Coronation Chicken Recipe Mary Berry
A creamy, dreamy, slightly curried chicken salad created for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation back in 1953. Mary Berry's version is straightforward, full of flavour, and pretty much foolproof.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cooked chicken boneless, skinless – shred it or dice it, whatever makes you happy! (Leftover rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon here!)
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise – Use a good quality one please! The creamy kind.
- 2 tbsp mango chutney – Finely chop this tangy goodness. It adds that signature sweetness.
- 2 tbsp apricot jam – For another layer of fruity sweetness. Yum!
- 1-2 tsp curry powder – Start with less you can always add more! Depends how much spice you like.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – Just a squeeze for brightness. Fresh is best!
- 2 tbsp slivered almonds toasted (optional, but adds lovely crunch!)
- 2 tbsp raisins or sultanas optional, for little bursts of sweetness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – To taste always!
Instructions
- Mix the Magic Dressing: Grab that big bowl. Dump in the mayonnaise, chopped mango chutney, apricot jam, curry powder (start with 1 tsp!), and lemon juice. Give it a good whisk until it's smooth and beautifully blended. Smell that? Delish!
- Add the Star: Gently fold in your cooked chicken. We want to coat every piece lovingly, but don't go wild mixing – we're making salad, not pâté! Think gentle encouragement, like getting my son to try a new veggie.
- Optional Goodies: Feeling nutty? Add those toasted almonds! Want some chewy sweetness? Toss in the raisins or sultanas. Stir 'em in gently. This is where you make it your own! It's kind of like my favorite chicken salad with grapes – those little extras make all the difference.
- Season it Right: Give it a little taste. Does it need salt? Pepper? A bit more curry? Adjust it now. Remember, the chutney and curry powder have flavour already, so add salt carefully. Trust your taste buds!
- Chill Out Time: Slap a lid or some plastic wrap on that bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets all those yummy flavours mingle and get happy together. Nonna always said food tastes better when it has time to rest!
- Serve it Up!: Time to shine! Serve your chilled Coronation Chicken. Pile it high on sandwiches (crusts on or off, your call!), spoon it over crisp lettuce leaves, stuff it in a baked potato, or just eat it with a fork! It's fantastic with some crusty bread on the side too.
Notes
This isn't just any chicken salad. It’s got personality! That mix of warm curry, sweet mango chutney, and tangy apricot jam is just chef's kiss. It's complex but totally harmonious. Hits all the right notes!
