How to Make Proper Coronation Chicken for Summer Picnics

There are just some dishes that seem to transcend time. Not necessarily in a timeless, sophisticated sort of way — in fact, many of them are quite dated — but somehow they still keep appearing year after year at buffets, family parties, summer lunches and slightly chaotic picnic spreads.

Coronation chicken is definitely one of those recipes.

It feels wonderfully British in a way that’s hard to explain. Slightly retro, faintly nostalgic and forever associated with summer tables covered in paper plates, sandwiches, sausage rolls and bowls of crisps. And despite all the modern food trends constantly arriving and disappearing online, coronation chicken somehow survives them all.

With brighter weather finally around the corner and picnic season fast approaching, I just know somebody out there is searching for the perfect coronation chicken recipe right now.

Originally created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation banquet in 1953, coronation chicken was designed by florist Constance Spry and chef Rosemary Hume as a celebratory dish combining cold chicken with a lightly curried creamy sauce. At the time, the exotic spices and fruity flavours felt modern and glamorous — a far cry from the beige British food stereotype we often laugh about today.

And honestly? It still works.

The combination of tender chicken, gentle curry spice, creamy dressing and sweetness from mango chutney remains ridiculously good, particularly in sandwiches, jacket potatoes, salads or piled into soft brioche buns for summer lunches.

What makes coronation chicken endure is probably its versatility. It feels equally at home at a fancy garden party as it does packed into Tupperware for a slightly windswept picnic in the park. It’s comforting, easy to make ahead and somehow tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.

This version keeps the traditional flavours but balances the sweetness and creaminess slightly more than some older recipes, resulting in something fresher, lighter and far less heavy than the slightly gloopy versions many of us remember from buffet tables growing up.

The Best Coronation Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

500g cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
4 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
1 tbsp mild curry powder
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp mango chutney
1 tsp lemon juice
1 small handful dried apricots, finely chopped
2 tbsp sultanas
2 spring onions, finely sliced
Salt and black pepper
Fresh coriander, to serve (optional)
Flaked almonds, toasted (optional)

Method

1. Make the dressing

In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, curry powder, turmeric, mango chutney and lemon juice until smooth.

The yoghurt helps lighten the dressing slightly, making it fresher and less heavy than some traditional versions.

2. Add the chicken

Fold the cooked chicken into the dressing until fully coated.

Coronation chicken works brilliantly with leftover roast chicken, making it ideal for using up leftovers after a Sunday roast or summer barbecue.

3. Add sweetness and texture

Stir through the chopped apricots, sultanas and spring onions. Season well with salt and black pepper.

The sweetness from the fruit is what gives coronation chicken its classic flavour, but keeping it balanced prevents it from becoming overly sweet or claggy.

4. Chill before serving

Cover and place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Like many picnic-style dishes, coronation chicken actually tastes better once the flavours have had time to develop.

5. Serve

Top with fresh coriander and toasted flaked almonds if using.

Serve:

in sandwiches or wraps
on baked potatoes
with salad leaves
inside brioche buns
as part of a picnic spread
or alongside crisps and summer salads for an easy lunch

Tips for the Best Coronation Chicken

Use good-quality cooked chicken for the best flavour
Add extra yoghurt if you prefer a lighter dressing
A small pinch of cayenne pepper adds warmth without overpowering the dish
Keep it chilled if serving outdoors during warmer weather
It will keep in the fridge for up to two days

Why Coronation Chicken Still Works

There’s a reason coronation chicken continues to survive every changing food trend. It’s easy, comforting, nostalgic and genuinely delicious when made properly.

And honestly, there’s something reassuring about recipes like this still appearing every summer — slightly retro, slightly old-fashioned and completely impossible to resist once tucked inside fresh bread with a bag of crisps on the side.

Explore more with Crave, your lifestyle magazine in the UK for food, wellbeing and travel inspiration.