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You are here: Home / Giveaway / Coronation Chicken and Lavender & Lovage Book Review

Coronation Chicken and Lavender & Lovage Book Review

November 15, 2018 by Fiona Maclean 73 Comments

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Last Updated on October 11, 2020 by Fiona Maclean

Cookbook and Travel Stories – Lavender and Lovage (and a recipe for Coronation Chicken from the book)

I’ve known Karen almost since I started my own blog.  I’ve admired her food photography and enjoyed her recipes both in my own home and at hers in France.  We share a love of travel and in many ways had similar itinerant childhoods, though I suspect her mother was slightly more grounded than mine and from everything I’ve heard was certainly a more enthusiastic cook.  So, I was thrilled to get a preview copy of Lavender and Lovage a week or so ago and was searching around for a recipe to test.  What could be more appropriate than Coronation Chicken?  It’s a heritage British dish that for me epitomises Karen’s cookery.  It’s something I remember from my own childhood and I was curious to see how Karen’s version worked against the one my mother used to make for us.  Both Karen and I have written a lot about low calorie recipes for the 5:2 diet and both of us tend towards producing healthier versions of British classic recipes

Healthy Coronation chicken

I have to confess that despite having volunteered to help with the recipe testing before publication, I am probably the worst recipe tester in the world.  But, Karen’s new book is actually something that works even for someone like me.  I made and loved a yellow lentil soup with lemon that is in the book as part of the testing process and also tried an easy chicken doner kebab.   I’ve already made the yellow lentil soup several times since and love the way that the lemon lifts the dish while the lentils provide a filling comfort meal.   I suspect I’ll be making Coronation chicken again too because it’s such a good way to make something different with poultry.

There are a couple of theories about the origin of Coronation chicken.  It was part of a menu devised by the Cordon Bleu cookery school for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.  It was originally credited to Rosemary Hume and Constance Spry who were both principals of the Cordon Bleu Cookery School in London at the time.  You can find the recipe that was used on the Cordon Bleu website – it’s actually quite complicated and involves red wine, apricot puree and whipped cream.   It was partly governed by what would have been available in post-war Britain – so for example, there’s curry powder rather than individual spices and a sauce that didn’t rely on mayonnaise.

Subsequently, it’s been suggested that the recipe was actually a variation on a dish prepared for the silver jubilee of George V in 1935.  And, more recently, Heston Blumenthal created ‘Diamond Jubilee Chicken’ which is similar to the original recipe but involves making your own spice mixture rather than using curry powder and brining the chicken in spices and with golden syrup for sweetness before grilling it.

Coronation chicken recipe

Far more accessible is Karen’s version of coronation chicken, which for the most part uses ingredients I already have in my store-cupboard.   She recommends using curry paste and uses reduced-fat mayonnaise and half fat creme fraiche to create a much lighter and healthier coronation chicken than the version you’ll find in most supermarket sandwiches.  And, for me, the real advantage of making up my own healthy coronation chicken is that I can adjust the ingredients very easily to my own taste.  I also have to confess I made my own version using a left-over chicken breast from the Sunday roast, rather than following Karen’s suggestion and poaching the breasts in stock.  I do think it works very well as a way of using up leftover poultry – it’s a great way to use up leftover turkey too.

Healthy Coronation chicken

Karen’s coronation chicken recipe uses a mild red onion chutney in addition to chunky mango chutney.  I know when my mother made her own version of coronation chicken it involved apricot jam and canned apricots – mostly because the only time we used canned apricots was for coronation chicken.  The red-onion chutney is a spicier, less sweet alternative and I rather like it, although I did cut the quantity recommended down a lot I suspect that may be down to variations in the brand.  What I’d suggest is tasting as you go and adding the mango chutney first when you make this healthy coronation chicken recipe.

As Karen suggested, I served my coronation chicken in Baby Gem lettuce leaves.  It would make an excellent seasonal buffet dish – and whatever is left over does work very well in a jacket potato or in sandwiches.  It will keep well in the fridge for a few days in a sealed container, but I would advise against freezing as the creamy sauce will not thaw out well.  I’ve already stayed with Karen when she has had a party and I know that her recipe book is packed with more dishes you’ll enjoy if you are making up a festive buffet

Here’s Karen’s recipe for healthy coronation chicken which she’s nicknamed ‘Panama Canal’ –

4.95 from 18 votes
Healthy Coronation chicken
Print
Healthy Coronation Chicken
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 

A lighter Coronation Chicken recipe from Karen Burns Booth's recipe book, Lavender and Lovage - serves 6 as part of a buffet or 4 served as a salad main course

Course: Buffet, Main
Cuisine: British
Keyword: chicken, coronation chicken, healthy, lighter
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 350 kcal
Author: Karen Burns Booth
Ingredients
  • 2 large cooked chicken breast fillets roughly diced into small chunks
  • 50 g toasted flaked almonds
  • lettuce leaves to serve
  • 2 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise I used Hellmans
  • 2 tbsp half fat creme fraiche I used Yeo Valley
  • 1/2 Lemon Juice only
  • 1/2-2 tbsp caramelised red onion chutney Karen recommends a full 2 tablespoons of red onion chutney. I added about half a tablespoon and thought there was enough for my palate
  • 2 tsp chunky mango chutney
  • 2 tsp curry paste mild or medium
  • small bunch spring onions
  • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Mix together the creme fraiche and mayonnaise, then stir through the lemon juice to loosen it.  

  2. Stir through the curry paste and the white parts of the spring onions

  3. Gently fold in the chutneys.  I'd suggest starting with the mango chutney, then adding enough caramelised red onion chutney to suit your own taste

  4. Season with salt and pepper and add more curry paste as necessary.  You should have a light, creamy and piquant sauce where no one flavour dominates

  5. Add the diced chicken and fold through till all the pieces are coated. 

  6. Line a serving bowl with leaves and spoon the chicken mixture over.  Garnish with spring onions and toasted flaked almonds 

Recipe Notes

An easy dish to serve as part of a buffet or to keep in the fridge for sandwich fillings or jacket potato toppings

What I like about this recipe for a healthier coronation chicken, as with many of the ideas in Karen’s book, is that I can easily see how I can adjust them to make them my own.  I might consider adding sultanas and fresh mango to the base coronation chicken mixture and I would be curious to try making up my own spice mixture rather than using curry paste.  I also think it would probably work made with no mayonnaise at all and a mixture of creme fraiche and Greek yoghurt, with caramelised red onions (rather than chutney) and fresh mango for a really light dish.  So I will be experimenting.

Lavender and Lovage Book

And, what I like best about Karen’s book is that it really is about her.  It’s the kind of book which even if you’ve never met her, by the time you’ve browsed through to the end you will know her.  It’s the kind of book that I have propping up my bedside table.  I’m not very good at following recipes but I do enjoy reading them, especially when, as is the case with Lavender and Lovage the recipes themselves are accompanied by snippets of life.  The context makes the whole thing far more meaningful for me.

Filed Under: Giveaway Tagged With: Chicken, giveaway, healthy

About Fiona Maclean

London based freelance writer and marketing consultant. I edit London-Unattached.com and write for a number of other publications. With a music degree and a background in marketing across many sectors, my passions include all types of music, food, restaurants, wine and travel

Comments

  1. Ruth Carson-Byrne says

    December 14, 2018 at 10:31 pm

    We’re having a get-together of family and friends over Christmas and this would be ideal I think.

    Reply
  2. Gemma Middleton says

    December 14, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    This coronation chicken would be great for lunchtime. It looks yummy.

    Reply
  3. Emma Davison says

    December 14, 2018 at 9:20 pm

    Sounds like a nice dish for the summer months

    Reply
  4. Laura Turner says

    December 14, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    In summer, eaten outside with friends

    Reply
  5. Jessica Hutton says

    December 14, 2018 at 6:38 pm

    I’d look forward to it for my lunch at work xx

    Reply
  6. Lynn Neal says

    December 14, 2018 at 5:00 pm

    I think it would be ideal on an evening when my parents in law come for dinner!

    Reply
  7. Angela Kelly says

    December 14, 2018 at 2:20 pm

    This would be great for a summer Sunday tea and the leftovers for sandwiches on Monday!

    Reply
  8. sarah parker says

    December 14, 2018 at 12:53 pm

    summer picnic 🙂

    Reply
  9. Emily Hutchinson says

    December 14, 2018 at 10:02 am

    In summer alongside a barbecue

    Reply
  10. Alison says

    December 13, 2018 at 7:08 pm

    I would have this in sandwiches at work

    Reply
  11. Michelle Bruce says

    December 13, 2018 at 5:03 pm

    A baked sweet potato.

    Reply
  12. Charmian Filewood says

    December 13, 2018 at 12:42 pm

    For when the sun comes back and picnics are possible lol

    Reply
  13. Jo McPherson says

    December 13, 2018 at 10:33 am

    Would be lovely at the weekend

    Reply
  14. Susan Hoggett says

    December 13, 2018 at 8:59 am

    I’d love it at dinner on a weekend as a tasty meal I could look forward to

    Reply
  15. Sarah Mcknight says

    December 12, 2018 at 11:40 pm

    I’d have it for my lunch

    Reply
  16. Elizabeth Smith says

    December 12, 2018 at 12:12 pm

    To be honest, this particular recipe will not be going anywhere near my lips as I don’t like curry but I’ve had a look at some of the other recipes in the book and I think I’d use it a lot

    Reply
  17. Emily Fraser says

    December 12, 2018 at 10:39 am

    It would be great for lunch time

    Reply
  18. Julia Kerr says

    December 11, 2018 at 12:30 am

    I’d be interested in trying it with Quorn chicken over the Christmas period

    Reply
  19. stephen holman says

    December 10, 2018 at 6:26 pm

    this would make a lovely lunch 🙂

    Reply
  20. Maria says

    December 10, 2018 at 1:39 am

    I love having it for lunch at work

    Reply
  21. Lisa Wilkinson says

    December 9, 2018 at 9:04 pm

    I’d enjoy it doing an afternoon tea party with my daughter

    Reply
  22. Nikki Stewart says

    December 4, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    Would be lovely in a baked potato for lunch x

    Reply
  23. hannah igoe says

    December 3, 2018 at 12:19 pm

    This would be an awesome lunchtime meal for me when my friend comes over

    Reply
  24. Maxine G says

    December 2, 2018 at 8:50 pm

    I’d make the dressing and substitute the chicken for tofu and serve it with a green salad and home made flatbreads

    Reply
  25. Juliet McArdle says

    November 30, 2018 at 10:36 pm

    With some lettuce in a sandwich

    Reply
  26. Fiona Maclean says

    November 29, 2018 at 9:37 pm

    aww:)

    Reply
  27. Neya says

    November 29, 2018 at 7:14 pm

    Summer lunch

    Reply
  28. Iris says

    November 29, 2018 at 8:16 am

    It would be a lovely lunch on a sweet potato

    Reply
  29. Margaret Gallagher says

    November 24, 2018 at 7:41 pm

    Love to impress my friends with my new found culinary delights – they’d be thrilled

    Reply
  30. Jenn Gillies says

    November 24, 2018 at 4:15 pm

    It looks like it would go so well with a Pimm’s at a summer picnic.

    Reply
  31. Sue Bielewicz says

    November 21, 2018 at 8:59 am

    The recipe would be great for picnics or buffets but I could honestly eat it at anytime

    Reply
  32. Claire Nutman says

    November 20, 2018 at 5:11 pm

    For a lovely catch up with my Mom x

    Reply
  33. Melanie Gardiner says

    November 18, 2018 at 8:51 pm

    Perfect lunch for when I’ve got the girls round

    Reply
  34. Hayley f says

    November 18, 2018 at 8:38 pm

    I’d have it for lunch all year round. Love coronation chicken x

    Reply
  35. Laura Banks says

    November 18, 2018 at 6:19 pm

    sitting in the garden in the summer

    Reply
  36. Sarah Ann says

    November 18, 2018 at 4:57 pm

    It’d be the perfect lunch to make for my mum and I.

    Reply
  37. Helen Grayson says

    November 18, 2018 at 11:16 am

    Friday Nights, after a long week – good soul food!

    Reply
  38. Keith Hunt says

    November 18, 2018 at 10:57 am

    In my motorhome on a long road trip

    Reply
  39. Farhana Chowdhury says

    November 17, 2018 at 4:43 pm

    Would be great for picnics in the summer

    Reply
  40. Helen S. says

    November 17, 2018 at 4:03 pm

    I would enjoy this in a baked sweet potato.

    Reply
  41. Gillian Hitchen says

    November 17, 2018 at 2:48 pm

    Lunch time at work nom nom

    Reply
  42. Jackie Howell says

    November 17, 2018 at 10:49 am

    lovely for saturday brunch

    Reply
  43. Ruth Harwood says

    November 17, 2018 at 2:48 am

    I reckon this’d be great for sunday dinner!

    Reply
  44. leanne weir says

    November 16, 2018 at 10:36 pm

    I would enjoy this on a nice winter’s evening

    Reply
  45. ADEINNE TONNER says

    November 16, 2018 at 6:45 pm

    I would enjoy this on a nice summers day in the garden

    Reply
  46. Sheena Batey says

    November 16, 2018 at 5:35 pm

    It would be ideal for a weekday supper

    Reply
  47. Richard Eldred Hawes says

    November 16, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    I give it 5 Stars

    Reply
  48. Richard Eldred Hawes says

    November 16, 2018 at 5:25 pm

    Coronation Chicken is good anytme of the day and anytime of the year

    Reply
  49. Fozia Akhtar says

    November 16, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    When my family is over

    Reply
  50. Catherine Deacon says

    November 16, 2018 at 1:41 pm

    Sunday lunch

    Reply
  51. Amy Bondoc says

    November 16, 2018 at 1:34 pm

    id definately have to try this, perfect for taking to enjoy with friends

    Reply
  52. Ms C Bryan says

    November 16, 2018 at 1:07 pm

    for lunch

    Reply
  53. Caroline H says

    November 16, 2018 at 12:27 pm

    This isn’t really something I’d eat but I’d happily make it for get togethers – I think it would go down really well.

    Reply
  54. Ray Becker says

    November 16, 2018 at 12:19 pm

    Anytime anywhere

    Reply
  55. Andrea Upton says

    November 16, 2018 at 11:50 am

    I think this would be great for a Christmas buffet

    Reply
  56. kris mc says

    November 16, 2018 at 11:05 am

    In a butty

    Reply
  57. Christine Sunter says

    November 16, 2018 at 11:02 am

    Anytime! I love coronation chicken – in a sandwich, on a jacket potato, with a salad.

    Reply
  58. Suzanne Jackson says

    November 16, 2018 at 11:01 am

    For a family meal at the end of the week

    Reply
  59. Jodie Green says

    November 16, 2018 at 10:58 am

    I would enjoy it anytime, but i think it would be perfect for picnics and outdoor lunches!

    Reply
  60. Suzanne Brzeski says

    November 16, 2018 at 10:40 am

    for my lunch

    Reply
  61. Sarah Rees says

    November 16, 2018 at 9:50 am

    I would eat this anytime, but I would probably be more likely to eat lunch time

    Reply
  62. Phil Darling says

    November 16, 2018 at 8:48 am

    I’d eat it anytime guys – looks delicious and healthy too – bonus

    Reply
  63. Karen Langridge says

    November 16, 2018 at 1:13 am

    Probably on date night with hubbie as I am not sure whether the kids would eat it! x

    Reply
  64. Rich Tyler says

    November 16, 2018 at 12:32 am

    Amazing for lunches in the sunshine

    Reply
  65. Becky John says

    November 15, 2018 at 11:47 pm

    Al fresco dining in summer

    Reply
  66. Katie B says

    November 15, 2018 at 11:28 pm

    My mum has an obsession with coronation chicken. At home we used it in everything, sandwiches, jackets and even as a dip one evening ?

    Reply
    • Katie B says

      November 15, 2018 at 11:29 pm

      Will have to try this recipe!

      Reply
  67. Solange says

    November 15, 2018 at 10:30 pm

    It would be great for picnics or lunches.

    Reply
  68. pete c says

    November 15, 2018 at 9:28 pm

    I`d look forward to enjoying this on some summer picnics

    Reply
  69. Kathryn Cox says

    November 15, 2018 at 7:52 pm

    Summer lunches

    Reply
  70. Hayley Lynch says

    November 15, 2018 at 7:40 pm

    It would be great on top of a sweet potato jacket for work lunches

    Reply
  71. Mark R says

    November 15, 2018 at 7:24 pm

    It would be great for summer picnics

    Reply
  72. iain maciver says

    November 15, 2018 at 5:21 pm

    some sweet potato chips

    Reply

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