Coronation Chicken Sandwiches
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Coronation Chicken Sandwiches are a must-try if you’re into chicken salad with a twist. The combination of curry, chutney, and sweet raisins makes them unexpectedly delicious and totally crave-worthy. Serve them as elegant finger sandwiches for afternoon tea, pile the filling into croissants, or spoon it over a bed of lettuce for a fresh and flavorful meal.
Recently, I put together an afternoon tea. When planning the menu, having a variety of finger sandwiches was a must. I decided to go with three. I’ve already shared recipes for Cucumber Finger Sandwiches and Ham and Pimento Finger Sandwiches here on the blog, and today I’m rounding out the trio with these Coronation Chicken Sandwiches.
If you’re not familiar with it, Coronation Chicken is a British classic originally created for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. It’s basically a fancy chicken salad with curry and a touch of sweetness. A staple at British afternoon teas (and honestly, I get why), it’s unexpectedly delicious!
Since I’m a big fan of chicken salad, this one was an easy addition to my afternoon tea lineup. I love the hint of curry, the sweetness from the raisins, and the crunch of sliced almonds. It’s a unique spin on chicken salad but still feels totally approachable. Each bite is packed with flavor.
These sandwiches are easy to make and perfect for afternoon tea, but they’re just as good for a weekday lunch. You could even skip the bread and serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens. However you enjoy it, I think you too will love this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Coronation Chicken is a time-honored British favorite, but it still feels fresh and unique—especially if you’re used to traditional chicken salad. The mix of curry, mango chutney, and raisins creates a slightly sweet, mildly spiced, unexpected, but satisfying flavor. It brings a fun and flavorful option to any afternoon tea or lunch spread.
- You can mix up the filling in just a few minutes, especially if you already have cooked chicken on hand. Whether you’re making a batch for tea sandwiches or meal prepping for weekday lunches, the recipe adapts easily.
- Between the tender chicken, chewy raisins, crunchy almonds, and creamy dressing there’s something interesting and delicious in every bite. It’s well-balanced without being over the top. The curry powder adds just enough spice to keep things exciting while still being approachable.
Looking for more unique finger food ideas? You’ve got it! Check out this collection of all my best party-ready finger foods. I’m certain you’ll find several new recipes to enjoy!
Ingredients
It’s time to gather the ingredients to make these Coronation Chicken Sandwiches. Here’s what you will need:
- Bread – Simple sandwich bread works perfectly here; choose a soft white or wheat loaf for easy cutting and a classic look.
- Cooked chicken – Shredded chicken is the base of this recipe; it’s best to use something tender and mild so it soaks up all the flavor from the dressing.
- Mayonnaise – Adds richness and creaminess to bring everything together without overpowering the other flavors.
- Plain Greek yogurt – Lightens up the dressing while still keeping it creamy and adds a bit of tang.
- Mango chutney – A key ingredient in traditional Coronation Chicken, this brings a subtle sweetness and a touch of spice.
- Curry powder – The signature flavor of this sandwich, adds warmth and depth without being too strong.
- Raisins – Provide a chewy sweetness that plays well with the curry and chutney.
- Sliced almonds – For a bit of crunch and a delicate nutty flavor that makes the filling more interesting.
- Salt and pepper – Just enough to season everything and balance the flavors.
- Watercress or microgreens – These add a fresh, peppery bite and a pop of color that makes the sandwiches feel a little more special.
And if you love the tiered serving tray I have these tea sandwiches stacked on, you’re in luck because I have a thrifted dishware tried serving tray tutorial teaching you how to make it! It’s a really fun and easy project you can customize to suit you style or celebration!
How To Make
Alrighty, let’s get to work on these finger sandwiches. I’ll take you through the steps below. I’ve also provided a full ingredient list and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card below.
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mango chutney, and curry powder. Stir until everything is well mixed. Add the raisins and sliced almonds, then stir again to evenly distribute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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- Lay out four slices of bread. Evenly divide the chicken mixture among the slices, spreading it all the way to the edges. Top each with a handful of watercress or microgreens. Place the remaining four slices of bread on top to form sandwiches.
- Using a serrated knife, carefully trim off the crusts. Slice each sandwich into four equal triangles. Top with additional microgreens to garnish.
- Serve immediately or wrap tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
And there you have it! Another recipe for your finger sandwich repertoire. If you’ve never tried Coronation Chicken before, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It’s an unexpected but delightful combo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Coronation Chicken Sandwiches in advance?
Yes! You can prepare them a few hours ahead of time. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you’re making them more than an hour in advance, cover them with a slightly damp paper towel before sealing the container to prevent the bread from drying out.
You can also make the filling (chicken salad) a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it chill for a few hours helps the flavors meld even more. Just give it a quick stir before assembling your sandwiches.
What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?
Any cooked, shredded chicken will do—leftovers, rotisserie chicken, or poached chicken breasts are all great options. Just avoid anything heavily seasoned, as that could compete with the flavors of the dressing.
Can I swap out the almonds for something else?
Of course. If you need a nut-free version or just want to try something different, you can leave the almonds out or replace them with sunflower seeds or chopped celery for crunch. It’s easy to adjust based on your needs.
More Sandwich Recipes You’ll Love
- Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Hummus Sandwiches
- French Toast Breakfast Sandwiches
- Puff Pastry Ham Sandwich
- Italian Sub Pinwheel Sandwiches
I hope this recipe brings a fun and flavorful twist to your afternoon tea—or just gives you something a little different to look forward to during lunch.
Once you give them a try, I think you’re going to love these Coronation Chicken Sandwiches and be looking for any excuse to make them again and again. If you give these a try, would you please stop back and leave a comment and a 5-star rating below? I’d appreciate it!
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Coronation Chicken Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 1½ cup cooked chicken shredded
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mango chutney
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ¼ cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup microgreens or watercress, plus more to garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, mango chutney, and curry powder. Stir until everything is well mixed. Add the raisins and sliced almonds, then stir again to evenly distribute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Lay out four slices of bread. Evenly divide the chicken mixture among the slices, spreading it all the way to the edges. Top each with a handful of watercress or microgreens. Place the remaining four slices of bread on top to form sandwiches.
- Using a serrated knife, carefully trim off the crusts. Slice each sandwich into four equal triangles. Top with additional microgreens to garnish.
- Serve immediately or wrap tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.