Coronation Chicken Recipe

I first made Coronation Chicken because I had leftover chicken breasts and absolutely no plan. I’d heard of it before but always thought it sounded a little… formal.

Like something served at a garden party where people say things like “splendid.”

Turns out, it’s basically creamy, slightly sweet, mildly curried chicken salad. Which is very much my kind of thing.

The first time I made it, I added too much curry powder and panicked. Then I stirred in a little extra yogurt and mayo and suddenly I looked like I knew what I was doing.

That’s the kind of cooking confidence I can get behind.

Now it’s my go-to when I want something that feels a bit different but still easy.

Why I Keep Making This Dish (The Real Reasons)

1. Big flavor, low effort: Stir, bake, mix. Done.
2. Make-ahead magic: Tastes better after sitting.
3. Sweet and savory combo: Mango chutney does not mess around.
4. Flexible texture: Chop it chunky or shred it fine.
5. Lunch upgrade: Makes sandwiches way less boring.
6. No stovetop stress: Oven or air fryer both work.
7. Feels slightly fancy: But secretly very simple.

Tips I Learned the Hard Way

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Dry chicken ruins everything.
• Let it cool before mixing: Warm chicken makes the sauce loose.
• Taste before adding extra curry: It builds fast.
• Chop apricots small: Big pieces throw off the texture.
• Use full-fat mayo if possible: It just tastes better.
• Salt at the end: Mayo and chutney already bring flavor.
• Toast the almonds: It makes a real difference.
• Rest in the fridge: Even 30 minutes helps the flavors settle.

Variations You Can Mess Around With

1. Spicier version: Add an extra teaspoon of curry powder.
2. Raisin swap: Use golden raisins instead of apricots.
3. Lighter option: Use more Greek yogurt, less mayo.
4. Wrap it up: Stuff into tortillas or flatbread.
5. Lettuce cups: Fresh and crunchy.
6. Add crunch: Celery works surprisingly well.
7. Extra chutney: For more sweetness and depth.

How To Make Coronation Chicken?

Ingredients

To Cook the Chicken:

• 650 g (1.4 lb) chicken breasts, about 4 breasts
• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon mild curry powder

For The Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mango chutney
• 2 teaspoons mild curry powder (add 1 teaspoon more if you prefer stronger flavor)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 50 g (2 oz) dried apricots, chopped into 1 cm pieces

To Serve:

• 2 tablespoons flaked toasted almonds

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 2:
In a large bowl, mix the chicken breasts with the Greek yogurt and curry powder until well coated.

Step 3:
Place the chicken on a lined or lightly oiled baking tray. Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until fully cooked. Cooking time will vary depending on thickness, so check that it’s done. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 4:
If using an air fryer, lightly spray the basket with oil. Add the coated chicken breasts and spray the tops lightly with oil. Air fry at 200°C/400°F for 10 to 15 minutes until cooked through. Set aside to cool.

Step 5:
Once cooled, shred, slice, or chop the chicken into small pieces, about 1 cm cubes if chopping.

Step 6:
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mango chutney, curry powder, salt, pepper, and chopped dried apricots. Add the chicken and mix until everything is well coated.

Step 7:
Sprinkle with toasted flaked almonds before serving.

Coronation Chicken Recipe

Coronation Chicken is a creamy, mildly curried chicken dish made with roasted or air-fried chicken breasts mixed with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mango chutney, and dried apricots.

Finished with toasted almonds, it’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or meal prep. Ready in about 10 minutes prep plus cooking time, and even better the next day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 312

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 650 g 1.4 lb chicken breasts, about 4 breasts
• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon mild curry powder
• 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mango chutney
• 2 teaspoons mild curry powder add 1 teaspoon more if you prefer stronger flavor
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 50 g 2 oz dried apricots, chopped into 1 cm pieces
• 2 tablespoons flaked toasted almonds

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix the chicken breasts with the Greek yogurt and curry powder until well coated.
3. Place the chicken on a lined or lightly oiled baking tray. Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until fully cooked. Cooking time will vary depending on thickness, so check that it’s done. Set aside to cool completely.
4. If using an air fryer, lightly spray the basket with oil. Add the coated chicken breasts and spray the tops lightly with oil. Air fry at 200°C/400°F for 10 to 15 minutes until cooked through. Set aside to cool.
5. Once cooled, shred, slice, or chop the chicken into small pieces, about 1 cm cubes if chopping.
6. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mango chutney, curry powder, salt, pepper, and chopped dried apricots. Add the chicken and mix until everything is well coated.
7. Sprinkle with toasted flaked almonds before serving.

Notes

Coronation Chicken sounds formal, but it’s really just a creamy, slightly sweet, comforting chicken salad with personality.

It’s easy, flexible, and the kind of recipe that quietly becomes a regular in your kitchen.

 

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient size, quality, brand, location, and the proportions used. All nutritional information is calculated on a per-serving basis.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

How I Like to Serve This

• In a sandwich: Soft bread, lots of filling.
• On a baked potato: Surprisingly good.
• With salad greens: Quick light dinner.
• Stuffed in a croissant: Maximum comfort.
• On crackers: Easy party snack.
• In meal prep boxes: Lunch sorted for days.

Storage, Leftovers, and Next-Day Thoughts

• Fridge life: Keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Flavor improves: Tastes even better the next day.
• Stir before serving: Sauce may settle slightly.
• Do not freeze: Mayo-based sauces don’t love freezing.
• Keep almonds separate: Add just before serving for crunch.
• Meal prep win: Great for ready-to-go lunches.

FAQs (Real Questions People Actually Ask)

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it works perfectly.

Is it spicy?
No, it’s mild. Add more curry powder if you want heat.

Can I skip the apricots?
You can, but they add a nice sweetness.

What kind of curry powder should I use?
Mild works best here.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free yogurt and mayo.

Why is mine watery?
The chicken may have been too warm when mixed.

Can I make it the day before?
Absolutely. It’s better that way.