Coronation Chicken Salad

This Coronation Chicken Salad recipe is a royally delicious dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy, sweet, and spicy dressing.  It’s a coronation fit for your taste buds and is perfect for a light lunch or picnic.

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Why we love this recipe

You can step into a culinary time capsule with this classic British recipe, a delightful memento from the 1950s when London celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. 

It is also packed with protein and is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free!

The history of Coronation Chicken

The original recipe was created by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume for the coronation luncheon. Hume was one of the first British people to be trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. Later, she became the principal of the London Le Cordon Bleu school and created Poulet Reine Elizabeth, later known as Coronation Chicken, for one of the coronation menus on June 2, 1953.

In fact, it is similar to the first version of Jubilee chicken that was created for the Silver Jubilee of George V in 1935.

History in the making!

This chicken salad became a big lunch favourite back then for street parties and is now a fabulous family picnic dinner.

With the upcoming coronation of Charles – and everyone loving “The Crown” why not emulate the traditional lunch? We can all be king and queen for the day.

Ingredients

• mayonnaise – I’m a big fan of homemade mayo! Try it out if you haven’t. It is surprisingly easy to make your own mayo. Unflavored Greek yogurt, sour cream, and crème fraîche can also be substituted.
• lemon juice – you can easily substitute lime juice instead.
• apricot preserves – I prefer a brand that offers a *no sugar added* option. You could also use a couple of tablespoons of mango chutney.
• fine sea salt – the fine variety dissolves easily, and provides a consistent seasoning. 
• curry powder – adds a rich and bold flavor – sounds like royalty, right?
• cooked chicken – poached chicken breasts are perfect for using in salads like this one as it is super tender and slices easily into bite-size pieces. Rotisserie chicken is also a great, quick option.
• slivered almonds – roasted cashews can be substituted also *omit for nut allergies.
• green onion – thinly slice the scallions, starting with the white part. Chives can be substituted also.
• chopped cilantro –  save a little bit for garnishing the salad.

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• spatula – my favorite way to stir anything

Instructions

Let’s start with this sauce! It is delicious. It should do, considering this chicken has the royal seal of approval.

Step 1

First, stir up the dressing in a large bowl.

What I love about the sauce is the apricot jam. The punch of sweetness gets stirred into the tangy mayo and fresh lemon juice.

Step 2

Next comes a punch of spice. Curry powder! It does make for a golden, regal-looking mixture. Add the curry powder and fine sea salt and stir them in to combine. 

Step 3

Finally, stir in the cooked chicken along with fresh coriander, green onions, and slivered almonds for some crunch!

Expert tips

Allow the flavors to marry together by refrigerating the salad for at least an hour before serving. This resting time allows the ingredients to infuse, resulting in a more flavorful dish.  

For salads, I prefer cubed chicken but in sandwiches, shredded chicken is easier to eat.

Recipe variations

• For a burst of sweetness and a colorful touch, include diced fresh fruits like apples, grapes, or pomegranate seeds. 
• Add tandoori spices, such as garam masala, cumin, and paprika, for a smoky and spicy twist. Toss in a few tablespoons of golden raisins for balance.

Serving suggestions

• Serve on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a light and refreshing salad option.
• Enjoy as a filling for sandwiches. It pairs well with crusty bread, wraps, or even croissants. Add some lettuce or arugula for extra freshness.
• The Brits also enjoy it served next to their jacket potatoes (baked potatoes).

FAQS

Storing and Refrigerating

Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

More chicken salad recipes you’ll enjoy

**This recipe was originally posted on March 25, 2021, and updated on May 4, 2023.**  

If you’ve tried my Coronation Chicken Salad, please rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!

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