This Mary Berry-style Coronation Chicken is a quick, easy, and delicious classic British dish. Shredded cooked chicken is tossed in a creamy, slightly spiced sauce made with mayonnaise, curry powder, mango chutney, and sultanas. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, wraps, or served with jacket potatoes, it’s a flavorful way to use up leftover chicken and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 500g shredded cooked chicken

• 6 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 2–3 teaspoons mild curry powder (to taste)

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons mango chutney

• 1–3 tablespoons sultanas (to taste)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, curry powder, cinnamon, mango chutney, and sultanas. Mix well until fully blended.

2. Add the shredded cooked chicken to the sauce.

3. Stir everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated with the coronation sauce.

4. If the mixture is too thick, add up to 2 tablespoons of water and mix again to loosen.

5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Serve cold with salad, jacket potatoes, bread, sandwiches, or wraps.

Nutrients

(Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 463 kcal

• Fat: 35g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 13g

• Sugars: 13g

• Fiber: 1g

• Protein: 23g

• Sodium: 0.4g

Why Mary Berry-style Coronation Chicken Is So Popular

The enduring popularity of Coronation Chicken comes from its perfect balance of flavors and its incredible versatility. This version, inspired by Mary Berry’s signature style, is both quick to prepare and deeply satisfying. The creamy sauce has just enough spice to be interesting without overwhelming the delicate flavor of the chicken. The sweetness from the mango chutney and sultanas adds a lovely contrast, creating a harmonious, multi-dimensional dish. It’s also a fantastic way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken, making it economical as well as delicious. Whether served in sandwiches, wraps, or salads, Coronation Chicken never fails to impress.

Perfect for Lunches, Picnics, and Party Spreads

Mary Berry-style Coronation Chicken fits effortlessly into a variety of mealtime occasions. It’s a fabulous choice for light lunches, offering a protein-packed, flavorful filling for sandwiches, wraps, or jacket potatoes. It’s equally perfect for picnics, as it’s served cold and holds up well without needing reheating. At parties, it shines on buffet tables as a sophisticated but easy-to-make option that guests can enjoy in multiple forms. Whether served over a bed of fresh greens, tucked into croissants, or piled onto crusty bread, this dish always brings a little elegance and a lot of satisfaction to the table.

Celebrating Fresh, Simple Ingredients

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity and reliance on a few high-quality ingredients. Shredded cooked chicken provides a hearty, protein-rich base that absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Mayonnaise offers a creamy, luscious texture that binds everything together. Mild curry powder adds warmth and a subtle hint of exotic spice, while ground cinnamon introduces a gentle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile. Mango chutney brings brightness and a touch of tangy sweetness, perfectly complementing the savory notes. Sultanas add little pops of natural sugar, rounding out the dish with bursts of chewy sweetness.

Adaptability and Flavor Variations

Coronation Chicken is incredibly adaptable, allowing for numerous variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a lighter version, you can substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, maintaining the creaminess while reducing fat and adding a slight tang. If you prefer more intense heat, simply use a spicier curry powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Diced dried apricots or cranberries can be used instead of sultanas for a different sweet element. Some versions add toasted almonds or cashews for a bit of crunch and richness. You can also fold in chopped fresh herbs like coriander or parsley for added freshness. Whether you tweak it for a more traditional feel or add your modern twist, Coronation Chicken remains a flexible, forgiving recipe that welcomes creativity.

Nutritional Benefits

While indulgent in its creamy texture, Mary Berry-style Coronation Chicken can also offer a balanced nutritional profile when enjoyed in moderation. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall health. The use of mayonnaise provides fats that contribute to satiety and flavor, while the sultanas and mango chutney introduce small amounts of beneficial antioxidants and fiber. Adding leafy greens or vegetables when serving can further enhance the dish’s nutritional value. Swapping a portion of the mayonnaise for yogurt or adding extra vegetables to the salad can help create a lighter, more nutrient-dense version without losing the delicious, comforting character of the original.

Tips for the Best Coronation Chicken

A few simple tips can help ensure your Coronation Chicken is absolutely delicious every time. Use freshly cooked or good-quality leftover chicken to maximize flavor and texture. Shred the chicken rather than chopping it to allow the sauce to coat every piece thoroughly. When preparing the sauce, taste as you go, adjusting the amount of curry powder, chutney, or sultanas based on your personal preference for sweetness and spice. If the sauce seems too thick once mixed with the chicken, a splash of water or lemon juice can loosen it to the perfect consistency. Always mix gently to avoid breaking down the chicken too much, preserving a nice hearty texture.

Serving Suggestions

Mary Berry-style Coronation Chicken is incredibly versatile in how it can be served. For a classic option, pile it generously into soft sandwich rolls or croissants for a rich and satisfying lunch. It also makes a wonderful filling for wraps paired with crisp lettuce and shredded carrots for added crunch. For a lighter presentation, serve it over a bed of mixed greens, baby spinach, or arugula, topped with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of toasted seeds. As a party food, it can be served with crackers, pita chips, or as part of a build-your-own sandwich station. It’s also delicious spooned onto baked jacket potatoes or served as part of an elegant summer buffet alongside quiches, cold meats, and vegetable platters.

The Enduring Charm of Classic British Recipes

Coronation Chicken is a shining example of the enduring charm and adaptability of classic British recipes. Its creation for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation banquet speaks to its royal roots, but its staying power comes from its universally appealing flavors and ease of preparation. It reflects a moment in history when exotic spices were becoming more accessible to British cooks and remains a beloved favorite for its nostalgic, comforting qualities. Making it today connects us with that tradition while allowing room for personal touches and modern adaptations, keeping the recipe vibrant and relevant across generations.

Reasons to Love Mary Berry-style Coronation Chicken

There are endless reasons to love this recipe. It is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for making ahead for lunches, picnics, or parties. It uses simple, accessible ingredients to create complex, satisfying flavors. It is endlessly adaptable, welcoming personal touches to match your taste preferences. It brings a taste of tradition and history to modern kitchens. Most importantly, it is delicious, offering creamy, savory, sweet, and spiced notes that keep you coming back for more. Whether enjoyed in a simple sandwich or as part of an elegant spread, Coronation Chicken is a recipe that always delights.

Conclusion

Mary Berry-style Coronation Chicken is a beautiful blend of classic flavors, creamy textures, and colorful ingredients that create a dish perfect for any occasion. With tender shredded chicken coated in a slightly spiced, sweet, and tangy sauce, it captures the essence of comfort food while maintaining a light, refreshing character. Its versatility, ease, and enduring appeal make it a recipe worth keeping in your repertoire. Whether you are preparing a casual lunch, a picnic feast, or a special gathering, this timeless British favorite is guaranteed to impress and satisfy, bringing joy and deliciousness to every table.