Coronation Chicken Recipe

Shredded cooked chicken: Pre-cooked chicken that has been shredded into bite-sized pieces.

Mayonnaise: A creamy condiment made from eggs, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice.

Greek yogurt: A thick and tangy yogurt that adds creaminess and a slight tartness.

Curry powder: A blend of spices including turmeric, coriander, and cumin, providing a warm and aromatic flavor.

Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato puree that adds depth and richness to the sauce.

Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice from a lemon, adding acidity and brightness.

Dried apricots: Sweet and chewy dried fruit that adds a unique texture and flavor.

Sultanas: Golden raisins that provide a sweet and slightly tangy taste.

Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings used to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

To enhance the flavor of the curry powder, toast it in a dry saucepan over medium heat until it becomes fragrant, which usually takes about a minute. This step releases the essential oils in the spices, making the dish more aromatic and flavorful. When mixing the mayonnaise and greek yogurt with the other ingredients, ensure they are well combined to create a smooth and creamy base. For a more vibrant taste, consider using freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled. Chilling the Coronation Chicken for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.

• shredded cooked chicken - Substitute with shredded cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• greek yogurt - Substitute with coconut yogurt: Coconut yogurt offers a dairy-free option with a creamy consistency.

• curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala provides a similar depth of flavor with a different spice blend.

• tomato paste - Substitute with ketchup: Ketchup adds sweetness and acidity, similar to tomato paste.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidic and citrusy flavor.

• chopped dried apricots - Substitute with chopped dried mango: Dried mango provides a similar sweetness and chewy texture.

• sultanas - Substitute with golden raisins: Golden raisins have a similar sweetness and texture to sultanas.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a similar spiciness with an extra kick.

• Transfer the coronation chicken to an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent any odors from the fridge from seeping in.
• Store the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally at a temperature below 40°F (4°C), to ensure the chicken stays safe to eat.
• For optimal flavor and texture, consume the coronation chicken within 3-4 days. The mayonnaise and greek yogurt base can start to separate if stored for too long.
• If you wish to freeze the coronation chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the container with the date of preparation to keep track of its freshness. Frozen coronation chicken can be stored for up to 3 months.
• When ready to use, thaw the coronation chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.
• Once thawed, give the coronation chicken a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve the coronation chicken chilled or at room temperature, but do not refreeze any leftovers to maintain food safety.

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the coronation chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out.

• For a quicker option, use the microwave. Transfer the coronation chicken to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you prefer a stovetop method, place the coronation chicken in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist, and stir occasionally until heated through, usually about 5-7 minutes.

• To maintain the creamy texture, you can reheat the coronation chicken in a double boiler. Place the chicken in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This gentle method prevents the sauce from separating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 160°C (320°F). Place the coronation chicken in an air fryer-safe dish and heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Saucepan: Used to heat the curry powder until fragrant.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, tomato paste, lemon juice, and curry powder.

• Spatula: Used to mix the ingredients together thoroughly.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the curry powder, tomato paste, and lemon juice accurately.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.

• Knife: Used to chop the dried apricots.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface to chop the dried apricots.

• Mixing spoon: Used to mix the shredded chicken, dried apricots, and sultanas with the sauce.

• Refrigerator: Used to chill the mixture for at least an hour before serving.

• Serving dish: Used to present the coronation chicken once it is ready to be served.

Pre-cook the chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time on preparation.

Measure ingredients in advance: Have all your ingredients measured and ready before you start mixing.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop dried apricots and sultanas using a food processor.

Mix in one bowl: Combine mayonnaise, greek yogurt, tomato paste, lemon juice, and curry powder in one bowl to minimize cleanup.

Chill overnight: Prepare the coronation chicken the night before and let it chill overnight for better flavor and convenience.