Description
Jamie Oliver’s coronation chicken brings British culinary heritage to life with zingy yogurt, tender chicken, and aromatic spices. Golden raisins and almonds add delightful texture, making this classic dish a perfect lunch or picnic companion you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 large skinless chicken breasts (600 g or 21.2 ounces or 6 cups), cooked and shredded or cut into chunks
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 teaspoons mild curry powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon double-concentrated tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons white onion (or 1 shallot), finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon brown sugar
- Salt & pepper to taste
Liquid and Creamy Components:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 60 ml (2 fluid ounces) red wine
- 60 ml (2 fluid ounces) water
- 200 g (7.1 ounces) mayonnaise
- 125 g (4.4 ounces) creme fraiche (or unsweetened whipped cream)
- 1 tablespoon dried apricots, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons toasted almond flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Initiate the sauce preparation by gently warming olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-low temperature, creating a fragrant base for the Coronation sauce.
- Introduce aromatic ingredients including diced onions, a whole bay leaf, and rich curry powder, sautéing for approximately 2 minutes to develop complex flavor profiles.
- Pour in concentrated tomato paste, robust red wine, and clean water, allowing the mixture to reach a delicate simmer that promotes ingredient integration.
- Enhance the sauce’s depth by incorporating freshly squeezed lemon juice, a subtle touch of granulated sugar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, continuing to simmer for 2 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a smooth, refined texture, then allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature.
- In a generously sized mixing bowl, blend the cooled sauce with creamy mayonnaise, luxurious crème fraîche, and finely chopped dried apricots, creating a harmonious and rich coating.
- Gently fold tender, pre-cooked chicken chunks into the sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly and generously coated with the flavorful mixture.
- For added texture and nutty complexity, sprinkle toasted almond flakes throughout the chicken mixture.
- Serve the Coronation Chicken as a versatile dish – atop fresh salad greens, accompanying steamed rice, stuffed within fluffy jacket potatoes, or nestled between soft sandwich bread.
Notes
- Toasting almond flakes provides a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that transforms the dish’s texture and flavor profile.
- Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top create an unexpected burst of bright, fresh flavor.
- Originally crafted to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, this dish has become a cherished British culinary tradition.
- Incredibly adaptable, the recipe can easily morph into sandwiches, salads, or a delicious accompaniment served over fluffy rice.
- Stores perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy home cooks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: UK
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 487 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 91 mg