Easy Royal Delight: Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe

Delia Smith’s coronation chicken transformed culinary landscapes with its regal and sophisticated flavors.

Historical royal celebrations inspired this iconic British creation decades ago.

Creamy and complex, the recipe blends unexpected spices into a delightful mixture that feels both nostalgic and modern.

Rich cultural heritage mingles seamlessly with delectable ingredients in this beloved dish.

Balanced combinations of tangy and smooth textures make it a crowd-pleasing favorite for gatherings and casual meals.

Each bite tells a story of elegant simplicity and refined taste.

Prepare to elevate your cooking skills with this timeless classic: you won’t regret trying it.

Why Delia’s Coronation Chicken Recipe Still Reigns

• Blend Vibrant Spices: Dive into a flavor explosion with this recipe's unique spice combination, mixing curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon that creates a warm, complex taste profile perfect for adventurous palates.
• Quick Chill and Serve: Enjoy a hassle-free meal preparation that takes less than two hours, with a simple 30-minute chilling time that allows flavors to meld together beautifully, making it ideal for busy home cooks.
• Creamy Texture Delight: Experience a luxurious blend of mayonnaise and yogurt that coats tender chicken pieces, creating a smooth, rich sauce with a tangy undertone that makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Discover a crowd-friendly dish that works perfectly for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings, offering a classic British-inspired recipe that can be served as a salad, sandwich filling, or elegant appetizer.

What You’ll Need for Delia’s Chicken Masterpiece

• Mayonnaise: Smooth and rich base that provides creaminess and binds the sauce together.
• Yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightens the sauce with a smooth texture.

• Curry Powder: Classic spice blend that gives traditional Coronation Chicken its signature flavor.
• Mango Chutney: Sweet and tangy condiment that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that balances and lifts the overall flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing taste.

• Paprika: Adds mild sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Turmeric: Provides warm, earthy notes and golden hue.
• Cumin: Introduces a deep, warm spice character.
• Cinnamon: Subtle warmth and complexity to the spice blend.

• Chicken: Lean protein and main component of the salad.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds brightness and herbal notes to the dish.

Making Coronation Chicken the Delia Way

Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Plain yogurt
• Curry powder
• Mango chutney
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Ground cumin
• Ground cinnamon
• Fresh lemon juice

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well blended, creating a rich and aromatic sauce that captures the essence of classic coronation chicken.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Fresh Herbs

Fold in of cooked, diced chicken breast and of freshly chopped cilantro into the prepared sauce. Gently mix to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated with the creamy, spiced dressing.

Step 3: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Transfer the chicken mixture to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more intense and delicious taste profile. Serve chilled as a sandwich filling, salad topping, or elegant appetizer.

Handy Tips for Delia’s Chicken Classic

• Customize Your Curry: Adjust the curry powder intensity to match your spice tolerance.
• Switch Up the Protein: Rotisserie or poached chicken delivers the most tender, flavorful results.
• Texture Transformation: Increase mayonnaise for a creamier, richer sauce consistency.
• Versatile Serving Style: Plate over fluffy rice, toast, or crisp crackers for different experiences.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Mix in chopped herbs like chives or parsley for extra freshness and color.

Save and Store Delia’s Coronation Chicken the Right Way

• Airtight Container Method: Seal your Coronation Chicken in a high-quality glass or hard plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Press out excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor integrity. Refrigerate immediately after cooling to preserve texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Portion Separation Method: Divide the chicken into individual serving sizes before storing. This strategy allows you to thaw exactly what you need without compromising the entire batch. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a labeled freezer bag for easy identification and maximum freshness.
• Vacuum Sealing Method: Use a vacuum sealer for ultimate preservation and taste protection. Remove all air pockets that could introduce moisture or freezer damage. This professional technique extends storage life and keeps your Coronation Chicken tasting freshly prepared when you're ready to enjoy it again.

Take the Flavor Further: Delia’s Recipe Ideas

• British Garden Party Remix: Swap mango chutney for homemade apple chutney and add toasted almond slivers for extra crunch and traditional English garden party flair.
• Spicy Mediterranean Makeover: Replace curry powder with harissa paste, add roasted red peppers, and garnish with fresh mint for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Style: Serve the coronation chicken mixture inside crisp butter lettuce leaves instead of traditional bread, perfect for lighter meal options and reducing carbohydrate intake.
• Grilled Chicken Upgrade: Use freshly grilled chicken breasts instead of pre-cooked chicken, quickly charred and seasoned with light smoky notes for enhanced flavor profile.

What We Took Away From Delia’s Royal Chicken Dish

Delia Smith’s Coronation Chicken whispers British culinary history with each creamy, spice-laden bite.

Cultural narratives blend seamlessly through her masterful recipe, connecting royal celebrations to modern palates.

Subtle curry undertones dance with tangy mango chutney, creating a symphony of flavors that enchant taste buds.

Chicken becomes a canvas for complex spice profiles, transforming simple ingredients into an elegant dish.

Cilantro adds fresh brightness, completing this quintessential British classic with unexpected depth.

Savor each spoonful, share this timeless recipe with friends, click those like buttons, spread culinary joy, and let conversation bloom around this iconic meal.

Delia Smith Coronation Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Delia Smith’s coronation chicken brings regal British flavor to your table. Creamy, tangy sauce blends perfectly with tender chicken, offering a classic taste of celebration that will delight you at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, diced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) curry powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) mango chutney
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) paprika
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) cumin
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) chopped fresh cilantro

Creamy Base:

• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (120 ml) plain yogurt

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Instructions

1. Whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, and a vibrant blend of spices (curry powder, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon) in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
2. Incorporate the tangy mango chutney and fresh lemon juice, stirring to create a smooth, aromatic sauce.
3. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
4. Gently fold in the diced chicken pieces, coating each morsel completely with the creamy, spice-infused dressing.
5. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro throughout the mixture, distributing the herb evenly for a burst of bright, herbal notes.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
7. Before serving, give the chicken salad a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients and ensure maximum flavor integration.

Notes

• Transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary journey celebrating post-colonial British cuisine.
• Originated as a royal favorite during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation celebration, instantly capturing national imagination.
• Merges tender chicken pieces with a luxurious curry-infused cream sauce that dances between sweet and spicy notes.
• Delivers maximum flavor when ingredients rest together, allowing spices to develop complex, harmonious undertones.
• Incredibly versatile for picnics, lunches, or elegant sandwich preparations that impress guests effortlessly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: UK

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg