A few summers ago, I found myself at a casual BBQ with friends, everyone pitching in with their specialties. One friend, Jane, brought a massive bowl of Coronation Chicken, which she had made using Jamie Oliver’s recipe. I had heard of this dish, but I hadn’t truly tasted it until then. From the first bite, I was hooked. The blend of curried chicken with fruity sweetness and creamy richness was an unexpected delight. That dish became the talk of the BBQ, and I decided to try making it myself shortly after.
If you’ve never had Coronation Chicken, it’s a creamy curried chicken salad that’s typically served cold. This dish was created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, and over time, it’s evolved into a modern classic. Jamie Oliver’s take on the recipe takes that historical tradition and adds his twist. Let’s dive into his version of Coronation Chicken, which might just become your next go-to crowd-pleaser.
Jamie Oliver’s Coronation Chicken Recipe
Jamie’s Coronation Chicken recipe is an approachable version of the classic. He maintains the balance of flavors that make this dish stand out: the warm curry, creamy mayo, the touch of sweetness, and the crunchy texture. But Jamie’s twist is in how he layers flavors, adds fresh herbs, and incorporates roasted chicken for a deeper flavor profile.
I remember the first time I made it myself. I followed Jamie’s steps exactly, but even then, there was something extra special about seeing all the ingredients come together. It felt like more than just following a recipe-it felt like I was making something timeless.
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s Coronation Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: You can use roasted chicken, or boil it for a more straightforward approach. I prefer roasting for the extra flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Jamie goes for a good quality mayo for creaminess.
- Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy twist to balance the richness of the mayo.
- Curry powder: The heart of this dish. Jamie uses a mild curry powder, but you can adjust for heat.
- Dried apricots: These add the perfect sweetness and slight chew.
- Raisins: Adds another level of sweetness and texture contrast.
- Chopped almonds: These give the dish a satisfying crunch.
- Lemon juice: For a fresh acidic pop.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: Adds a herbal note and a dash of freshness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Coronation Chicken
I remember the first time I got everything laid out, and I realized how simple it was. Here’s how to make it yourself:
- Cook your chicken. You can either roast it for 25-30 minutes or simmer it in water for 15-20 minutes. Allow it to cool and shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the sauce. In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- Add the dried fruits and nuts. Chop the apricots and raisins into smaller pieces, and stir them into the sauce. The sweetness of these fruits will give the dish a delightful contrast to the spices.
- Combine everything. Add your shredded chicken to the bowl, and mix gently until the chicken is well coated with the creamy curry sauce.
- Garnish and chill. Add chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a fresh note. Then, cover and let the dish chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve. Jamie suggests serving it on a bed of greens, but it also works well in wraps, on sandwiches, or just as a side dish.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
When I first made this recipe, I had no idea how much the science behind the ingredients would affect the outcome. Here’s a closer look at why each ingredient works so well:
- Curry Powder: It’s the spice blend that’s key to the dish. Curry powder contains turmeric, which adds both color and anti-inflammatory benefits. The mild heat pairs perfectly with the creamy mayo and tangy yogurt, creating a balance that doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds.
- Dried Apricots and Raisins: These fruits have high natural sugar content, which helps balance the heat of the curry powder. Their texture also adds to the overall mouthfeel, giving the dish a satisfying chewiness.
- Greek Yogurt: The tanginess of Greek yogurt helps cut through the richness of the mayonnaise. It also thickens the sauce, giving the dish a smooth, creamy texture without being too heavy.
- Almonds: When you add them, the nuts give a nice crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the mayo and yogurt. The oils in the almonds also help enrich the dish.
Expert Tips
If you want to take this dish from good to great, here are some expert tips I’ve picked up from making it multiple times:
- Use leftover chicken: For maximum flavor, use roasted or rotisserie chicken. This adds a smokier, richer depth than boiled chicken.
- Let it chill: Don’t skip the chilling time. The flavors deepen after an hour in the fridge.
- Add some heat: If you like a bit of spice, add some chopped chili or a dash of cayenne to your sauce.
- Use fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice is key to cutting through the richness. The bottled stuff won’t give you that zing.
- Add texture: Toast your almonds before adding them for a deeper flavor.
Recipe Variations
One of the best parts of Jamie’s recipe is its flexibility. Here are some variations you can try:
- Vegan Coronation Chicken: Swap the chicken for roasted chickpeas or tofu. Use a plant-based mayo and yogurt to keep it vegan.
- Spicy Coronation Chicken: Add chili powder or cayenne to kick up the heat. You can also throw in some chopped fresh chili for an extra layer of spice.
- Mango Coronation Chicken: Instead of dried apricots, use diced fresh mango for a tropical twist.
- Nuts and Seeds: Swap almonds for cashews, or add a mix of sunflower and pumpkin seeds for a nutty crunch.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s Coronation Chicken has quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes. It’s easy, versatile, and a real crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or as part of a quick dinner, it’s sure to impress. And, the best part? It’s adaptable-there’s plenty of room to make it your own.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Coronation Chicken Special?
Jamie Oliver’s Coronation Chicken has a twist on the classic with a rich, flavorful blend of spices and creamy dressing that gives it a modern, zesty kick.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Coronation Chicken Ahead Of Time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours or even the next day, letting the flavors meld together.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Coronation Chicken Spicy?
It has a mild heat thanks to curry powder and a hint of chili, but it’s not overly spicy.