Ah, Coronation Chicken – it’s one of those iconic British dishes that has made its way through the decades, never quite fading from relevance and always finding a way to fit into any celebration or afternoon tea. When Nigella Lawson put her spin on it, she didn’t just update the recipe. she made it utterly her own, giving it a touch of that Nigella charm, elegance and subtle warmth. You might think of Coronation Chicken as just a simple chicken salad but when you dig a little deeper, you find that it’s more like a flavorful symphony of textures and spices, with a creamy, tangy and subtly spicy sauce that perfectly coats tender chunks of chicken.
This dish was originally created in 1953 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. The dish had a regal start and has been loved by many since then, with variations popping up in British homes and kitchens. But Nigella’s version is so much more than just chicken, curry powder and mayonnaise. It’s a delightful transformation that feels both comforting and adventurous. The creamy dressing that Nigella uses, with its delicate balance of sweet, spicy and rich flavors, just elevates everything to another level. And the best part? It can be served in so many different ways-on a bed of fresh greens, tucked into a sandwich or even as a part of a buffet spread.
The key to Nigella’s Coronation Chicken, in my experience, is the layers of flavor. I remember making it for a summer party one year and as people tasted it, they kept asking, ’What is that spice? It”s so comforting but different”! The curry, fruitiness from the apricot jam and a touch of sweetness from the raisins… it’s hard not to fall for it once you get that first bite. Nigella does a masterful job of balancing it all and the result is this elegant, vibrant dish that anyone can make, even if you’re not the world’s most seasoned cook. It’s like a little celebration on a plate.
Nigella Coronation Chicken Recipe
Ingredients Needed
The ingredient list for Nigella Lawson’s Coronation Chicken is simple but thoughtful and they are fairly easy to find in most kitchens or grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooked Chicken: Nigella suggests using cooked, cold chicken (it’s a great way to use up leftovers from a roast). The chicken is key here, so make sure it’s moist and tender.
- Mayonnaise: A creamy base that holds everything together. Nigella tends to use a good quality mayo for a rich texture.
- Greek Yogurt: To lighten up the mayo and add a bit of tang.
- Curry Powder: The heart of the flavor! The spice mix is what gives Coronation Chicken its signature depth. Don’t go light on it.
- Apricot Jam: This sweet touch really makes the dish sing. It brings a fruity sweetness that marries beautifully with the spices.
- Raisins or Sultanas: These plump little fruits add just the right amount of sweetness and texture. They’re a classic addition that makes you think, ’Why don”t I use raisins more often”?
- Lemon Juice: For that hit of acidity to balance the richness.
- Toasted Almonds (Optional): A nice touch to add some crunch and nuttiness.
- Fresh Coriander (Optional): A pop of green, both in color and flavor, if you like it.
These ingredients work so well together, even though they might seem like an odd mix at first glance. It’s all about balancing richness, sweetness, spice and a little bit of zing.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need much in terms of equipment which is always a bonus in my book. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A good knife and chopping board: For chopping up the chicken into bite-sized chunks. No need to be fancy here, just make sure your knife is sharp.
- A large mixing bowl: You’ll want something big enough to combine all the ingredients without making a mess.
- A spoon: For stirring everything together.
- Measuring spoons: Especially handy for measuring the curry powder, jam and yogurt. Precision matters when making this dish.
- A serving dish or plate: If you’re serving this for a party or event, it’s nice to have a pretty platter to present it on.
- A small frying pan (if toasting almonds): Totally optional but toasting the almonds gives them a richer flavor and a nice crunch.
Simple, right? Just enough to make things come together beautifully without too much fuss.
Instructions To Make Nigella Lawson’s Coronation Chicken
The best part is that making Nigella’s Coronation Chicken is straightforward and it takes very little time. which means it’s perfect for an impromptu gathering or when you’ve had a long day and just want something delicious without a million steps.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by shredding or chopping your cooked chicken into bite-sized chunks. I usually go for roast chicken leftovers because the flavor is richer but rotisserie chicken from the store works just as well.
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine your mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, apricot jam and lemon juice. Mix it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. You can taste-test here to make sure it’s to your liking. Add a bit more curry powder or jam if you want it spicier or sweeter. Sometimes, I’ll sneak in a little bit of honey or a dash of chili flakes if I’m feeling adventurous.
- Add the Chicken: Toss the chicken into the dressing, making sure each piece is well coated. You want every bite to have that perfect balance of creaminess and spice.
- Add Raisins and Almonds: Fold in the raisins (or sultanas) and the toasted almonds, if you’re using them. I’ll tell you – this is the moment that makes it all come together. The sweetness of the raisins against the spiced creaminess of the sauce is just chef’s kiss.
- Serve: If you’re not eating it straight out of the bowl (no judgment), transfer the Coronation Chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh coriander or a little more toasted almond and you’re ready to go.
What I Learnt
When I first made Nigella Lawson’s Coronation Chicken, I was surprised by how much flavor can come from such simple ingredients. It’s like that dish that doesn’t look like much on paper but once it all comes together, it knocks your socks off. The balance of sweetness from the apricot jam and raisins against the warm, earthy curry powder was something I hadn’t fully appreciated until I tried it. And I was also surprised at how versatile it is. you can eat it cold, serve it warm, pile it into sandwiches or even serve it on a fresh salad for a lighter bite.
Another lesson I learned was that the leftovers get even better the next day. The spices have more time to marinate into the chicken and everything just feels even more melded together. This is one of those dishes that somehow tastes even better the second time around. I found myself looking forward to the leftovers almost as much as the original meal.
Also, even though the dish has a lot of ingredients, it’s incredibly forgiving. If you don’t have apricot jam, try mango or peach. Don’t have raisins? Try currants. It’s a dish that invites creativity.
FAQs
What Makes Nigella Lawson’s Coronation Chicken Different From Other Recipes?
Nigella’s twist on the classic Coronation Chicken is all about balance. Her recipe blends the creamy richness of mayonnaise and yogurt with a fragrant curry spice mix, making it lighter and fresher than the traditional version. The addition of fresh herbs and a touch of lemon brings a zingy brightness that really elevates the dish. It’s perfect for serving at a summer picnic or as part of a more casual gathering, like a royal-worthy feast!
Can I Prepare Nigella’s Coronation Chicken Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend you do. The flavors in Coronation Chicken only get better after a few hours (or even overnight) in the fridge, as they have more time to meld together. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving. And hey, it’s one of those dishes that tastes like you put in a lot of effort, but it’s actually super simple-so perfect for impressing your guests without spending all day in the kitchen!
What Can I Serve With Nigella Lawson’s Coronation Chicken?
There’s so much you can pair it with! I personally love it with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to scoop it up. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a more substantial meal. It works wonderfully on sandwiches or in wraps, too. The nice thing about this dish is that it’s versatile-whether you want a light snack or a hearty lunch, it fits either vibe.
