Mary Berry Coronation Chicken is a classic British dish with a rich history, originally created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. This delicious recipe blends tender cooked chicken with a creamy, curried mayonnaise dressing, enhanced by dried fruits and a touch of sweetness. It’s perfect for serving as part of a buffet, in sandwiches, or alongside a fresh salad for a light lunch or picnic.
What is Mary Berry Coronation Chicken?
Mary Berry Coronation Chicken is a flavorful chicken dish made with cooked chicken breasts mixed into a creamy, mildly spiced curry dressing. The dish includes ingredients like mayonnaise, curry powder, mango chutney, and sultanas, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Often served cold, this dish is perfect for special occasions or as a light, refreshing meal.
Other Popular Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Easy to make: This recipe is straightforward and quick, using mostly pantry staples.
- Perfect for entertaining: A great addition to buffets, parties, or even as a picnic dish.
- Versatile: Can be served as a sandwich filling, on a bed of lettuce, or with rice.
- Classic British flavor: A traditional dish with a unique blend of flavors.
- Great for leftovers: Ideal for making use of leftover chicken from other meals.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Coronation Chicken
- 4 cooked chicken breasts (skinless) – the base of the dish, diced or shredded.
- 150g (5 oz) mayonnaise – the creamy component of the dressing.
- 2 tbsp curry powder – provides a distinctive flavor.
- 1 tbsp mango chutney – adds sweetness and a bit of tang.
- 2 tbsp sultanas or raisins – for added sweetness and texture.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – to balance the flavors.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
- Fresh coriander (optional) – for garnish.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl – to combine all the ingredients.
- Knife and chopping board – for preparing the chicken and other ingredients.
- Wooden spoon – for mixing.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Mary Berry Coronation Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
- If not already cooked, poach or roast the chicken breasts and allow them to cool. Once cooled, dice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, curry powder, mango chutney, and lemon juice. Stir the ingredients together until smooth and well-blended.
Step 3: Add the chicken and sultanas
- Add the diced chicken and sultanas (or raisins) to the bowl with the dressing. Mix everything together, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated in the dressing.
Step 4: Season and chill
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve and garnish
- Once chilled, serve the Mary Berry Coronation Chicken on a platter, garnish with fresh coriander if desired, and enjoy! This dish can be served cold as a sandwich filling, on top of a salad, or alongside rice.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Coronation Chicken
- Sandwiches: Serve in soft bread rolls or sandwiches for a tasty lunch.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
- Rice: Serve alongside rice or couscous for a heartier option.
- Crackers: A perfect addition to a charcuterie board, served with crackers.
- Baked potatoes: Top a baked potato with coronation chicken for a satisfying meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Coronation Chicken
- Use leftover chicken: This dish is perfect for using up leftover roast chicken.
- Balance the curry flavor: Adjust the amount of curry powder to suit your taste. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Chill for better flavor: Let the coronation chicken sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Add crunch: For extra texture, add some toasted almonds or chopped celery to the mixture.
- Sweeten it up: If you prefer a sweeter version, add a little more mango chutney or even some diced fresh mango.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Coronation Chicken
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Lighter version: Use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to make a lighter dressing.
- Spicier version: Add a pinch of chili powder or chopped fresh chili for extra heat.
- Herb twist: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an added burst of freshness.
- Fruit twist: Try adding diced fresh mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Coronation Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store the coronation chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Although best served fresh, coronation chicken can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Portion control: Divide into individual portions before refrigerating or freezing for easy meal prep.
Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Coronation Chicken
- Serve cold: Coronation chicken is traditionally served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it.
- Reheat gently (if desired): If you prefer it warm, heat it gently in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but note that the texture may change slightly.
How Can I Make Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Healthier?
- Use low-fat mayo: Swap regular mayonnaise with a low-fat version or use Greek yogurt.
- Add more vegetables: Bulk up the dish with extra veggies like diced cucumber, bell peppers, or shredded lettuce.
- Limit the chutney: Reduce the amount of mango chutney to lower the sugar content.
- Reduce the mayonnaise: Lighten up the dish by reducing the amount of mayonnaise or mixing it with yogurt.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs
Can I make Coronation Chicken without mayonnaise?
Yes, Mary Berry Coronation Chicken can be made without mayonnaise. You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a blend of yogurt and sour cream for a lighter, tangier dressing. This will still provide a creamy texture while reducing the fat content.
How long does Coronation Chicken last in the fridge?
Mary Berry Coronation Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to refrigerate it as soon as possible after preparing to maintain freshness and flavor.
Can I freeze Coronation Chicken?
Yes, Mary Berry Coronation Chicken can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the chicken before adding the mayonnaise dressing. Once thawed, you can mix the chicken with fresh dressing. If freezing the entire dish, the texture of the mayonnaise may slightly change after thawing.
What can I serve with Coronation Chicken?
Mary Berry Coronation Chicken pairs well with rice, couscous, or fresh salad. It also makes a great filling for sandwiches or served on baked potatoes for a hearty meal.
Final Words
Mary Berry Coronation Chicken is a timeless dish that combines the warmth of curry with the sweetness of mango chutney, all wrapped up in a creamy dressing.
Try it out for your next family gathering or picnic, and enjoy the classic flavors of this British favorite!
More By British Baking Recipes
Print
Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry Coronation Chicken is a flavorful chicken dish made with cooked chicken breasts mixed into a creamy, mildly spiced curry dressing. The dish includes ingredients like mayonnaise, curry powder, mango chutney, and sultanas, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Often served cold, this dish is perfect for special occasions or as a light, refreshing meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cooked chicken breasts (skinless) – the base of the dish, diced or shredded.
- 150g (5 oz) mayonnaise – the creamy component of the dressing.
- 2 tbsp curry powder – provides a distinctive flavor.
- 1 tbsp mango chutney – adds sweetness and a bit of tang.
- 2 tbsp sultanas or raisins – for added sweetness and texture.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – to balance the flavors.
- Salt and pepper – to taste for seasoning.
- Fresh coriander (optional) – for garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
- If not already cooked, poach or roast the chicken breasts and allow them to cool. Once cooled, dice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, curry powder, mango chutney, and lemon juice. Stir the ingredients together until smooth and well-blended.
Step 3: Add the chicken and sultanas
- Add the diced chicken and sultanas (or raisins) to the bowl with the dressing. Mix everything together, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated in the dressing.
Step 4: Season and chill
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve and garnish
- Once chilled, serve the Mary Berry Coronation Chicken on a platter, garnish with fresh coriander if desired, and enjoy! This dish can be served cold as a sandwich filling, on top of a salad, or alongside rice.
