The Royal Delight: Coronation Chicken Recipe Fit for Kings

Nestled in british culinary history, this coronation chicken recipe celebrates a regal dish created for queen elizabeth ii’s coronation in 1953.

Chefs at the time sought to craft something memorable and delicious for the grand occasion.

Vibrant and creamy, the recipe blends tender chicken with a luxurious sauce that hints at exotic spices.

Soft mayonnaise and mild curry powder form the classic base, bringing together rich flavors that feel both traditional and contemporary.

Unexpected ingredients like apricot preserve add a subtle sweetness that makes this dish truly special.

Sweet and tangy notes dance across your palate, creating a delightful experience that connects you to a remarkable moment in royal cuisine.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this classic british favorite.

Why James Martin Coronation Chicken Is Full Of Flavor

• Culinary Heritage Delight: Celebrate the rich British culinary tradition with this iconic recipe that brings royal-inspired flavors to your table.
• Master Flavor Complexity: Experience a sophisticated blend of curry, apricots, and creamy sauce that transforms simple chicken into a gourmet masterpiece.
• Versatile Serving Champion: Enjoy this dish in multiple ways – from sandwiches and salads to rice accompaniments, making it perfect for lunch, picnics, or dinner parties.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels or adding extra ingredients to suit different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes Into James Martin Coronation Chicken

• Chicken Breast: A tender and lean protein that serves as the primary component of this classic British dish.
• Mayonnaise: A creamy condiment that provides richness and smooth texture to the chicken mixture.
• Creme Fraiche: A luxurious dairy product that adds a tangy and silky element to the recipe.

• Curry Powder: A spice blend that introduces warm and aromatic notes to the dish.
• Onion: A foundational ingredient that adds depth and subtle sweetness to the sauce.
• Bay Leaf: An herb that imparts a gentle, earthy flavor to the cooking process.

• Tomato Paste, Red Wine, Water: A combination that creates a rich and balanced liquid base for the sauce.
• Lemon Juice, Sugar: Ingredients that balance the flavor profile with brightness and subtle sweetness.
• Salt, Freshly Crushed Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Apricots: A sweet and tangy fruit that adds texture and complexity to the chicken mixture.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A cooking oil used to sauté the initial ingredients.
• Toasted Almond Shavings: An optional garnish that provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Steps To Make James Martin Coronation Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Onion
• Bay leaf
• Curry powder

Cook gently for two minutes to release deep, rich flavors.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Liquid

• Tomato paste
• Red wine
• Water

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Balance Sauce Flavors

Stir in lemon juice and sugar. Season with salt and freshly crushed black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer until slightly reduced.

Step 4: Cool and Strain Sauce

Remove from heat. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve and let it cool completely.

Step 5: Blend Creamy Mixture

• Cooled sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Creme fraiche
• Chopped apricots

Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, rich sauce.

Step 6: Incorporate Chicken

Gently fold prepared chicken breast into the creamy sauce. Ensure even coating.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touch

Sprinkle toasted almond shavings on top for extra crunch and texture.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the coronation chicken alongside salad, rice, jacket potatoes, or between sandwich bread. Bon appétit!

Tips To Get James Martin Coronation Chicken Just Right

• Simmer Slowly: Cook the sauce on low heat to develop rich, deep flavors without burning the spices or onions.
• Strain for Smoothness: Pass the sauce through a fine sieve to remove any lumps, creating a silky-smooth base for the chicken.
• Balance Flavors Carefully: Adjust salt, sugar, and lemon juice to create a perfect sweet-tangy balance that complements the curry notes.
• Chill Before Mixing: Allow the sauce to cool completely before combining with mayonnaise to prevent separation and maintain creamy texture.
• Fold Gently: Mix the chicken and sauce delicately to keep the meat tender and evenly coated without breaking the chicken pieces.

Tasty Variations For James Martin Coronation Chicken

• Vegetarian Coronation Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, maintaining the creamy sauce and spice profile for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Swap curry powder with za'atar spice blend and add roasted red peppers for a Middle Eastern-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, remove sugar, and serve with cauliflower rice or crisp lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute creme fraiche with coconut cream and use vegan mayonnaise to create an allergen-friendly recipe that keeps the original's rich flavor.

Pairing Suggestions For James Martin Coronation Chicken

• Elevate Flavor Pairings for Coronation Chicken
• Crisp White Wine Match: Opt for a chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the curry and fruity notes, cutting through the creamy sauce with bright acidity.
• Crunchy Side Companion: Serve alongside a fresh cucumber and mint salad to provide a cool, light contrast to the rich, spiced chicken mixture.
• Textural Bread Partner: Select toasted sourdough or brioche to add a satisfying crunch and help soak up the delectable coronation sauce, enhancing the overall eating experience.
• Herb Garnish Booster: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or chopped chives on top to introduce a vibrant, green freshness that lifts the complex flavor profile of the dish.

How To Store James Martin Coronation Chicken Properly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep chicken mixture covered to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Carefully place coronation chicken in a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing if mayonnaise is already mixed in, as it can separate when thawed.
• Gently warm refrigerated coronation chicken in microwave for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to ensure even heating. Alternatively, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore original texture.

FAQs About James Martin Coronation Chicken

• What is the origin of Coronation Chicken?

This dish was created in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume, chefs at the Cordon Bleu Cookery School in London.

• Is this a traditional British recipe?

Yes, Coronation Chicken is a classic British recipe that has been popular for decades, often served at celebrations and picnics across the United Kingdom.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

While chicken is traditional, you can substitute turkey or rotisserie chicken for a similar flavor profile and texture.

• How spicy is this Coronation Chicken recipe?

The curry powder provides a mild, warm spice level that’s not overly hot, making it suitable for most taste preferences.

Coronation Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Regal “Coronation Chicken” brings British culinary heritage to life with its creamy, spiced sauce and tender meat. Perfectly balanced flavors celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation feast, inviting you to savor a delightful slice of royal gastronomy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large skinless chicken breasts, (600 g or 21 ounces)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Sauce Base:

• 200 g (7 ounces) mayonnaise
• 125 g (4.4 ounces) creme fraiche
• 2 teaspoons mild curry powder
• 1 teaspoon double-concentrated tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon brown sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white onion (or 1 shallot), finely chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 60 ml (2 fluid ounces) red wine
• 60 ml (2 fluid ounces) water
• 1 tablespoon dried apricots, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons toasted almond flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a flavor-packed sauce by sautéing onions with curry powder in olive oil over medium-low heat for two minutes, releasing aromatic spices.
2. Introduce tomato paste, red wine, and water to the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop deep, complex flavors.
3. Enhance the sauce with lemon juice and sugar, balancing tangy and sweet notes while seasoning with salt and black pepper.
4. Reduce the sauce for two minutes until slightly thickened, then strain through a fine sieve and cool completely to concentrate flavors.
5. Blend the cooled sauce with mayonnaise, creme fraiche, and finely chopped apricots in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a creamy, fruity base.
6. Fold cooked chicken breast into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously coated with the vibrant mixture.
7. Garnish with toasted almond shavings for an additional layer of texture and nutty complexity.
8. Serve this classic British dish alongside crisp salad, fluffy rice, jacket potatoes, or between soft sandwich bread for a versatile meal.

Notes

• Choose high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Toast almonds briefly in a dry pan to enhance their nutty aroma and add extra crunch to the dish.
• Adjust curry powder quantity based on personal spice preference, starting with less and adding gradually.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version that still maintains creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 457 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg