If you are looking for a royal treat, you have come to the right place. This Hairy Bikers Coronation Chicken Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any lunch or party.
It combines tender chicken with a creamy, mildly spiced sauce that everyone loves. I first tried this at a summer picnic and fell in love instantly. It is much better than anything you can buy at the store. Learning how to make Hairy Bikers Coronation Chicken will change your sandwich game forever.
What Makes This Coronation Chicken Special
The Hairy Bikers are known for making food that feels like a big hug. Their version of this classic dish is perfectly balanced. It is not too spicy, but it has a wonderful depth of flavor.
Many recipes are just mayo and curry powder. This one uses fresh ingredients and a hint of sweetness from mango chutney. It feels authentic and homemade. The texture is creamy yet light, making it the perfect filling for wraps or baked potatoes.
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Small frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Hairy Bikers Coronation Chicken Recipe
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins (for spices)
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Course: Main / Salad
- Cuisine: British
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Ingredients You Need for Hairy Bikers Coronation Chicken
The ingredients for Hairy Bikers Coronation Chicken are simple but effective. Here is what you need:
- 500g cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp mild curry powder
- 1 tsp tomato purée
- 100ml red wine or chicken stock
- 2 tbsp mango chutney
- 150ml good quality mayonnaise
- 75ml Greek yogurt or crème fraîche
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 50g dried apricots (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp flaked almonds (toasted)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Sauté the Onion
Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently. You want them to be soft and clear. This takes about five minutes. Do not let them turn brown or crispy.
2. Toast the Spices
Add the curry powder to the soft onions. Stir it well for about one minute. This wakes up the spices and removes the raw taste. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing right now.
3. Simmer the Sauce Base
Stir in the tomato purée and the red wine or stock. Let the liquid bubble and reduce by half. This creates a thick, flavorful paste. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.
4. Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt together. Add the cooled onion mixture and the mango chutney. Stir until the sauce is a beautiful golden color. Add the lemon juice.
5. Combine the Fruit
Fold in the chopped dried apricots. These little bits of fruit add a lovely chew and sweetness. It balances the spice of the curry powder perfectly. Make sure they are spread out evenly.
6. Add the Chicken
Put your cooked chicken pieces into the bowl. Use a large spoon to coat every piece in the sauce. The chicken should be completely covered. Season with a little salt and pepper here.
7. Garnish and Chill
Scatter the toasted flaked almonds over the top. Add a handful of fresh cilantro for a pop of green. Put the bowl in the fridge for an hour. This lets the flavors meld.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Buy a pre-cooked chicken from the store to save time. It is juicy and very easy to shred.
- Healthier Version: Use more Greek yogurt and less mayonnaise to cut down on the fat content.
- Add Some Crunch: If you don’t like almonds, try adding some chopped celery for a fresh snap.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes if you want a bit more heat in your sauce.
- Fruit Swaps: If you don’t have apricots, golden raisins or sultanas work perfectly as well.
Interesting Facts About Coronation Chicken
This dish has a very famous history. It was created in 1953 for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The recipe was meant to be sophisticated but accessible to the public. It was originally called “Poulet Reine Elizabeth.”
Today, it is a staple of British culture and tea parties. The Hairy Bikers updated it to make it even more flavorful for modern tastes. It represents a beautiful blend of British tradition and Indian-inspired spices.
Perfect Dishes to Serve With Coronation Chicken
- Fresh Baguettes: Stuff the chicken into a crusty bread roll for the best sandwich ever.
- Jacket Potatoes: Spoon a generous amount over a hot, buttery baked potato.
- Green Salad: Serve it on a bed of mixed leaves for a lighter lunch option.
- Rice Pilaf: Pair it with warm basmati rice for a more filling dinner.
- Pasta Salad: Mix it with cooked cold pasta for a great potluck dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This recipe does not freeze well because the mayo and yogurt may split.
- Serving Cold: Always serve this dish chilled or at room temperature for the best taste.
- Avoid Heat: Do not microwave this dish, as the sauce will become oily and thin.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fiber | 1.5g |
| Sugar | 8g |
Health Benefits
This Hairy Bikers Coronation Chicken Recipe is packed with lean protein from the chicken breast. Protein helps build muscle and keeps you feeling full for longer. The turmeric in the curry powder is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Using Greek yogurt adds a boost of calcium and probiotics for gut health. While it is a creamy dish, it provides essential vitamins from the dried fruit and fresh herbs. It is a balanced meal when served with plenty of fresh vegetables.
FAQs about Hairy Bikers Coronation Chicken
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, this dish actually tastes better the next day. Preparing it 24 hours early allows the spices to fully soak into the chicken. Just keep it covered in the fridge.
What is the best chicken to use?
Poached chicken breast is the most traditional choice. However, leftover roast chicken or even grilled chicken works great. Just ensure the meat is cold before adding the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Most children love this recipe because it is mild and slightly sweet. If your kids are sensitive to spice, just reduce the curry powder by half. The mango chutney makes it very kid-friendly.
Can I use something other than mango chutney?
If you cannot find mango chutney, apricot jam mixed with a little vinegar is a good substitute. It provides the same sweet and tangy balance needed for the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Making this Hairy Bikers Coronation Chicken Recipe is a joyful experience for any home cook. It is simple, fast, and tastes like a professional chef made it.
Whether you are hosting a party or packing a lunch, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try this weekend and enjoy a true British classic!
Hairy Bikers Coronation Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g cooked chicken breast shredded or cubed
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 tbsp mild curry powder
- 1 tsp tomato purée
- 100 ml red wine or chicken stock
- 2 tbsp mango chutney
- 150 ml good quality mayonnaise
- 75 ml Greek yogurt or crème fraîche
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 50 g dried apricots finely chopped
- 1 tbsp flaked almonds toasted
- Fresh cilantro chopped for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Sauté the Onion
- Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently. You want them to be soft and clear. This takes about five minutes. Do not let them turn brown or crispy.
Toast the Spices
- Add the curry powder to the soft onions. Stir it well for about one minute. This wakes up the spices and removes the raw taste. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing right now.
Simmer the Sauce Base
- Stir in the tomato purée and the red wine or stock. Let the liquid bubble and reduce by half. This creates a thick, flavorful paste. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.
Mix the Creamy Base
- In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt together. Add the cooled onion mixture and the mango chutney. Stir until the sauce is a beautiful golden color. Add the lemon juice.
Combine the Fruit
- Fold in the chopped dried apricots. These little bits of fruit add a lovely chew and sweetness. It balances the spice of the curry powder perfectly. Make sure they are spread out evenly.
Add the Chicken
- Put your cooked chicken pieces into the bowl. Use a large spoon to coat every piece in the sauce. The chicken should be completely covered. Season with a little salt and pepper here.
Garnish and Chill
- Scatter the toasted flaked almonds over the top. Add a handful of fresh cilantro for a pop of green. Put the bowl in the fridge for an hour. This lets the flavors meld.
Notes
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1. Sauté the Onion
Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook gently. You want them to be soft and clear. This takes about five minutes. Do not let them turn brown or crispy.2. Toast the Spices
Add the curry powder to the soft onions. Stir it well for about one minute. This wakes up the spices and removes the raw taste. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing right now.3. Simmer the Sauce Base
Stir in the tomato purée and the red wine or stock. Let the liquid bubble and reduce by half. This creates a thick, flavorful paste. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.4. Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt together. Add the cooled onion mixture and the mango chutney. Stir until the sauce is a beautiful golden color. Add the lemon juice.5. Combine the Fruit
Fold in the chopped dried apricots. These little bits of fruit add a lovely chew and sweetness. It balances the spice of the curry powder perfectly. Make sure they are spread out evenly.6. Add the Chicken
Put your cooked chicken pieces into the bowl. Use a large spoon to coat every piece in the sauce. The chicken should be completely covered. Season with a little salt and pepper here.7. Garnish and Chill
Scatter the toasted flaked almonds over the top. Add a handful of fresh cilantro for a pop of green. Put the bowl in the fridge for an hour. This lets the flavors meld.Expert Tips & Variations
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Buy a pre-cooked chicken from the store to save time. It is juicy and very easy to shred.
- Healthier Version: Use more Greek yogurt and less mayonnaise to cut down on the fat content.
- Add Some Crunch: If you don’t like almonds, try adding some chopped celery for a fresh snap.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes if you want a bit more heat in your sauce.
- Fruit Swaps: If you don’t have apricots, golden raisins or sultanas work perfectly as well.
Emily Carter is a passionate home cook and recipe creator. She shares easy, family-friendly meals with a modern twist. Her focus is on simple ingredients, clear steps and soulful, delicious food that everyone can enjoy.