Can I make coronation chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can make coronation chicken ahead of time! I recommend making the filling ahead and making the sandwich when you're ready to eat it. Otherwise, the moisture from the sauce can cause the bread to turn soggy. If you are making the sandwich ahead, layering a good amount of butter acts as a barrier between the filling and the bread which helps prevent the bread going soggy. Make sure to wrap the sandwich to avoid the bread drying out.

How is coronation chicken served

Coronation chicken is served cold, traditionally served as a salad. Nowadays, it's a popular sandwich filler people have for lunch or breakfast.

Can you make coronation chicken with yoghurt?

Yes, you can make coronation chicken with Greek yoghurt, it makes the filling more saucy, lighter and adds a slightly tangy taste. You can use it as an alternative to mayonnaise or use it 50:50 for a combination of both flavours. Make sure to use unsweetened plain Greek style yoghurt.

Was coronation chicken invented for the queen?

Yes, coronation chicken was invented for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation banquet in 1953. Hume and her team put in weeks of hard work and experimentation before coming up with the perfect recipe, which quickly became a crowd favourite, earning its place as a classic dish enjoyed at picnics, buffets, and events across the country.

Coronation Chicken Sandwich Recipe

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Coronation Chicken Sandwich Filler

Homemade coronation chicken! A sandwich filler that is utterly delicious, this recipe is super quick and easy, and the taste is so darn good. This is an ideal option for packed lunches, afternoon tea, or simply to savour at any moment.

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Coronation chicken sandwich with soft thick white bread

Creamy coronation chicken, a sandwich that is simply unbeatable! It’s easy to make, tasty and perfect for breakfast, lunch and everything in-between.

It’s a popular British classic sold in many supermarkets, but trust me, making your own from scratch couldn’t be any easier and it tastes so much better too!

You only need a handful of very basic ingredients to make a sauce that is creamy, spicy and sweet all at the same time.

Why You’ll Like This Recipe

A great way to use up leftover chicken
Perfect for events like street parties and coronation parties
This recipe uses basic cupboard ingredients
The filling is ultra-creamy with chewiness from the raisins and a slight crunch from the lettuce
It’s a 5-minute no-cook recipe (if you’re using pre-cooked chicken)
It will be devoured in no time!
It’s a delicious classic just like this chicken mayo sandwich recipe!

Watch How To Make It

What Is Coronation Chicken Sandwich Made Of?

Shredded chicken is coated in a creamy filling made from mayonnaise, mango chutney, curry powder, sultanas and coriander. The sultanas and mango chutney add a slightly sweet flavour, whereas a spicy touch comes from the curry powder.

This combo of ingredients makes the ultimate sandwich filler perfect for any jubilee or coronation celebration. Original recipes use poached chicken which keeps the texture juicy and moist. However, if you have leftover chicken then you can use it for this recipe too!

Sandwich filled with coronation chicken filling and lettuce

Where Did The Coronation Chicken Sandwich Come From?

This famous coronation chicken dish was created back in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II’s big coronation. Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume whipped up a deliciously cold chicken dish with curry powder, mayo, and herbs that was fit for a queen (literally!).

It was initially made to be a salad, but the sandwich version of the dish is a total classic in British sandwich shops and cafes.

Recipe Ingredients

Here are the few ingredients needed for this recipe:

Shredded Chicken: Use freshly poached skinless chicken breast or leftovers from a roast. I personally like using freshly poached chicken, as the texture of the chicken is very soft and moist. You can also buy shredded chicken.
Mayonnaise: The base needed for the coronation sauce. I like to use the original mayonnaise, but you can use their light versions (or even their garlic mayo version for a twist).
Mild Curry Powder: Curry powder adds a delicious curried flavour to the sandwich and also helps turn the colour into the iconic yellow. I used mild curry powder, if you want a bit of heat, you can up for medium or hot curry powder alternatives.
Mango Chutney: Another key ingredient for making coronation chicken sandwiches! This adds a slightly sweet touch. Use