Regal Curried Chicken Salad

Experience the magic of Coronation Chicken Salad, a truly iconic British dish that has delighted generations! This exquisite salad brings together succulent cold cooked chicken, tender dried apricots, crunchy toasted almonds, and vibrant spring onions, all generously coated in a rich, creamy, and aromatic curry-flavored dressing. My version promises a fresh and vibrant twist on the classic, ensuring a truly delicious culinary experience for every food lover.

If you appreciate hearty and satisfying salads that can stand alone as a complete meal, you might also enjoy another reader favorite: Potato and Chicken Salad ‘Olivier’.

Coronation Chicken Salad holds a cherished spot in British culinary tradition, especially for lunches, picnics, and garden parties. Yet, despite its widespread popularity across the United Kingdom, it often remains a delightful discovery for those outside the British Isles. Many, like myself before moving to London years ago, are unfamiliar with this unique blend of flavors that defines a true British classic.

Like many beloved traditional recipes, Coronation Chicken is readily available in nearly every UK supermarket and deli. While this accessibility is wonderful for introducing tourists and newcomers to a local specialty, it can also be a double-edged sword. Unfortunately, many mass-produced versions of this almost century-old salad often fall short, lacking the depth of flavor and freshness that make the homemade rendition truly special. This can lead to a less-than-favorable first impression of what is, in essence, a culinary gem.

The Regal History of Coronation Chicken Salad

The concept of Coronation Chicken was undoubtedly inspired by the earlier Jubilee Chicken, a dish created to celebrate the silver jubilee of King George V. However, the enduring legacy of this particular chicken salad began with a much grander event: the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

This iconic recipe was specifically conceived by the prestigious culinary school Le Cordon Bleu London. It was designed to be the centerpiece of the coronation luncheon in 1953, a significant event marking a new era. The venue for this royal luncheon presented a unique challenge: a small kitchen that necessitated a simple yet elegant menu. Thus, Poulet Reine Elizabeth, or Coronation Chicken as it’s now widely known, was born. It truly is a delicate and sophisticated salad, perfectly befitting a queen.

While today Coronation Chicken might appear as a relatively humble yet delicious dish, its initial unveiling occurred in a very different context. In post-World War II Britain, stringent rationing was still in effect, making luxurious ingredients scarce. Therefore, this dish, featuring tender chicken and exotic spices, was considered incredibly aspirational and a true luxury at the time. It was served to a select few, symbolizing a return to prosperity and celebration. Since then, it has blossomed in popularity, evolving slightly over the decades while retaining its original charm and allure.

Crafting the Perfect Coronation Chicken: Ingredients and My Twist

As the name suggests, cooked chicken forms the foundation of this salad, a common yet versatile ingredient. But what truly elevates this to a “coronation” dish, you might ask? The secret lies in its unique, curry-flavored dressing, traditionally combined with dried fruits and nuts. While I deeply appreciate classic recipes, I felt there was room to enhance the original, to infuse it with a personal touch that boosts its freshness and overall flavor profile.

Though I wasn’t among the privileged guests at the 1953 coronation luncheon, I can confidently say that my rendition of Coronation Chicken Salad offers a brighter, more vibrant, and undeniably tastier experience than most store-bought alternatives available today. I’ve meticulously preserved the essence of the classic: a delightful cold chicken salad enveloped in a creamy, aromatic curry dressing. My key innovation involves swapping the more common sultanas for succulent dried apricots, which provide a beautiful tangy sweetness that closely mirrors the apricot jam used in the very first recipe. This subtle change adds a layer of sophistication and depth.

Furthermore, I’ve introduced fresh rocket (arugula) for a peppery bite, thinly sliced spring onions for a mild oniony crunch, fragrant fresh coriander (cilantro) for herbaceous notes, and a sprinkle of black sesame seeds (or Nigella seeds for an authentic touch) to add visual appeal and a delicate nutty flavor. These additions transform the salad from merely good to truly exceptional, offering a balanced interplay of textures and tastes.

For ultimate convenience, using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken makes this salad incredibly quick to assemble. It’s an ideal recipe for repurposing leftover roast chicken, ensuring no delicious morsel goes to waste. If you’re starting from scratch and need chicken cooked rapidly, my air fryer whole chicken recipe is a game-changer – just 45 minutes and your chicken is ready!

However, the true star of this Coronation Chicken Salad, the element that truly distinguishes it, is the exquisite dressing. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and profoundly fragrant notes. This dressing expertly binds all the components, creating a dish that feels both comfortingly familiar and delightfully exotic, a testament to its royal heritage and modern interpretation.

Versatile Serving Suggestions for Coronation Chicken

With the generous amount of fresh greens incorporated into my Coronation Chicken Salad, it transforms into a wonderfully light yet satisfying main dish, ideal for a wholesome lunch. Its robust and refreshing qualities make it an outstanding choice for outdoor dining, whether you’re heading to a vibrant barbecue or packing a delightful picnic basket.

However, my absolute favorite way to savor this incredible dish goes beyond the bowl. Coronation Chicken truly shines as the star of an epic sandwich or wrap, destined to make you the envy of your entire office! Pile it high between slices of delicious homemade sourdough bread, or tuck it into a soft wrap with extra greens. The creamy, savory, and subtly sweet filling is simply irresistible and guarantees a truly satisfying meal. Consider serving it alongside crisp lettuce cups, as a topping for baked potatoes, or even on crackers for an elegant appetizer.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

One of the many benefits of Coronation Chicken Salad is its excellent keeping quality. Stored properly, it will remain fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to three days. This makes it a perfect candidate for meal prepping – simply prepare a batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-eat lunches for days to come.

To preserve its flavors and prevent any unwanted absorption of fridge odors, always store your Coronation Chicken Salad in an airtight container. As mentioned in our tips, if you plan to enjoy the salad over several days, it’s best to add any fresh rocket or arugula right before serving each portion. This ensures the greens remain crisp and vibrant, enhancing the overall experience.

Explore More Delightful Chicken Salad Recipes

• Best Keto Cabbage Salad with Chicken
• Middle Eastern Salad Bowl
• Thai Grilled Chicken Salad

For even more culinary inspiration, feel free to explore our extensive Salad Recipe Collection. There, you’ll discover a diverse array of recipes, ranging from simple yet elegant side salads to elaborate and incredibly satisfying main course salads that are sure to impress.

Rated 5 stars from 3 votes

Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe

By
Julia Frey of Vikalinka

Prep:
20 mins

Total:
20 mins

Servings:
6

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Coronation Chicken Salad is a timeless British classic that got an facelift! A winning combination of the savoury, sweet and spicy this salad is a hit!

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 700g/3 cups cooked chicken, skins and bones removed and chopped
• 2 tbsp spring/green onions, sliced
• 10 dried apricots, chopped
• 2 tbsp sliced almonds, toasted
• 3 tbsp fresh coriander/cilantro, chopped
• 50g/2 cups rocket/arugula
• 1 tbsp black sesame seeds, or nigella seeds
• salt, to taste

For the Salad Dressing

• 80ml/1/3 cup plain yogurt
• 60ml/1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp curry powder, fresh and good quality
• 1 tbsp mango chutney
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

• In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the yogurt, mayonnaise, curry powder, mango chutney, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Stir with a fork or whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth. Set this dressing aside.
• In a dry frying pan, toast the sliced almonds over low heat. Stir frequently to ensure even toasting. As soon as they begin to turn light golden and become fragrant, immediately remove them from the heat and spread them on a plate to cool completely. This prevents burning and keeps them crisp.
• If using a whole cooked chicken, remove the flesh from the bones and discard the skin. Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized chunks, ensuring uniform pieces for the salad.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, sliced spring onions, chopped dried apricots, cooled toasted sliced almonds, and fresh coriander/cilantro. Gently add the prepared salad dressing and season with salt to taste. Mix everything gently until all ingredients are well coated. Just before serving, fold in the rocket/arugula and sprinkle with black sesame seeds for garnish.

Notes

For optimal freshness, only add the rocket or arugula if you plan on eating the salad right away. If preparing in advance, add the greens just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 401kcal |
Carbohydrates: 13g |
Protein: 29g |
Fat: 25g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Cholesterol: 92mg |
Sodium: 158mg |
Potassium: 472mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 10g |
Vitamin A: 900IU |
Vitamin C: 2.9mg |
Calcium: 72mg |
Iron: 2.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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