Jenny Lau's Coronation Chicken from www.farmison.com
Introduction
Coronation chicken is a classic British dish that was created in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It's a delicious combination of tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, and aromatic spices. The dish has since become a staple of British cuisine, and it's easy to see why. In this article, we'll be sharing the original coronation chicken recipe, along with some tips and tricks for making it at home.
Ingredients
To make the original coronation chicken recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
2 cooked chicken breasts, diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 cup apricot jam
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Chicken
The most important ingredient in coronation chicken is, of course, the chicken. You can use leftover cooked chicken, or cook fresh chicken specifically for this recipe. If you're cooking fresh chicken, we recommend poaching it in chicken broth for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Mayonnaise and Yogurt
The creamy base of coronation chicken is made from a combination of mayonnaise and plain yogurt. You can use full-fat or low-fat versions of both, depending on your preference. The yogurt adds a tangy flavor that balances out the richness of the mayonnaise.
Spices
The spices are what give coronation chicken its signature flavor. The combination of curry powder, ground ginger, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper creates a complex and aromatic blend that's both sweet and spicy.
Jam and Lemon Juice
The apricot jam and lemon juice add sweetness and acidity to the dish. The jam also helps to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy sheen.
Dried Apricots, Almonds, and Parsley
The dried apricots, almonds, and parsley are optional ingredients that add texture and flavor to the dish. The apricots provide a chewy sweetness, while the almonds add crunch and nuttiness. The parsley brings a fresh, herbal note that complements the spices.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, it's time to make coronation chicken. Here's how:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, ginger, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, apricot jam, and lemon juice until smooth.
Add the diced chicken, dried apricots, and toasted almonds to the bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together.
When you're ready to serve, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top of the chicken mixture for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve coronation chicken on toasted bread, in a wrap, or on a bed of lettuce for a lighter option.
Nutrition
Coronation chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that's best enjoyed in moderation. Here's the nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on a recipe that serves 4):
Calories: 408
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 592mg
Protein
Coronation chicken is a good source of protein, thanks to the chicken. Protein is important for building and repairing muscle tissue, and it also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Fat
There's no denying that coronation chicken is a high-fat dish, due to the mayonnaise and almonds. However, not all fats are created equal. The almonds in this recipe provide heart-healthy unsaturated fats, while the mayonnaise contains both unsaturated and saturated fats.
Carbohydrates and Fiber
Coronation chicken is relatively low in carbohydrates and fiber, with most of its calories coming from protein and fat. However, the dried apricots do provide some natural sugars and a small amount of fiber.
Sodium
One thing to be aware of when eating coronation chicken is its sodium content. The combination of mayonnaise, salt, and chicken broth can make this dish quite salty. If you're watching your sodium intake, you may want to use low-sodium chicken broth and mayonnaise, and reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe.
