Coronation Chicken Recipe Mary Berry Easy Creamy British Classic

Coronation Chicken Recipe Mary Berry Style – Creamy, Mild & Easy

If you love classic British food, this Coronation Chicken recipe Mary Berry style is one to keep in your recipe collection. It combines tender cooked chicken with a creamy curry dressing, sweet mango chutney, sultanas and a little lemon juice. The result is a mild, fruity and savoury dish that is incredibly easy to make at home.

It is especially useful when you have leftover roast chicken in the fridge. Serve it in sandwiches, wraps, jacket potatoes or alongside a fresh salad for an easy lunch.

What Is Coronation Chicken?

Coronation Chicken is a traditional British chicken dish made with cooked chicken and a creamy curry sauce. The dressing usually includes mayonnaise, curry powder and a sweet ingredient such as mango chutney.

The dish was created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and became a well-known part of British food culture.

Unlike a hot curry, Coronation Chicken is normally served cold. Its flavour is gentle, creamy, fruity and slightly spiced.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy chicken recipe is perfect for busy days because there is very little cooking involved once you have cooked chicken ready.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Ready in around 15 minutes
• Great for leftover roast chicken
• Mild enough for most families
• Creamy and full of flavour
• Easy to prepare ahead
• Perfect for sandwiches and lunches
• Delicious served cold
• Easy to customise

The longer the finished mixture rests in the fridge, the more time the flavours have to come together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long shopping list for this recipe.

For the Chicken

• 500g cooked chicken
• 150g mayonnaise
• 100g Greek yoghurt
• 2 tablespoons mango chutney
• 1–2 teaspoons mild curry powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 50g sultanas
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander or parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Extras

For a little extra texture and flavour, you can also add:

• Flaked almonds
• Chopped dried apricots
• Fresh mango
• A pinch of chilli powder
• Extra fresh herbs

What Type of Chicken Is Best?

Leftover roast chicken is one of the easiest choices because it is already cooked and usually has plenty of flavour.

Chicken breast gives you a lighter result, while cooked chicken thighs have a richer taste and softer texture.

You can also use freshly poached chicken if you don’t have leftovers available.

The important thing is to let the chicken cool completely before mixing it with the dressing.

How to Make Coronation Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken

Remove the skin and bones from the cooked chicken if necessary.

Cut or shred the meat into small, bite-sized pieces. Put it into a large mixing bowl.

2. Make the Creamy Dressing

In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, mango chutney, curry powder and lemon juice.

Stir until smooth.

3. Add the Sultanas

Mix the sultanas into the dressing.

They add a gentle sweetness that balances the curry flavour beautifully.

4. Combine With the Chicken

Pour the dressing over the chicken.

Gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.

Don’t stir too aggressively, as you want the chicken pieces to remain intact.

5. Taste and Adjust

Have a quick taste before serving.

Add a little more mango chutney if you prefer a sweeter flavour, or a little extra curry powder if you want more spice.

Season with salt and black pepper.

6. Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This short resting time allows the flavours to develop.

How Should Coronation Chicken Taste?

A good Coronation Chicken should have a balanced flavour rather than tasting strongly of curry.

You should notice:

Creaminess from the mayonnaise and yoghurt.

Gentle warmth from the curry powder.

Sweetness from the mango chutney and sultanas.

Freshness from the lemon juice and herbs.

If one flavour is too strong, simply adjust the dressing before serving.

My Best Tips for Getting It Right

The easiest way to improve this recipe is to taste as you go.

Start With Less Curry Powder

Different curry powders have different strengths. Start with one teaspoon and add more if necessary.

Don’t Overdo the Chutney

Mango chutney adds sweetness, but too much can make the finished dish overly sweet.

Let It Rest

Don’t serve it immediately if you have time. A short rest in the fridge gives the flavours a chance to blend.

Use Good-Quality Chicken

Because chicken is the main ingredient, well-cooked, tender chicken makes a noticeable difference.

Keep the Texture

Cut the chicken into small pieces rather than shredding it too finely. This gives the finished dish a much better texture.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

You can adapt this recipe depending on what you have in the kitchen.

No Greek Yoghurt?

Use natural yoghurt instead.

No Mango Chutney?

Try a mild apricot chutney or another fruity chutney.

Don’t Like Sultanas?

Use chopped dried apricots or dried cranberries.

Don’t Like Coriander?

Fresh parsley is an easy alternative.

Want More Heat?

Add a small pinch of chilli powder or use medium curry powder.

Healthier Coronation Chicken

If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can easily change the dressing.

Use more Greek yoghurt and less mayonnaise. You can also choose a lower-fat mayonnaise and reduce the amount of chutney.

For a lighter lunch, serve the chicken over mixed salad leaves instead of bread.

Keep in mind that reducing the sugar or fat may slightly change the traditional flavour and texture.

What to Serve With Coronation Chicken

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility.

Coronation Chicken Sandwich

Spread the mixture between slices of soft bread with lettuce and cucumber.

Jacket Potato

Spoon it over a warm baked potato for a filling lunch.

Salad

Serve it over crisp lettuce with cucumber, tomatoes and fresh herbs.

Wrap

Add the chicken to a tortilla with salad leaves and sliced cucumber.

Afternoon Tea

Use it as a sandwich filling for a traditional afternoon tea spread.

Rice

Serve it with cold cooked rice and salad for a simple lunch bowl.

Can I Make Coronation Chicken Ahead?

Yes. This is actually one of the best things about the recipe.

Prepare it a few hours before serving and keep it covered in the fridge. The flavours will have more time to develop.

If the mixture becomes slightly thick after chilling, stir it well before serving.

How to Store Coronation Chicken

Store leftover Coronation Chicken in a covered container in the fridge.

For the best quality, use it within 2 days and keep it properly chilled.

Avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods, especially during warm weather.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding Too Much Curry Powder

This can make the dressing overpowering. Add a little at a time.

Using Hot Chicken

Always allow freshly cooked chicken to cool before mixing.

Making the Dressing Too Sweet

Mango chutney and sultanas both add sweetness, so balance them with lemon juice.

Skipping the Chilling Time

Although you can eat it straight away, chilling gives the flavours more time to develop.

Using Too Much Dressing

The chicken should be coated in a creamy dressing without becoming watery or swimming in sauce.

Delicious Ways to Customise It

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, have fun with different additions.

Add Flaked Almonds

Toasted flaked almonds give the chicken a lovely crunch.

Add Fresh Mango

Small cubes of ripe mango make the dish fresher and fruitier.

Try Apricots

Chopped dried apricots are a delicious alternative to sultanas.

Add Fresh Herbs

Coriander, parsley or mint can add a fresh finish.

Make It Spicy

A little chilli powder gives the creamy dressing extra warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Coronation Chicken a curry?

Not exactly. It contains curry powder, but it is a cold chicken dish with a creamy, fruity dressing rather than a traditional hot curry.

Can I use leftover roast chicken?

Yes. Leftover roast chicken is ideal and makes this recipe particularly quick.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Cooked chicken thighs work very well and give the dish a slightly richer flavour.

Is Coronation Chicken served hot or cold?

It is traditionally served cold or at room temperature.

Can children eat Coronation Chicken?

A mild version can be suitable for children. Use a gentle curry powder and adjust the amount according to taste.

Can I freeze Coronation Chicken?

Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery after thawing.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4
Cuisine: British
Course: Lunch / Sandwich Filling

Final Thoughts

This Coronation Chicken recipe Mary Berry style is a lovely example of how a few simple ingredients can create something full of flavour. Tender chicken, creamy dressing, mild curry, fruity chutney and a little lemon make a combination that is both comforting and refreshing.

Whether you’re making sandwiches for lunch, preparing food for a picnic or looking for something to do with leftover roast chicken, this easy Coronation Chicken is a dependable choice.

Make it a few hours ahead, let it chill, and serve it with your favourite bread, salad or jacket potato for a simple British lunch.