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jamie oliver coronation chicken
Sheila Browder

Jamie Oliver Coronation Chicken Recipe

Coronation chicken isn’t just any dish; it’s a piece of culinary history. Created for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, this meal combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 557

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole free-range chicken approx. 2 kg
  • 4 red onions quartered
  • 5 cm piece of fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1-2 vibrant red chillies
  • 1 bunch of fresh cilantro 30g
  • 2 zesty lemons
  • 2 tablespoons of aromatic curry paste
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 x 435g can of pineapple rings in juice
  • 4 generous tablespoons of creamy Greek yoghurt
  • 2 tablespoons of toasted flaked almonds
  • 1 juicy pomegranate seeds removed
  • 4 little gem lettuces trimmed
  • 1 crisp cucumber sliced
  • 2 poppadoms
  • 1 teaspoon of garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon of honey

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

  1. Start by placing the whole chicken in a large pot. Add enough water to cover the chicken completely. Throw in the quartered red onions, minced garlic, and fresh ginger. Bring this to a gentle simmer and cook for about 1 hour or until the chicken is tender.
  2. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot. Put it on a cutting board and let it cool. Reserve the cooking liquid for later—this will taste great in your soup or stock!
  3. While the chicken cools, prepare the sauce. In a large bowl, mix the curry paste, Greek yogurt, honey, and the juice of two lemons. Finely chop the cilantro and add that along with some salt and pepper to taste. You want this sauce to be vibrant and delicious.
  4. Once the chicken has cooled, shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard the skin and bones. Add the meat to the bowl with your sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
  5. To serve, arrange the shredded chicken on a platter. Garnish with toasted almonds and pomegranate seeds for a delightful crunch and burst of sweetness. Add cucumber slices and poppadoms on the side, making it look inviting.

Nutrition

Calories: 557kcal

Notes

  • Use a Thermometer: When poaching the chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to guarantee it’s fully cooked.
  • Cool the Chicken Quickly: If you’re in a rush, put the chicken in the fridge after it cools slightly to speed up the process.
  • Make Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance for flavors to meld.
  • Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of curry paste or omit the chillies.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Consider adding mint or basil to the sauce for a fresh twist.

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