Coronation Chicken Sandwiches

Let’s be honest: chicken salad can be a little… predictable. But coronation chicken flips the script. It’s got curry powder for warmth, Greek yogurt or mayo for creaminess, and sweet bites of mango chutney and dried fruit for contrast. It’s bold but balanced—and it’s surprisingly easy to make.

I first tried coronation chicken during an afternoon tea at a cozy little spot in London, and it stole the show from all the scones and cucumber sandwiches. Since then, it’s been one of my go-to recipes for tea parties, picnics, and meal prep lunches that never get boring.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Big flavor: Sweet, savory, creamy, and lightly spiced.
• Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• Great for sandwiches or salads: Versatile enough for wraps, toast, or served over greens.
• Perfect for gatherings: Great for picnics, potlucks, and tea parties.
• Easy and fast: Comes together in about 15 minutes with pre-cooked chicken.

Prep Time and Servings

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 sandwiches
• Nutrition (per sandwich): Approx. 390 calories, 25g protein, 35g carbs, 18g fat

Ingredients

For the coronation chicken filling:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt, or a mix of both)
• 2 tablespoons mango chutney (or apricot jam as a sub)
• 1–2 teaspoons mild curry powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup golden raisins or chopped dried apricots
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery (optional for crunch)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

For the sandwiches:

• 8 slices of soft sandwich bread (white, whole wheat, or brioche)
• Butter or mayo for spreading (optional)
• Baby spinach, arugula, or watercress for layering (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the filling

• In a medium bowl, combine the mayo (or yogurt), mango chutney, curry powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Stir in the chicken, raisins/apricots, celery (if using), and herbs.
• Mix until everything is well coated and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more curry, chutney, or lemon juice as needed.

2. Assemble the sandwiches

• Lightly butter or mayo one side of each slice of bread, if desired.
• Spoon the coronation chicken mixture onto half of the bread slices.
• Add a handful of greens if using.
• Top with remaining slices of bread and press gently.

3. Slice and serve

• Cut sandwiches in halves or quarters (diagonally if you’re feeling fancy).
• Serve immediately, or wrap and chill until ready to eat.

How to Serve

• Classic tea-time style: Cut into small triangles or fingers and serve on a tiered platter.
• Picnic-ready: Pack in a lunchbox with fruit, crisps, and a fizzy drink.
• Low-carb: Skip the bread and serve the chicken salad over leafy greens.
• Wrap it up: Spoon into a wrap or pita for a portable lunch option.
• On toast: Top sourdough or a croissant for an open-faced version.

Tips for Success

1. Use rotisserie or leftover chicken: It’s fast, flavorful, and tender.
2. Let it chill: The flavors get even better after an hour in the fridge.
3. Adjust curry powder to taste: Start small and add more for a stronger flavor.
4. Don’t skip the chutney: It adds the perfect touch of sweetness and depth.
5. Mix and match textures: Add chopped nuts or apples for crunch if you like.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Use chickpeas or roasted sweet potatoes instead of chicken.
• No mayo: Use all Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative.
• Extra spice: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce.
• Apple crunch: Mix in small diced green apple for extra texture and tartness.
• Wrap version: Spoon into a tortilla with greens and roll it up burrito-style.

Storage

• Fridge: Store the filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make-ahead tip: Assemble sandwiches up to 1 day in advance and wrap tightly. Add greens just before serving for best texture.

Special Equipment

• None! Just a bowl, spoon, and a knife. (Though a cute tea tray and tiered cake stand make serving extra fun.)

FAQ

Can I make this with canned chicken?
Yes! Just be sure to drain it well and shred it finely for best texture.

Is it spicy?
Not unless you make it so—mild curry powder gives warmth, not heat.

What’s the best bread for this?
Soft sandwich bread, brioche, or croissants all work beautifully.

Can I freeze coronation chicken?
Not recommended—the creamy dressing doesn’t hold up well after freezing.

What’s a good substitute for mango chutney?
Try apricot jam, peach preserves, or even a touch of honey with a splash of vinegar.

Conclusion

These Coronation Chicken Sandwiches are a flavorful, feel-good throwback that totally deserves a comeback. They’re creamy, lightly spiced, and packed with that irresistible sweet-and-savory combo. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or just want to level up your lunch game, this recipe brings royal flavor with minimal fuss.

Try them once, and you might just crown them your new lunchtime favorite. If you do, tag me—I’d love to see your coronation creations!

Print