There’s a certain kind of magic in a meal that’s both incredibly simple and deeply satisfying. That’s the magic of a Coronation Chicken Jacket Potato. It’s the sort of dinner that rescues a busy weeknight, but feels special enough to serve to friends.
A crisp-skinned potato, all fluffy inside, topped with a creamy, spiced, and slightly sweet chicken mixture. It’s comfort food with a little bit of crown-worthy flair.
Best of all, the oven does the heavy lifting. You get to relax, maybe with a well-earned drink in hand, while the irresistible smell of baking potatoes fills your kitchen. This dish is a true British classic, and once you try it, you’ll understand exactly why it’s stood the test of time.
The Story Behind the Flavour
That creamy, curried chicken filling has a royal past. It was created for a queen, literally. Back in 1953, food writers Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume invented the dish for the coronation banquet of Queen Elizabeth II. Their goal was to make something elegant, flavourful, and suitable for a large, formal event.
They combined cold chicken in a delicate, creamy sauce flavoured with curry powder and apricot purée. The nation fell in love with it, and it quickly became a staple in homes across the UK. The version we make today is often a bit simpler, using mango chutney for that sweet-tangy note. It’s a delicious piece of history you can eat right from your own plate.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving. It’s a great way to use up leftover roast chicken, or you can quickly poach or bake some chicken breasts specifically for it. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
- 4 Large Baking Potatoes: The sturdy foundation. Look for floury varieties like Maris Piper or Russet for the perfect fluffy texture.
- Cooked Chicken (about 450g / 1lb): Shredded or chopped. This is the star protein, ready to be enveloped in the luxurious sauce.
- Mayonnaise (4 tbsp): Adds a rich, creamy base and helps bind the sauce together beautifully.
- Greek Yogurt (4 tbsp): Lends a welcome tang and lightens up the sauce, balancing the richness of the mayo.
- Mango Chutney (3 tbsp): The secret weapon. It brings a fruity sweetness and subtle spice that defines coronation chicken.
- Curry Powder (1 tbsp): Provides the warm, aromatic spice. Use mild or hot, depending on your preference.
- Sultanas (a small handful): These little bursts of sweetness are traditional and add a lovely texture.
- Flaked Almonds (1 tbsp): For toasting and sprinkling on top. They give a crucial, delightful crunch.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the potatoes and the filling to your taste.
How to make Coronation Chicken Jacket Potato?
The process is beautifully straightforward. We’ll cook the potatoes to crispy-skinned perfection, and while they bake, we’ll whip up the iconic filling. It all comes together in about an hour, with most of that time being completely hands-off.
Step 1 – Prep and Start the Potatoes
First, give your potatoes a good scrub under running water. Dry them thoroughly. This helps the skin crisp up. Now, take a fork and prick each potato all over. This is a non-negotiable step—it lets steam escape so they don’t burst in your oven.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack, or on a baking tray. No foil. We want crisp skin, not steamed. Let them bake for 40 minutes.
Step 2 – Create the Coronation Chicken
While the potatoes cook, make the filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, and mango chutney. Stir it until you have a smooth, creamy, golden-hued sauce.
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Now, fold in the shredded chicken and the sultanas. Gently mix until every piece of chicken is coated in that glorious sauce. Set it aside, or pop it in the fridge until the potatoes are ready.
Step 3 – Crisp and Finish the Potatoes
After the first 40 minutes, it’s time for the crisp-factor. Turn your oven temperature up to 220°C (200°C fan). This blast of higher heat works wonders on the potato skins.
Let the potatoes bake for another 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the skins are crisp and crackly, and they give a little when squeezed (carefully, with an oven mitt!).
Step 4 – Assemble and Serve
Take the potatoes out of the oven. Let them cool for just a minute so you can handle them. Use a sharp knife to make a deep cross on the top of each one. Gently squeeze the ends to open them up into a fluffy, welcoming base.
Divide the coronation chicken mixture generously among the four potatoes. In a small pan, quickly toast the flaked almonds until just golden, then sprinkle them over the top. Serve immediately, maybe with a simple green salad on the side.
Choosing Your Perfect Potato
Not all potatoes are created equal, especially when you’re baking them whole. You want a variety that’s described as “floury.” These potatoes have a higher starch content and lower moisture, which gives you that light, fluffy, almost cloud-like interior we all crave.
The Maris Piper is the undisputed British champion for this job. It bakes up beautifully every single time. King Edward potatoes are another excellent, classic choice. If you’re in the US, look for Russet potatoes, like the Idaho Russet. Their texture is ideal for baking. Avoid waxy potatoes, as they tend to stay denser and won’t achieve that perfect fluffiness.
Tips
- For extra-crispy skin, rub the scrubbed potatoes with a little oil and a generous sprinkle of salt before baking.
- Short on time? You can start the potatoes in the microwave. Cook them on high for 8-10 minutes, then finish in a hot oven for 20 minutes to crisp the skin.
- The filling is a fantastic make-ahead. Prepare it a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. The flavours will meld and become even better.
- Feel free to add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh coriander or a squeeze of lemon juice to the chicken mixture for a fresh, zesty lift.
- No sultanas? Try chopped dried apricots or a handful of red seedless grapes for a different kind of sweet pop.
Creative Twists and Variations
This recipe is a wonderful canvas for your own tastes. If you want to lighten it up, you can use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayonnaise, or use a light mayo. Crème fraîche makes a lovely, rich substitute for the yogurt if you’re feeling indulgent.
For a bit of fresh crunch, stir in some finely diced celery or apple. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce. You could even swap the chicken for leftover roast turkey, or use canned chickpeas for a vibrant vegetarian version.
The beauty of this dish is its flexibility. Once you master the basic formula, you can make it entirely your own. It’s a humble jacket potato, dressed for a royal occasion, and it’s waiting for you to make it tonight.
Coronation Chicken Jacket Potato Recipe
Description
Quick, healthy, and delicious—the holy trinity of midweek meals. This Coronation Chicken Jacket Potato delivers all three and so much more! Perfect for busy families or a simple yet satisfying lunch, this classic British dish combines tender baked potatoes with a creamy, mildly spiced chicken filling that’s bursting with flavor.
ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan / 400°F / gas mark 6).
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Place the washed potatoes directly on the middle oven rack or in a baking dish. Bake for 40 minutes.
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Increase the oven temperature to 220°C (200°C fan / 425°F / gas mark 7) and bake for a further 20 minutes until skins are crisp and insides are fluffy.
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While the potatoes bake, prepare the coronation chicken: In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, curry powder, and mango chutney until smooth.
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Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in sultanas and cooked chicken until evenly coated.
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Once baked, remove potatoes from the oven. Slice open each one and fluff the insides gently with a fork.
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Spoon the coronation chicken generously over each potato. Top with toasted flaked almonds.
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Serve immediately with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 539kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19.9g31%
- Saturated Fat 4.2g22%
- Cholesterol 92.6mg31%
- Sodium 346.7mg15%
- Potassium 1120mg32%
- Total Carbohydrate 55.2g19%
- Dietary Fiber 6g24%
- Sugars 8.7g
- Protein 35.3g71%
- Calcium 85 mg
- Iron 2.8 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Customize your filling: Adjust the ratios of mayo, yogurt, and chutney to suit your taste.
- Spice it up: Add cayenne or extra curry powder if you like more heat.
- No sultanas? Try chopped dried apricots, raisins, or leave them out entirely.
- Extra crunch: Add finely chopped celery or red onion to the chicken mix.
