The Classic 1953 Coronation Chicken Salad Recipes

CORONATION CHICKEN

Steps:

• Begin by poaching the chicken. Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt, then place in a single layer in a large pot. Add the peppercorns and 1 of the bay leaves. Pour cool water over the chicken until it is covered by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the poaching liquid and place on a plate to cool. Shred the chicken, by hand, into large pieces and set aside in a medium bowl.
• Cool the poaching liquid completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container and reserve for another use (see Cook's Note).
• For the sauce, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until slightly darker in color, about 1 minute. Add the curry powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the red wine, 1/4 cup water, mango chutney, lemon juice and remaining bay leaf and cook until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Remove bay leaf.
• Combine the mayonnaise and sour cream in a medium bowl using a rubber spatulate. Add the cooled curry mixture and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir to combine.
• To finish the salad, mix the shredded chicken with the dried apricots and sliced almonds. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and gently coat the chicken with the sauce using a rubber spatula. Finish the salad by gently mixing in the cilantro.

THE ORIGINAL CORONATION CHICKEN

Steps:

• Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-low heat.
• Add in the onion, bay leaf and curry powder and gently cook for 2 minutes.
• Add in the tomato paste, red wine and water and bring to a gentle boil.
• Add in the lemon juice and a pinch of sugar, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
• Simmer for 2 minutes, until the sauce is slightly reduced, then remove from the heat. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve and allow it to cool.
• In a large bowl mix together the prepared sauce with the mayonnaise, creme fraiche and finely chopped apricots.
• Add in the cooked chicken breast, and mix gently all the ingredients together. Finally, add in toasted almond flakes if you using.
• Serve the coronation chicken with a salad, rice or as a filling for jacket potatoes and sandwiches. Enjoy!

CORONATION CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk ingredients for dressing in a large bowl.
• Remove skin and bones from chicken. Slice meat thickly.
• Add chicken, nuts and apricots to dressing. Toss to combine.
• Arrange lettuce leaves on a platter. Top with capsicum and chicken mixture.