Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe: A Regal Feast Made Simple

Coronation chicken bursts with royal elegance, weaving a culinary tapestry of bold and sophisticated flavors.

Decades ago, this British masterpiece emerged from the historic celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

Creamy and intricate, the recipe dances with unexpected spices that whisper tales of cultural fusion.

Tangy mayonnaise embraces tender chicken in a harmonious blend that transcends ordinary meal preparations.

Aromatic hints of curry powder and apricot preserve infuse each bite with luxurious complexity.

Generations have cherished this iconic dish, transforming simple ingredients into a gastronomic experience.

Let this recipe transport you to a world of refined British culinary tradition that promises pure deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 2

Ingredients to Make Delia Smith Coronation Chicken

• Mayonnaise: Choose full-fat, creamy version for rich texture and smooth consistency.
• Plain Yogurt: Select thick, tangy yogurt to balance the sauce's richness and add gentle tang.

• Curry Powder, Ground Cumin, Turmeric, Ground Cinnamon, Paprika: Pick fresh, fragrant spices from reputable brands to ensure vibrant flavor profile.

• Mango Chutney: Opt for chunky, authentic chutney with balanced sweet and tangy notes.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Select ripe, juicy lemons for bright, zesty citrus undertones.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality sea salt for enhanced depth.

• Cooked Chicken Breast: Choose tender, well-seasoned chicken with minimal moisture for ideal texture.
• Fresh Cilantro: Pick bright green, crisp leaves without wilting for maximum herbaceous flavor.

Tools You’ll Need for Delia Smith’s Coronation Chicken

• Mixing bowl: Medium-sized vessel for combining sauce ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential tool for blending and smoothing sauce components.
• Measuring spoons: Precise utensils for adding spices and seasonings accurately.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for dicing chicken breast.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for cleanly chopping chicken and fresh cilantro.
• Sealed container: Airtight storage for chilling and storing the chicken mixture.
• Spoon or spatula: Useful for gently folding chicken and herbs into the sauce.

How to Make Coronation Chicken by Delia Smith

• Whip Up Zesty Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and unleash a flavor explosion by blending creamy mayo, tangy yogurt, and a vibrant mix of aromatic spices. Stir in mango chutney, sprinkle fragrant curry powder, and add a splash of fresh lemon juice. Whisk everything until the sauce transforms into a silky, golden-hued masterpiece that tingles your taste buds.

• Marry Chicken and Herbs

Gently fold tender, juicy chicken pieces into the spiced sauce, ensuring each morsel gets a luxurious coating. Sprinkle in fresh, bright cilantro for an extra burst of herbal freshness. The combination creates a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting, promising a flavor journey in every bite.

• Chill and Elevate

Let the mixture rest in the refrigerator for at least half an hour. This pause allows the spices to dance and mingle, intensifying the complex flavor profile. Serve this delectable chicken creation as a show-stopping sandwich filling, a vibrant salad topper, or an elegant party appetizer that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Flavor Upgrades for Delia Smith’s Chicken Recipe

• Boost Flavor Fusion: Let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to intensify the complex spice blend and allow ingredients to marry beautifully.
• Customize Your Protein: Swap chicken with rotisserie turkey, poached salmon, or roasted tofu for delightful alternative protein options that absorb the creamy sauce wonderfully.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust curry powder and paprika quantities to dial up heat or keep it mild, catering to individual taste preferences without compromising the signature flavor profile.
• Texture Enhancement Trick: Fold in toasted almonds or crispy chopped celery for unexpected crunch that elevates the creamy coronation chicken from simple to spectacular.

How to Serve Delia Smith’s Coronation Chicken Dish

• Create a Royal Sandwich Delight: Layer the coronation chicken between soft brioche or crusty sourdough bread for a quick, luxurious lunch that transports your taste buds to British culinary traditions.
• Craft a Vibrant Salad Centerpiece: Spread the chilled coronation chicken over a bed of mixed greens, adding sliced almonds and crisp cucumber for a refreshing, protein-packed meal with incredible texture.
• Design Elegant Party Appetizers: Serve the chicken mixture in endive leaves or on mini toast points for sophisticated finger food that will impress guests at cocktail parties or casual gatherings.
• Prepare Picnic-Perfect Wraps: Roll the coronation chicken in fresh butter lettuce or whole wheat tortillas for a portable, flavorful lunch that's easy to pack and enjoy outdoors.

Store and Reuse Coronation Chicken with These Tips

• Maximize Meal Preparation: Plan ahead by preparing the coronation chicken in large batches, storing portions in airtight containers for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store the prepared chicken mixture in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Smart Portioning: Divide the chicken mixture into individual serving sizes for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick snack options during busy days.
• Freezing Recommendations: Freeze the sauce-coated chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.

Legendary Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Delia Smith’s coronation chicken recipe blends tender chicken with a creamy, spiced mayonnaise sauce rich in British culinary heritage. Classic ingredients combine seamlessly, offering palates a delightful taste of royal-inspired comfort.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken breasts (cooked, diced)
• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (120 ml) plain yogurt
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) cilantro (fresh, chopped)
• 1 tsp (5 ml) curry powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) mango chutney
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) paprika
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) turmeric
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) cumin
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, and spice medley (curry powder, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon) in a spacious mixing bowl until uniformly blended, creating a vibrant and aromatic base.
2. Flavor Enhancement: Stir in mango chutney and lemon juice, transforming the mixture into a silky, complex sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to elevate the taste profile.
3. Chicken Integration: Delicately fold diced chicken pieces into the spiced sauce, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the creamy dressing. Sprinkle chopped cilantro throughout, distributing the herb for a fresh, zesty dimension.
4. Flavor Infusion: Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and develop a rich, nuanced flavor. Before serving, gently stir to reinvigorate the mixture and guarantee optimal taste distribution.

Notes

• Spice Balance Matters: Carefully measure each spice to achieve the perfect harmony of flavors without overwhelming the chicken.
• Chilling is Crucial: Refrigerating the salad allows the spices to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles and helps ingredients marry together.
• Chutney Selection Tip: Choose a high-quality mango chutney with balanced sweetness to enhance the overall sauce without making it too sugary.
• Fresh Herb Power: Use freshly chopped cilantro just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils into the dish.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg