Mary Berry Coronation Chicken Recipe

The Mary Berry Coronation Chicken is a creamy, flavorful British dish with a rich history dating back to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. It’s a delicious blend of tender cooked chicken coated in a mildly spiced curry and mayonnaise sauce, often served cold. Mary Berry’s version is simple yet elegant — perfect for picnics, sandwiches, salads, or summer buffets.

What Is Mary Berry Coronation Chicken?

Mary Berry’s Coronation Chicken is a cold chicken salad dish featuring shredded or diced cooked chicken mixed with a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, mango chutney, curry powder, and lemon juice. It combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a versatile and refreshing meal option.

• Also Try: Mary Berry Chicken Recipes For Dinner Party

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Classic British favourite – A dish with royal origins and timeless appeal.
• Quick to prepare – Uses pre-cooked chicken for convenience.
• Perfect for gatherings – Ideal for picnics, parties, or afternoon teas.
• Balanced flavours – Sweet, tangy, and mildly spiced.
• Versatile serving options – Great in sandwiches, wraps, or salads.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Coronation Chicken

• Cooked chicken breast – 500g, shredded or diced
• Mayonnaise – 200ml
• Greek yogurt – 100ml
• Mango chutney – 2 tbsp
• Curry powder – 1½ tsp (mild or medium)
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Apricots (dried, chopped) – 3 tbsp
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Fresh coriander or parsley – for garnish

(Optional: 1 tbsp double cream for extra richness)

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon for combining
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Serving dish or an airtight container

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Coronation Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mango chutney, and curry powder. Mix well until smooth. Adjust the curry powder based on your spice preference.

Step 2: Add lemon juice and seasoning

Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to balance the sweetness and add a subtle tang to the sauce.

Step 3: Mix in chicken and fruit

Add the cooked chicken and chopped dried apricots to the sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken evenly without breaking it up too much.

Step 4: Chill before serving

Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to blend and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with fresh coriander or parsley, and serve cold.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Sauce too thick – Added a spoonful of yogurt to loosen the texture.
• Too sweet – Balanced it with extra lemon juice and mild curry powder.
• Chicken too dry – Used poached chicken breast instead of roasted for tenderness.
• Overpowering spice – Reduced curry powder to keep it mild and creamy.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry’s Coronation Chicken

• Replace mayonnaise with light mayo or more Greek yogurt.
• Use grilled or poached chicken for a leaner option.
• Reduce the mango chutney to cut down on sugar.
• Add fresh apple or celery for crunch and extra fibre.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Coronation Chicken

• Mango chutney – Replace with apricot jam and a dash of vinegar.
• Greek yogurt – Use sour cream or crème fraîche.
• Curry powder – Substitute with mild garam masala or turmeric mix.
• Apricots – Use raisins, sultanas, or diced mango.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Coronation Chicken

• Green salad – Light and refreshing contrast.
• Rice or couscous – Turns it into a hearty meal.
• Sandwiches or wraps – Classic lunch option.
• Baked potatoes – Great warm pairing with creamy sauce.
• Buttered baguette slices – Adds a crunchy element.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Coronation Chicken

• Cool chicken completely – Ensures the sauce doesn’t become watery.
• Taste before chilling – Adjust seasoning and curry level early.
• Use mild curry powder – Keeps the flavour smooth and family-friendly.
• Mix gently – Prevents shredding the chicken too finely.
• Add fruit last – Keeps the sweetness balanced and visible.
• Chill well – Enhances the creaminess and deepens the flavour.
• Serve fresh – Best enjoyed within 24 hours of making.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Coronation Chicken

• Add crunch – Stir in toasted almonds or chopped celery.
• Spicy twist – Use medium curry powder or add chili flakes.
• Tropical version – Add diced pineapple or fresh mango.
• Herb variation – Mix in fresh mint or dill for a unique flavour.
• Party canapés – Serve on mini toasts or vol-au-vents.
• Low-fat version – Swap mayo for fat-free yogurt entirely.

Storing Mary Berry Coronation Chicken the Right Way

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Do not freeze – The mayonnaise and yogurt can separate after thawing.
• Keep chilled – Serve straight from the fridge for the best texture.
• Stir before serving – Helps restore the creamy consistency.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Coronation Chicken (If Needed)

Coronation Chicken is designed to be served cold, but if you prefer it warm:

• Gently heat in a pan over low flame for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Avoid boiling – It can split the creamy sauce.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~360 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 1g

Other Popular Chicken Recipes

• Mary Berry Chicken Casserole
• Mary Berry Tuscan Chicken
• Mary Berry Chicken Chasseur
• Mary Berry Chicken Tikka Masala
• Mary Berry Chicken Marbella

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FAQs

How do I make Mary Berry’s Coronation Chicken less sweet?

To reduce sweetness, use less mango chutney or replace it with a small spoonful of tomato purée. You can also add extra lemon juice or a pinch of salt to balance the flavour and keep the sauce creamy but tangy.

Can I make Coronation Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, Coronation Chicken can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and stir before serving. The flavours develop as it chills, making it even tastier the next day.

Why did my Coronation Chicken sauce turn runny?

The sauce can become runny if the chicken is still warm when mixed. Always cool the chicken completely before adding it to the dressing. If it’s too thin, mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt to thicken the texture.

What type of chicken works best for Coronation Chicken?

Poached or roasted chicken breast works best as it stays tender and moist. Shredded chicken absorbs the sauce evenly, while diced pieces keep a chunkier, more traditional texture.

Wrapping It Up

The Mary Berry Coronation Chicken is a timeless British favourite that combines elegance with ease. Creamy, fruity, and delicately spiced, it’s perfect for festive spreads, picnics, or quick weekday lunches. This simple, make-ahead recipe captures the best of British cuisine — comforting, versatile, and absolutely delicious.