Classic Coronation Chicken Sandwiches Recipe

Introducing Coronation Chicken Sandwiches, a classic and slightly retro recipe combining shredded chicken with flaked almonds, sultanas and spring onions in a mild and creamy curry dressing.

They make the perfect accompaniment for a day at the races, to serve with a high tea, or for a simple picnic in the park. Delicious!

The original recipe for Coronation Chicken was first made by Cordon Bleu London for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in the early 1950s. It became a classic British dish, also known as Poulet Reine Elizabeth, and the dish has lived on in various forms over the years.

Coronation Chicken sandwiches became a bit of a cult way of serving Coronation Chicken, and after making them recently, I totally agree!

By combining mild curry spices and mayo with leftover BBQ chicken, plus sultanas and mango chutney for bursts of sweetness, this sandwich is still worthy for a Queen (or King!)

So pack your picnic basket with slices of Quiche Lorraine, crispy sausage rolls, veggie sticks with a tasty hommus dip, and these gourmet sandwiches. You’ll have something to please everyone!

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Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

The flavour combo of Coronation chicken makes the BEST sandwich filling!

• A great way to use up leftover roast chicken – a little leftover chicken goes a long way when it’s mixed with other ingredients and used to fill sandwiches.
• Make ahead of time – Coronation Chicken filling can be made ahead of time, then spread generously over fresh soft white bread and served!
• Perfect for so many occasions – pop a gourmet sandwich into your work lunchbox, take along for a lovely addition to outdoor picnics or family gatherings, make finger sandwiches for an afternoon tea party, or just enjoy a light lunch or dinner at home.
• Serves a crowd – when you need to take a plate, these flavoursome chicken tea sandwiches, made with the softest fresh bread, are simply too hard to resist!

What You Need

By using leftover cooked chicken and a loaf of fresh bread, Coronation chicken sandwiches are a quick, easy (and economical) way to satisfy a crowd!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

These ingredients are based on the original coronation chicken recipe.

• Flaked almonds – lightly toasted. Use thin flaked almonds rather than slivered almonds.
• Cooked and cooled chicken – diced. I find a BBQ rotisserie chicken is ideal for Coronation chicken sandwiches, or you may have leftover chicken from cooking one yourself. Chop the chicken into small pieces.
• Spring onion stems – finely diced.
• Sultanas – make sure your sultanas are fresh for the best burst of sweetness. Alternatively, you can use raisins.
• Whole egg mayonnaise – for convenience I use a store bought whole egg mayo, but you can also make your own.
• Greek yoghurt.
• Mango chutney – combining Indian spices with the sweetness of mango, and a little acidity from vinegar, mango chutney is a great addition to so many recipes!
• Curry powder – use a mild curry powder such as Keen’s.
• Lemon juice – either fresh lemon juice or store bought. You can use lime juice if you prefer.
• Salt and black pepper – to season the chicken filling.
• Bread – thinly sliced. I like to use a thin white bread for Coronation chicken sandwiches, just make sure it’s soft and fresh for the very best sandwiches!
• Butter – softened, for spreading.
• Lettuce – either cos or iceberg lettuce is ideal to use in these sandwiches.

Equipment Required

Other than a small frypan to toast the flaked almonds in, you will only need:

• Sharp knife – to chop the ingredients with.
• 1 large mixing bowl and 1 small mixing bowl
• A spoon.
• Wooden board or bench top – to assemble the sandwiches on.

Step By Step Instructions

To save time, you can make the chicken filling up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble your spiced homemade Coronation chicken sandwiches.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1 – Toast The Flaked Almonds

Place the flaked almonds into a small frying pan over low heat. Stir until lightly golden. Note: Keep a good eye on them and remove from heat once starting to turn golden as they can quickly burn!

Step 2 – Assemble The Filling Ingredients

Place chicken, spring onions, sultanas and toasted flaked almonds into a large bowl. Set this aside whilst you make the coronation sauce.

Step 3 – Mix The Dressing

In a separate bowl, combine all the creamy sauce ingredients: the whole egg mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt, mango chutney, curry powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Mix the dressing until combined.

Step 4 – Combine Dressing And Chicken Filling

Add the dressing to the bowl of shredded chicken, spring onions, almonds and sultanas.

Stir until the dressing coats the filling ingredients well.

Step 5 – Assemble The Sandwiches

Spread softened butter over the bread slices.

Top half of the buttered slices of bread with lettuce leaves and chicken mixture.

Top with the remaining bread slices. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

While I love turning coronation chicken into delicious sandwiches, here’s a few other options:

• Wraps or Tortillas – Roll up the Coronation Chicken in a wrap with mixed greens, cucumber, and avocado for a light, healthy meal.
• With Rice – Serve over a bed of steamed rice or fluffy basmati rice for a filling meal that works perfectly for lunch or dinner.
• Salad Bowls – For a lighter meal, serve Coronation Chicken on a bed of mixed salad leaves, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Add some crunchy croutons or toasted nuts for texture.
• Stuffed Pita Pockets – Stuff soft pita bread with Coronation Chicken, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh and flavorful bite.
• On a Platter – Perfect for entertaining! Serve with an assortment of crackers, fresh bread, and a selection of cheese and chutneys for a grazing platter.
• As a Salad Topping – Add a generous spoonful of Coronation Chicken on top of a simple green salad or coleslaw for a more substantial side.
• With Roasted Vegetables – Serve with roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty, comforting meal.
• Mini Bites – Perfect for parties, serve small portions of Coronation Chicken on crackers or in mini puff pastry cups as a canapé or snack.
• On a Bed of Couscous – Couscous is a great base to serve the Coronation Chicken with, adding a nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
• Jacket Potatoes – Serve the Coronation Chicken on a fluffy jacket potato for a comforting and filling meal. Top with some sour cream and fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Expert Tips

These creamy Coronation chicken sandwiches are a delicious combination of flavours!

• By using a mild curry powder such as Keens brand, the curry flavour is subtle.
• Mango chutney adds a delicious sweet and sour taste that blends well in the creamy dressing.
• For a nut-free option, simply omit the flaked almonds.
• This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken!
• The sandwich filling can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling the sandwiches.
• If you’re preparing ahead, leave toasting the flaked almonds until just before assembling the sandwiches so they stay nice and crunchy!
• Serving – these shredded chicken sandwiches are best served immediately.
• This recipe is not suitable for freezing.

FAQs

I hope you love my Coronation Chicken sandwich recipe! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share them in the comments below!

BBQ chicken is such a versatile ingredient to use in so many dishes, check out some of these easy recipes using leftover cooked chicken.

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