Coronation Chicken is a classic British dish that holds historical significance. It was originally created in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. This flavorful and creamy chicken salad combines cold-cooked chicken with a tangy sauce made of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, and mango chutney. The dish has since become a popular choice for sandwiches, salads, picnics, and parties.
Mary Berry, a renowned British chef, offers her own delightful take on the Coronation Chicken recipe. Her version includes additional ingredients such as fresh coriander, sultanas or raisins, and toasted almonds, which add extra layers of flavor and texture. Mary Berry’s Coronation Chicken recipe is easy to make and is sure to impress guests at any gathering.
Whether you’re a fan of British cuisine or looking to try something new, Coronation Chicken is a dish that brings together the rich history and delicious flavors of the United Kingdom.
How to make Coronation Chicken Recipe Mary Berry
To make the Coronation Chicken Recipe Mary Berry, you will need the following ingredients:
ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1/4 cup mango chutney
- 1/4 cup fresh coriander, chopped
- 1/2 cup sultanas or raisins
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped
These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and creamy chicken salad with a hint of spice and sweetness.
Alternative Ingredients
For customization or alternative ingredients, you can consider the following options:
- Sultanas: Substitute raisins or dried cranberries for sultanas.
- Curry powder: Use mild, medium, or hot curry powder, depending on your preferred level of spiciness.
- Greek yogurt: Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt, sour cream, or crème fraîche.
- Mayonnaise: For a healthier alternative, use a mayonnaise substitute like mashed avocado or vegan mayonnaise. You can also try using additional Greek yogurt or a yogurt-based dressing in place of mayonnaise.
- Mango chutney: Substitute apricot jam, peach preserves, or another sweet and tangy fruit-based sauce.
- Fresh coriander: Replace fresh coriander with parsley or cilantro, according to your taste.
- Toasted almonds: Swap out almonds for other nuts like cashews, walnuts, or pecans for a different texture and flavor.
These substitutions can help you customize the recipe based on your preferences or dietary restrictions.
To prepare the chicken for Mary Berry’s Coronation Chicken recipe, you have the option to cook fresh chicken or use pre-cooked chicken. Here are step-by-step instructions for both methods
Step-by-Step Instructions
To prepare the chicken for Mary Berry’s Coronation Chicken recipe, you have the option to cook fresh chicken or use pre-cooked chicken. Here are step-by-step instructions for both methods
Cooking Fresh Chicken:
- Start by boiling or poaching boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place the chicken breasts in a large pot and add enough water to cover them.
- Season the water with salt and any additional herbs or spices you prefer, such as bay leaves, peppercorns, or garlic cloves.
- Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let the chicken cook for about 15-20 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. You can use two forks to shred the chicken or simply cut it into cubes.
Using Pre-cooked Chicken:
- If you have leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, it can be a time-saving option for this recipe.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and properly stored in the refrigerator before using it. You can use white or dark meat, depending on your preference.
- Shred or dice the pre-cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If the chicken is cold from the refrigerator, you can warm it up slightly in the microwave or let it come to room temperature before adding it to the recipe.
Whether you choose to cook fresh chicken or use pre-cooked chicken, ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and not pink in the center. This is important for food safety. Once your chicken is prepared, you can proceed with the remaining steps of the Coronation Chicken recipe.
Making the Sauce
To create the flavorful sauce for Mary Berry’s Coronation Chicken recipe, you will need the following ingredients: mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, and mango chutney. The process of making the sauce is simple and straightforward.
- Take a large mixing bowl and combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt. These two creamy ingredients will form the base of the sauce.
- Add 2 tablespoons of curry powder to the bowl. The curry powder adds a delightful hint of spice and flavor to the sauce.
- Finally, add 1/4 cup of mango chutney, which provides a tangy and sweet element to balance the spices.
- Mix all the ingredients well until they are thoroughly combined. You can use a whisk or a spoon to ensure that the curry powder and mango chutney are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
After mixing, the sauce is ready to be used. It should have a creamy consistency with a beautiful yellow color from the curry powder. The flavors of the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, and mango chutney come together to create a tangy, slightly spicy, and creamy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken in the Coronation Chicken dish.
Combining the Chicken and Sauce
To combine the chicken and sauce for Mary Berry’s Coronation Chicken recipe, follow these steps to ensure that each piece is evenly coated:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, and mango chutney. Mix these ingredients together until they are well combined, creating the Coronation sauce.
- Add the cooked chicken to the bowl with the sauce. You can use shredded or diced chicken, whichever you prefer. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the sauce.
- Add the fresh coriander, sultanas or raisins, and toasted almonds to the bowl. These ingredients will add flavor and texture to the dish.
- Gently stir the mixture until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce. Take care not to overmix, as you want to keep the chicken in bite-sized pieces.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.
By following these steps, you will achieve a flavorful and creamy Coronation Chicken dish with each piece of chicken evenly coated in the delicious sauce.
Letting the Flavors Marinate
Allowing the dish to rest and develop flavors in the refrigerator is an important step in the preparation of Coronation Chicken. The resting period allows the various ingredients and seasonings to meld together, enhancing the overall taste and creating a more harmonious flavor profile.
During this time, the chicken absorbs the flavors of the creamy sauce, curry powder, mango chutney, and other ingredients, resulting in a more flavorful and well-coated chicken. The sauce also thickens slightly, coating the chicken more evenly and improving the texture of the dish.
Additionally, refrigerating the Coronation Chicken helps to cool it down, making it a refreshing and chilled dish that is perfect for picnics and parties. The flavors have time to infuse and intensify, creating a more satisfying and enjoyable eating experience.
By allowing the flavors to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, you ensure that every bite of Coronation Chicken is bursting with deliciousness, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that is sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions
Coronation Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, adding flavor and excitement to your meals. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy Coronation Chicken:
- Sandwiches: Spread Coronation Chicken between slices of your favorite bread for a delicious sandwich. Add lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and cucumber for extra freshness.
- Wraps or Tortillas: Use Coronation Chicken as a filling for wraps or tortillas. Add shredded lettuce, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice for a flavorful wrap.
- Salads: Incorporate Coronation Chicken into salads for a satisfying meal. Toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of dressing for a refreshing salad.
- Pasta Dish: Mix Coronation Chicken with cooked pasta such as fusilli or penne for a delightful pasta dish. Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra crunch
- Rice or Quinoa Bowl: Serve Coronation Chicken over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. Top it with roasted vegetables like carrots and zucchini for a complete and filling meal.
- Canapés or Finger Food: Spoon small portions of Coronation Chicken onto crackers or mini toasts for elegant canapés or serve it as a finger food at parties or gatherings.
- Baked Potatoes: Stuff baked potatoes with Coronation Chicken and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Remember, these suggestions are just the beginning. Feel free to get creative and explore other serving options that suit your taste and preferences. Enjoy your Coronation Chicken!
Conclusion:
Mary Berry’s Coronation Chicken recipe is a classic British dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful and creamy sauce. The dish was created in 1953 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation and has since become a popular choice for picnics and parties. The key ingredients in Mary Berry’s recipe include cooked chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, mango chutney, fresh coriander, sultanas or raisins, and toasted almonds.
The flavors of the dish meld together beautifully after refrigerating for at least 2 hours. It’s a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, such as in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or alongside rice or quinoa. With its balanced blend of spices and creaminess, Mary Berry’s Coronation Chicken is sure to impress and delight anyone who tries it. Don’t hesitate to give this delicious and easy-to-make recipe a try!
Coronation Chicken Recipe Mary Berry
Ingredients
- 4 cup cooked chicken shredded or diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- ¼ cup mango chutney
- ¼ tbsp fresh coriander chopped
- ½ cup sultanas or raisins
- ½ cup toasted almonds, chopped
Instructions
- Combine the creamy aioli sauce, Greek yogurt, and aromatic curry powder in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and flavorful sauce.
- Next, add the cooked chicken to the sauce and ensure that every piece is coated with the creamy mixture.
- Introduce the sweet and tangy mango salsa, freshly chopped mint leaves, golden raisins, and toasted cashews to the bowl. These ingredients will bring a unique twist and add layers of flavor and texture to the classic recipe.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and harmonize.
- Once the dish has chilled and the flavors have melded, your unique Coronation Chicken is ready to be savored! Serve it as a filling for wraps, atop a bed of fresh greens, or as a delightful side dish for picnics and parties.
- Feel free to customize the recipe according to your preferences. Consider incorporating a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a citrusy kick or garnishing with toasted coconut flakes for an extra touch of tropical flair. Let your creativity shine and make this Coronation Chicken recipe uniquely yours!