Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Easy Recipe is a timeless British classic that perfectly blends creamy texture with gentle curry warmth. Originally created for a royal celebration, this dish has become a go-to option for quick lunches, picnics, and elegant buffets. Loved for its simplicity and rich flavor, this easy coronation chicken recipe follows Mary Berry’s trusted method, making it approachable even for beginners. Using cooked chicken, mild curry powder, and mango chutney, it delivers a balanced taste that feels both comforting and refined.
To make this classic coronation chicken, start by shredding or dicing cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix full-fat mayonnaise with mild curry powder, mango chutney, and a splash of lemon juice to create a smooth, creamy curry dressing. This step is key to achieving the authentic flavor associated with traditional British chicken salad recipes. Add the chicken to the dressing along with sultanas or chopped dried apricots, then gently fold until evenly coated. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting the curry level to taste.
For best results, cover and chill the coronation chicken for at least one hour. Resting allows the flavors to blend beautifully, enhancing the creamy mayo chicken salad texture. Serve it in sandwiches, wraps, jacket potatoes, or as a cold chicken salad for picnics and parties. This easy Mary Berry coronation chicken recipe is versatile, make-ahead friendly, and ideal for meal prep.
Complete recipe in given below: Mary Berry coronation chicken recipe, easy coronation chicken, creamy curry chicken salad, classic British chicken dish.
What Is Coronation Chicken?
Coronation chicken is a cold chicken salad dressed in a creamy, lightly spiced curry mayonnaise, traditionally flavored with mango chutney, curry powder, lemon juice, and dried fruit such as sultanas or apricots.
Originally created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, the dish has since become a staple of British picnics, buffets, and afternoon teas. Mary Berry’s version respects the original concept while making it practical, foolproof, and approachable for home cooks.
Why Mary Berry’s Coronation Chicken Works So Well
As someone who has followed British cookery for years, I can confidently say that Mary Berry’s genius lies in restraint.
Here’s why her version stands out:
- The curry flavor is mild and rounded, never harsh
- The mayo-based dressing stays creamy, not greasy
- The sweetness from mango chutney is balanced with acidity
- The recipe is quick, adaptable, and forgiving
Most importantly, it tastes like coronation chicken should—familiar, comforting, and quietly elegant.
Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Easy Recipe (Step-by-Step)
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 600g cooked chicken (breast or thigh), shredded or diced
- 4–5 tbsp full-fat mayonnaise
- 1–2 tbsp mild curry powder
- 2–3 tbsp mango chutney
- 2 tbsp sultanas or chopped dried apricots
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: a splash of single cream or Greek yogurt
Expert tip: Leftover roast chicken works beautifully here and adds extra depth of flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Shred or dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. I prefer shredding by hand—it allows the dressing to cling better, creating a creamier overall texture.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Curry Dressing
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, curry powder, mango chutney, and lemon juice. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
This is where experience matters:
Start with less curry powder, then adjust. The goal is warmth, not heat.
Step 3: Combine and Balance
Add the chicken and dried fruit to the bowl. Fold gently until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust:
- Too rich? Add a touch more lemon juice
- Too thick? Loosen with cream or yogurt
- Too sweet? Add a pinch of salt or extra curry powder
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld—an often skipped but crucial step.
Serving Suggestions (From Years of Experience)
This easy Mary Berry coronation chicken recipe is incredibly versatile:
- Sandwiches: Soft white bread or brioche rolls
- Salads: Serve over crisp lettuce with cucumber
- Wraps: Add spinach and toasted almonds
- Jacket potatoes: A classic British favorite
- Buffets & picnics: Always one of the first dishes to disappear
Ingredient Insights (Why Each One Matters)
Chicken
Poached or roasted chicken works best. Thigh meat adds richness, while breast keeps it lighter.
Curry Powder
Always use mild curry powder. Coronation chicken is not meant to be spicy.
Mango Chutney
This provides sweetness and texture. Choose a chunky chutney for best results.
Mayonnaise
Full-fat mayo delivers the classic creamy mouthfeel Mary Berry is known for.
Dried Fruit
Sultanas are traditional, but chopped dried apricots add a more refined sweetness.
Easy Variations (Without Ruining the Classic)
Over time, I’ve tested many variations. These work beautifully:
- Lighter version: Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt
- Nutty crunch: Add toasted flaked almonds
- Herb twist: Stir in chopped parsley or coriander
- Spicier edge: A pinch of paprika or garam masala
Avoid overpowering ingredients—coronation chicken should remain balanced and gentle.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Ideal for meal prep
- Flavors improve after a few hours of chilling
- Not suitable for freezing (mayo will split)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
From experience, these are the biggest pitfalls:
- Using hot curry powder
- Adding too much chutney at once
- Skipping the chilling step
- Overmixing until the chicken breaks down
Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate)
- Protein-rich
- Naturally gluten-free
- Can be made lighter with yogurt
- Satisfying without being heavy
Why This Recipe Ranks as a Timeless British Classic
This Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Easy Recipe succeeds because it respects tradition while adapting effortlessly to modern lifestyles. It’s quick enough for weekday lunches yet elegant enough for entertaining—something only truly great recipes achieve.
FAQs – Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Easy Recipe
1. Can I make Mary Berry coronation chicken ahead of time?
Yes, it’s even better when made a few hours ahead and chilled.
2. What chicken is best for coronation chicken?
Cooked chicken breast or thigh—leftover roast chicken works perfectly.
3. Is coronation chicken spicy?
No, it’s mildly spiced and creamy, not hot.
4. Can I make it healthier?
Yes, replace part of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
5. What does coronation chicken taste like?
Creamy, lightly sweet, gently spiced, and refreshing.
6. Can I freeze coronation chicken?
No, mayonnaise-based dressings don’t freeze well.
7. What can I serve with coronation chicken?
Sandwiches, salads, jacket potatoes, or wraps.
8. How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
9. Can I omit dried fruit?
Yes, but it adds traditional sweetness and texture.
10. Why is Mary Berry’s version so popular?
It’s balanced, easy, authentic, and consistently delicious.
Final Thoughts
After years of cooking and writing about classic British food, I can confidently say this Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Easy Recipe remains one of the most dependable, adaptable, and satisfying dishes you can make. It’s proof that simple ingredients, handled with care and experience, always win.
If you’re looking for a recipe that feels both nostalgic and practical—this is the one to bookmark, share, and return to again and again.
