Coronation Chicken Recipe

Shredded cooked chicken: The main protein, shredded to mix easily with the sauce.

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps hold everything together.

Curry powder: A blend of spices that gives the dish its warm, slightly spicy flavor.

Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds depth to the sauce.

Lemon juice: Brings a fresh, tangy brightness to balance the richness.

Chopped dried apricots: Sweet and chewy, they add a nice contrast in texture and taste.

Toasted sliced almonds: Crunchy nuts that give a lovely texture and nutty flavor.

One of the coolest steps in this Coronation Chicken Recipe is heating the curry powder and tomato paste together in a saucepan. This little trick really helps bring out the flavors and makes the dish taste so much better. Here’s how you can do it like a pro:

1. Put a small saucepan on medium heat.
2. Add the curry powder and the tomato paste right into the pan.
3. Stir them around gently with a spoon or spatula for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll start to smell the spices waking up!
4. Be careful not to burn the mixture—keep stirring and watch the heat.

Heating these ingredients first is like giving them a little warm-up before mixing them with the mayonnaise and other ingredients. It helps the spices release their oils and flavors, making the whole Coronation Chicken taste richer and more exciting. If you skip this step, the curry might taste a bit flat or less vibrant.

When I first tried this, I didn’t stir enough and ended up with a tiny burnt spot on the bottom of the pan. It wasn’t the end of the world, but it did add a slightly bitter taste. Now, I always keep the heat medium and stir constantly. Also, if you’re in a hurry, you can gently warm the mixture in the microwave for about 20 seconds instead of using the stove, but the stove method gives the best flavor.

This simple step makes a big difference and turns your shredded cooked chicken into something really special. Give it a try—you’ll notice the difference right away!

• 500 g shredded cooked chicken - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for chicken in this dish.

• 100 g mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, offering a healthier option with less fat.

• 2 tablespoon curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala has a warm, aromatic blend of spices that can mimic the flavor profile of curry powder.

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup adds a similar sweetness and tomato flavor, though it is slightly less concentrated than tomato paste.

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, making it a good alternative to lemon juice.

• 50 g chopped dried apricots - Substitute with raisins: Raisins offer a similar sweetness and chewy texture, complementing the dish's flavor profile.

• 50 g toasted sliced almonds - Substitute with toasted cashew nuts: Toasted cashew nuts provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the dish's texture.

• To keep your coronation chicken fresh and delightful, store it in an airtight container. This will help maintain its flavor and prevent any unwanted odors from mingling with your dish.

• Place the container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This ensures that the chicken remains tender and the mayonnaise mixture retains its creamy texture.

• If you wish to extend the life of your coronation chicken, freezing is a fantastic option. Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the container with the date of freezing, so you can keep track of its freshness. The coronation chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dish at your convenience.

• When you're ready to indulge in your frozen coronation chicken, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish.

• Once thawed, give it a gentle stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients, ensuring that the mayonnaise and curry powder blend harmoniously with the chicken and apricots.

• For an extra burst of freshness, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of freshly toasted almonds just before serving. This will elevate the flavors and add a delightful crunch to your dish.

• Gently warm the coronation chicken in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This method helps maintain the creamy texture of the mayonnaise and prevents the chicken from drying out.

• Use a microwave-safe dish to reheat the coronation chicken in the microwave. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the desired temperature is reached.

• For a slightly different twist, spread the coronation chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10-15 minutes. This method can add a slight crisp to the almonds while keeping the chicken moist.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, place the coronation chicken in a non-stick skillet and add a splash of lemon juice or a bit more mayonnaise to refresh the flavors. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

• Saucepan: Use this to heat the curry powder and tomato paste, allowing the flavors to meld together.

• Mixing bowl: This is essential for combining the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry-tomato mixture with the chicken, apricots, and almonds.

• Spatula: Handy for mixing the ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.

• Measuring spoons: These will help you accurately measure the curry powder, tomato paste, and lemon juice.

• Measuring cup: Useful for measuring the mayonnaise and ensuring you have the right amount.

• Knife: Needed for chopping the dried apricots into smaller pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the apricots.

• Refrigerator: Essential for chilling the coronation chicken mixture before serving.

Pre-cook the chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time on preparation.

Toast in bulk: Toast a larger batch of sliced almonds and store them for future recipes.

Mix the sauce ahead: Combine mayonnaise, curry powder, tomato paste, and lemon juice in advance and refrigerate.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop dried apricots using a food processor to save chopping time.

Batch preparation: Make a larger quantity and store portions in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.