Coronation Chicken Without Raisins (Best Recipe)

Coronation chicken is a classic British cold dish that combines succulent chicken with a creamy, tangy curry dressing. It’s a wonderful and satisfying meal, perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or even as a light dinner.

There are countless ways you can make coronation chicken, and one popular variation omits raisins. While some people may relish the sweet burst of raisins, others prefer a more savory flavor profile.

So, if you’re a raisin detractor or simply want a change, this is the recipe for you. It has all the fantastic elements of coronation chicken, such as the curry-spiced sauce, but with a delicious twist from apricots instead of raisins.

This recipe is truly a gem, and once you taste it, you’ll be hooked. The creamy sauce permeates into the shredded or cubed chicken, creating a marvelous harmony of flavors. And for an extra touch of elegance and crunch, toasted almond flakes make the perfect garnish.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the best coronation chicken without raisins!

Coronation Chicken Without Raisins

Here’s a coronation chicken recipe that leaves out raisins, but doesn’t skimp on flavor. It includes delicate spices, dried apricots, and a tantalizing combination of mayo and creme fraiche. It’s positively divine!

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoon white onion (or 1 shallot, finely chopped)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoon mild curry powder
• 1 teaspoon double-concentrated tomato paste
• 60 ml red wine
• 60 ml water
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon brown sugar
• 200 g mayonnaise
• 125 g creme fraiche (or unsweetened whipped cream)
• 1 tablespoon dried apricots (finely chopped)
• 2 large skinless chicken breasts (600 g or 6 cups, cooked and shredded or cut into chunks)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoon toasted almond flakes (optional)

That’s quite a list, but don’t let it intimidate you. Trust us, the result is more than worth it!

How To Make Coronation Chicken Without Raisins

Here’s how to make your coronation chicken:

1. Prepare the chicken

If your chicken breasts aren’t cooked yet, start by boiling or roasting them. Once they’re fully cooked, shred the meat or cut it into chunks. Set aside.

2. Make the curry sauce

Heat the olive oil in a pan, then add the chopped onion and bay leaf. Sauté until the onion is transparent.

Next, stir in the curry powder and tomato paste, and cook for another 2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Pour in the red wine, water, lemon juice, and brown sugar, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer for around 5 minutes.

3. Prep the remaining ingredients

While the sauce simmers, prep the other ingredients. Finely chop the dried apricots, and if you haven’t already, measure out the mayonnaise and creme fraiche.

4. Combine all the elements

Once the sauce has finished simmering, turn off the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Remove the bay leaf.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled sauce, mayonnaise, and creme fraiche. Mix until everything is well blended.

Add the chopped apricots and cooked chicken, and toss until the chicken is well coated with the sauce.

5. Season and garnish

Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. If using, sprinkle the toasted almond flakes on top for a lovely crunch.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Refrigerate any leftovers and consume within 3 days.

Tips for the Best Coronation Chicken

To make your coronation chicken truly outstanding, keep in mind these tips:

• Use double-concentrated tomato paste. It gives a rich flavor to the sauce. However, if you can’t find it, regular tomato paste will suffice; just add a little extra.
• Customize the creaminess. If you prefer a lighter, less rich sauce, use more creme fraiche or whipped cream. Conversely, if you love the mayo flavor, you can go heavier on that instead.
• Don’t forget to season. Proper seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors in your dish. Taste and adjust accordingly.
• Let the chicken cool down before combining. Mixing the sauce with hot chicken may cause it to become too runny. Ensure the chicken is completely cool and drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the mix.
• Include the almond flakes. Although optional, we highly recommend the toasted almond flakes for an added layer of texture and taste.

Variations

If you’d like to put your personal touch on this recipe, here are some variations to consider:

• Go crazy with the spices. If you like things hot, add some cayenne pepper or chilies. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of curry powder.
• Swap the fruits and nuts. If apricots aren’t your jam, you could swap them for cranberries, sultanas, or even diced fresh apple. Similarly, you could try cashew nuts or peanuts instead of the almond flakes.
• Mix up the meat. Coronation chicken works well with other poultry, such as turkey or duck. You could even try it with prawns or hard-boiled eggs if you prefer a vegetarian option.

What to Serve With Coronation Chicken

Coronation chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some fabulous ways you can enjoy it:

• In a sandwich or wrap. Fill a sandwich or wrap with a generous amount of coronation chicken, and add some fresh salad leaves for extra crunch.
• On a salad. Make a delicious, filling salad by adding coronation chicken to a bed of mixed greens, along with some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and sliced avocado.
• In a jacket potato. Spoon a generous portion of coronation chicken into a hot, fluffy jacket potato for a marvelous lunch or light dinner.
• As a party dip. Serve a bowl of coronation chicken alongside some crunchy vegetable sticks, pita bread, or tortilla chips for a fantastic party dip.
• On a cheeseboard. Coronation chicken is the perfect addition to a cheeseboard. Its creamy texture and rich flavor complement a variety of cheeses.

Storage Tips

Coronation chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to consume it when it’s fresh for the fullest flavor and texture.