The tastes of childhood can bring back strong memories, and coronation chicken was always one of my favourite sandwich fillings. It’s a classic recipe that doesn’t need much updating — just good leftover chicken, a few store cupboard staples, and a little sweetness from raisins and orange juice. It’s also endlessly adaptable: skip what your kids don’t like, and add in whatever they do.
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Coronation Chicken Recipe
This is the coronation chicken recipe I turn to whenever there’s leftover roast chicken in the fridge, especially after a Sunday roast. Tweak the fillings to suit your children’s tastes. I love it piled onto crackers, but it works just as well in wraps, sandwiches, pitta breads, or eaten on its own with a fork.
This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients
- 200g / 7oz leftover chicken or cooked chicken pieces
- Fresh rocket
- Handful of raisins & sultanas
- 1 red pepper
- 1 spring onion
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1 teaspoon mild curry powder
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 chopping board
- 1 large spoon
- 1 small bowl
- Microwave
Method
1. In the small bowl, place the raisins and sultanas, pour over the orange juice, and place in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. If you don’t have a microwave, pour the orange juice over the fruit two hours in advance and let it soak through — this step is just a shortcut to save time.
2. Chop the spring onion and red pepper into equal-sized small pieces.
3. Tear the chicken into bite-sized chunks.
4. Place the chicken, spring onion and red pepper into the large bowl.
5. Drain the raisins of any excess liquid and add to the large bowl too.
6. Add the mayonnaise and curry powder to the large bowl and stir well.
7. Divide into 4 small cups, cover with cling film, and pack into a lunchbox along with a handful of rocket leaves and crackers or a wrap.
8. To serve, simply assemble it yourself at lunchtime — this keeps the crackers or wrap from going soggy.
This recipe, and more, is available on Wholesome Ireland.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make coronation chicken ahead of time?
Yes — it actually tastes better after an hour or two in the fridge, once the flavours have had a chance to mingle. Keep it chilled and use within a couple of days.
Can I freeze coronation chicken?
It’s not ideal for freezing, as mayonnaise-based mixtures can separate and go watery once thawed. It’s best made fresh and enjoyed within a few days.
What can I use instead of curry powder?
A mild curry paste works well too, or you can leave it out entirely for a milder, sweeter version that some younger kids prefer.
Is this recipe good for school lunchboxes?
Yes, it’s a great option for packed lunches — just pack the chicken mixture separately from the crackers, wrap or bread and let your child assemble it at lunchtime so nothing goes soggy.
More Lunchbox Ideas
If this one’s a hit, take a look at our Cheddar Chicken Salad and 10 Easy and Tasty Toppings for Crackers the Family Will Love for more simple, family-friendly lunchbox fillings.
Want More Lunchbox Inspiration?
Browse our family food section for more quick, kid-approved recipes, and save this one for the next time you’ve got leftover roast chicken to use up.
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