Coronation Chicken is one of those quintessentially British dishes that brings back a flood of memories every time I make it. I first tasted it at a family picnic years ago. It was creamy, fruity, and spiced just right, served cold with a crusty baguette and fresh salad. I later learned it was inspired by the dish created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. Ever since then, I’ve been fascinated by its history and flavor. When I came across Mary Berry’s version, I knew I had to try it.
Mary Berry’s Coronation Chicken recipe is a refined take on the classic. It’s a little less heavy, with a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and spice. I was surprised at how easy it was to pull together, yet it felt elegant and timeless. It quickly became one of my favorite dishes to prepare for garden parties, casual lunches, and even sandwich fillings for road trips.
What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. It works beautifully with leftover roast chicken or freshly poached chicken breasts. The sauce is rich but not overwhelming, with just the right amount of curry flavor, tang from lemon, and sweetness from mango chutney or apricot jam.
If you’ve never made Coronation Chicken before, Mary Berry’s version is the perfect starting point. It captures all the tradition but feels modern enough for today’s table. It is a dish that tells a story with every bite, and I’m excited to share my go-to method for making it at home.
What is Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Recipe
It is a creamy and mildly spiced chicken dish made with cooked chicken pieces mixed in a sauce of mayonnaise, curry powder, mango chutney or apricot jam, lemon juice, and Greek yogurt. Mary Berry’s version brings a lighter, fresher balance while still staying true to the classic flavors.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe is a celebration of both tradition and flavor. It is easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is perfect served cold. Whether you are making sandwiches, filling a baked potato, or serving it as part of a summer buffet, it always impresses. The combination of spices, sweetness, and creaminess makes it truly unique and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients Needed
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500 grams cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
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150 grams mayonnaise
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100 grams full-fat Greek yogurt
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2 tablespoons mango chutney or apricot jam
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1 tablespoon mild curry powder
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Juice of half a lemon
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish (optional)
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A few slivered almonds or raisins for added texture (optional)
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Recipe
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Prepare your cooked chicken by shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover roast chicken or poach fresh chicken breasts and let them cool before chopping.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mango chutney or apricot jam, and curry powder. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and golden in color.
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Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir again to blend all the flavors.
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Add the cooked chicken to the bowl and gently fold it into the sauce until all the pieces are evenly coated.
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If you like, stir in some slivered almonds or raisins for added texture and flavor.
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Cover and chill the Coronation Chicken in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired. Serve cold.
Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 grams cooked chicken breast shredded or chopped
- 150 grams mayonnaise
- 100 grams full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mango chutney or apricot jam
- 1 tablespoon mild curry powder
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander or parsley for garnish optional
- A few slivered almonds or raisins for added texture optional
Instructions
- Prepare your cooked chicken by shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover roast chicken or poach fresh chicken breasts and let them cool before chopping.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mango chutney or apricot jam, and curry powder. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and golden in color.
- Squeeze in the juice of half a lemon and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir again to blend all the flavors.
- Add the cooked chicken to the bowl and gently fold it into the sauce until all the pieces are evenly coated.
- If you like, stir in some slivered almonds or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Cover and chill the Coronation Chicken in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired. Serve cold.
Notes
Use good quality chicken, preferably roasted for extra flavor. Let the chicken cool completely before mixing it with the sauce. Do not skip the chutney or jam. It adds the signature sweet note to balance the spice. Adjust the curry powder to your taste. Mild is traditional, but you can go spicier if you like. Chill the dish for at least an hour before serving for the best taste.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28 grams
- Fat: 24 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Recipe
This dish is perfect served in a sandwich, spooned over a green salad, or stuffed inside a warm baked potato. It also pairs well with couscous, rice salad, or crusty bread. For a picnic, I often wrap it in soft flatbreads with a bit of lettuce.
My Tips to Make the Best Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Recipe
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Use good quality chicken, preferably roasted for extra flavor.
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Let the chicken cool completely before mixing it with the sauce.
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Do not skip the chutney or jam. It adds the signature sweet note to balance the spice.
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Adjust the curry powder to your taste. Mild is traditional, but you can go spicier if you like.
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Chill the dish for at least an hour before serving for the best taste.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Recipe
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Add diced apple or celery for a crunchy bite.
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Use light mayo or yogurt for a lower-fat version.
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Swap the mango chutney with finely chopped dried apricots.
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For a vegan version, use cooked chickpeas instead of chicken and plant-based yogurt and mayo.
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Add a sprinkle of cayenne or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Best Way to Store Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Recipe
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
- Make sure the chicken is properly cooled before storing.
- Stir gently before serving as the sauce may separate slightly in the fridge.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
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Calories: 350
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Protein: 28 grams
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Fat: 24 grams
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Carbohydrates: 10 grams
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Sugar: 6 grams
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Fiber: 1 gram
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, in fact, it tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chutney and curry powder labels.
Can I freeze Coronation Chicken?
It is not recommended. The mayo and yogurt may separate upon thawing.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
You can use crème fraîche or plain natural yogurt, but avoid anything too runny.
How do I make it spicier?
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or use medium curry powder.
Conclusion
Coronation Chicken holds a special place in my heart. It reminds me of summer garden lunches, Royal-themed street parties, and those cozy indoor gatherings with family where this dish always made an appearance. Mary Berry’s version brought a freshness to this classic that made it feel just right for today’s table, and I’ve loved making it ever since.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is its versatility. It is just as suited to a weekday sandwich as it is to an elegant buffet. It comes together in minutes, yet tastes like something much more thoughtful and layered. Every time I make it, I’m amazed at how just a few ingredients can create something so rich in flavor.
I have shared this recipe with friends who had never heard of Coronation Chicken before, and they’ve all fallen in love with it. It has that comforting British charm and a hint of nostalgia, but it’s also practical, make-ahead friendly, and open to your own personal touches.
If you’re someone who loves recipes that are rooted in history but still adaptable to modern tastes, I really think you’ll enjoy making this. It is easy, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress—whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a quiet lunch.
So next time you have some leftover chicken and want to turn it into something truly special, give this recipe a try. It might just become a staple in your home, like it has in mine.
