coronation Chicken Salad on a bed of crisp mixed greens, perhaps with a light vinaigrette on the side. This allows the vibrant flavors of the salad to truly shine. Alternatively, for a more substantial lunch, sandwich it between two slices of crusty bread, a soft croissant, or a warm pita pocket. Pair it with a hearty bowl of soup or a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying experience.

Embrace its British heritage by preparing tiny, elegant finger sandwiches for high tea. Chop the chicken into even smaller pieces and trim the crusts from white bread for a classic presentation. Serve alongside other beloved British treats such as fluffy, buttery scones with jam and clotted cream, and an assortment of delicate pastries. This is a wonderfully charming way to share the dish with friends and family.

Beyond sandwiches and salads, consider serving Coronation Chicken Salad as a delightful appetizer. Spoon it into endive leaves or hollowed-out cucumber cups for a refreshing, low-carb option. It also makes an excellent spread for crackers or crostini at a casual gathering. The possibilities are truly endless, making this dish a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.

Storage and Making Ahead

Coronation Chicken Salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish, as its flavors deepen and improve with time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for 3-4 days. We highly recommend preparing it at least an hour or two before serving, or even the day before, to allow the ingredients to fully meld and create the most harmonious flavor profile. Due to its mayonnaise and sour cream base, this salad does not freeze well, as the texture of the dressing can separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled.

The Complete Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe

Coronation Chicken Salad Overview

Creamy, chunky, and with a touch of exotic flavors and spices, Coronation Chicken is a vintage recipe that’s become popular again, and for good reason! Served as a sandwich, for high tea, or just on a bed of greens, this flavor-packed salad is always delicious!

Course: Salad | Cuisine: American, European | Keyword: chicken breast, chicken salad, coronation chicken salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)

Servings: 6 servings | Calories: 263kcal

Author: Chef Jenn

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked chicken, diced
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons mango chutney
• 2 tablespoons raisins or diced dried apricots
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 green onion, white and green parts, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Chop the cooked chicken breast into small cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, mango chutney, raisins (or diced dried apricots), and curry powder to the bowl.
3. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and the chicken is fully coated.
4. Stir in the sliced green onions, slivered almonds, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving, allowing the flavors to develop.

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• If using leftover chicken, ensure it’s not overly seasoned to avoid overpowering the other flavors in the salad.
• Toast the almonds lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
• For a healthier option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or use a lighter mayonnaise.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 123mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coronation Chicken Salad

Curious about making the best Coronation Chicken Salad? Here are some common questions and helpful answers:

What kind of chicken is best for Coronation Chicken Salad?

Any cooked chicken will work, but poached or roasted chicken breast is often preferred for its tender texture and mild flavor, which allows the dressing’s spices to shine. Leftover rotisserie chicken is also an excellent and convenient choice, just ensure it’s not overly seasoned.

Can I make Coronation Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely, and it’s highly recommended! The flavors of Coronation Chicken Salad actually deepen and meld beautifully when allowed to chill for at least an hour, or even overnight. This makes it an ideal make-ahead dish for parties or meal prep.

What can I use instead of mango chutney?

While mango chutney is a signature ingredient, if you can’t find it, you can create a similar flavor profile. A mix of apricot jam or orange marmalade with a pinch of ginger and a dash of vinegar can offer a comparable sweet and tangy note. Alternatively, some recipes use a small amount of apricot preserves or even a little honey for sweetness.

How long does Coronation Chicken Salad last in the fridge?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Coronation Chicken Salad typically lasts for 3 to 4 days. Always use your best judgment and check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.

Is Coronation Chicken Salad healthy?

The healthiness of Coronation Chicken Salad depends on the ingredients used. You can make it healthier by using lighter mayonnaise, substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream, and increasing the amount of vegetables like celery or bell peppers. The recipe provides an approximate nutritional breakdown to help you make informed choices.

What are some creative ways to serve Coronation Chicken Salad?

Beyond traditional sandwiches and salads, try serving it in hollowed-out bell peppers or avocados for a vibrant presentation. It’s also delicious spooned into mini pastry cups as an appetizer, or piled onto sweet potato slices for a gluten-free option. For a breakfast twist, serve it alongside scrambled eggs and toast.

Final Thoughts on This Royal Delight

Coronation Chicken Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a piece of culinary history that continues to enchant with its unique blend of flavors and effortless elegance. From its origins at a royal coronation to its modern-day revival, this salad proves that some classics truly never go out of style. Its delightful combination of creamy texture, aromatic curry, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts creates a memorable experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated tea party, a casual picnic, or simply looking for a new and exciting lunch option, this chicken salad offers a versatile and utterly delicious solution. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let your taste buds revel in this timeless British delicacy!