Finished lighter homemade Coronation chicken on a British dining table

A lower-calorie way to make Coronation chicken

Coronation chicken — yoghurt curry dressing with apricot

Poached chicken, celery, apple and chickpeas fold into a light curry-yoghurt dressing with measured apricot, about 390 kcal per serving.

390 kcalestimated/serving
176 kcal · 31%less than reference
55 minprep to plate
8 servingsrecipe yield

For Coronation chicken, control surface moisture, portion size and measured fat, checking one visible texture or temperature cue before each stage. Coronation chicken should keep its familiar British character, be safely cooked and leave no watery or greasy residue.

The change that makes it lighterReplace mayonnaise with thick yoghurt, measure apricot and add chickpeas and crunchy vegetables

What changes—and what stays

From with mayonnaise, cream and sweet chutney is often 550–720 kcal to 390 calories

Replace mayonnaise with thick yoghurt, measure apricot and add chickpeas and crunchy vegetables. Toasted curry, cumin, lemon, apricot, coriander and a little mustard create the sweet-spiced dressing.

PartConventionalLighterWhy
Core methodMore added fat or a heavier proportionReplace mayonnaise with thick yoghurt, measure apricot and add chickpeas and crunchy vegetablesToasted curry, cumin, lemon, apricot, coriander and a little mustard create the sweet-spiced dressing.

How the flavor stays

Toasted curry, cumin, lemon, apricot, coriander and a little mustard create the sweet-spiced dressing.

A cost rule that survives inflation

Chickpeas, apple and celery make 900 g chicken fill eight plates or sandwiches.

Ingredients for 8

Measure first; timing is part of how this recipe uses less fat.

Visible result of stage 1 for Coronation chicken
  • 900 gskinless chicken breast
  • 700 gchickpeas
  • 500 gcelery
  • 450 gtart apple
  • 500 gGreek yoghurt 2%
  • 100 gdried apricots
  • 40 gmustard and lemon
  • 35 gcurry powder, cumin and coriander

Method

Each step includes heat, a visible cue, and a recovery.

Visible result of stage 1 for Coronation chicken
1

Step 1 · follow the visible cue

Prepare and control moisture

Poach chicken gently to 74 °C, cool quickly and cut or pull evenly.

Look for: Chicken is cold, moist and fully opaque.

Visible result of stage 2 for Coronation chicken
2

Step 2 · follow the visible cue

Build the flavour base

Toast curry and cumin dry, cool, then whisk with yoghurt, mustard and lemon.

Look for: Dressing is thick, fragrant and smooth.

Visible result of stage 3 for Coronation chicken
3

Step 3 · follow the visible cue

Cook with precise heat

Drain chickpeas, dice apple and celery and pat everything dry.

Look for: Components stay crisp and leave no water in the bowl.

Visible result of stage 4 for Coronation chicken
4

Step 4 · follow the visible cue

Finish and verify texture

Fold gently with chicken and measured apricot, chill briefly and garnish coriander.

Look for: Chicken remains distinct and dressing coats without pooling.

Measured ingredients and four visible cooking stages for Coronation chicken
AI-generated instructional imagery; it is not evidence of a physical kitchen test.

Calories at the same serving size

with mayonnaise, cream and sweet chutney is often 550–720 kcal566 kcal
This recipe390 kcal

176 kcal · 31% lower estimated

The estimate uses the listed ingredients divided into 8 servings. Brand labels, trimming, and the amount left in the pan can change the result.

390 kcalCalories
41gProtein
32gCarbs
10gFat

Keep the leftovers in the same spirit

Cool Coronation chicken within two hours and refrigerate sealed for up to three days. Reheat only the amount required.

Cool Coronation chicken within two hours and refrigerate sealed for up to three days. Reheat only the amount required.

Frequently asked questions

Can Coronation chicken be prepared a day ahead?

Yes. Cool quickly and keep crisp, fresh or delicate components separate until serving. Cool Coronation chicken within two hours and refrigerate sealed for up to three days. Reheat only the amount required.

What does the calorie figure for Coronation chicken include?

It covers one of the stated servings from the listed quantities only; extra sides and sauces are not included. Replace mayonnaise with thick yoghurt, measure apricot and add chickpeas and crunchy vegetables.

9:41
CaloNote
Lunch12:30 PMAI Reanalyze
Coronation chickenEdit Mode
390kcal
C 32gP 41gF 10g
39%49%12%
Ingredients
  • skinless chicken breast900 g
  • chickpeas700 g
  • celery500 g
  • tart apple450 g
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Recipe example data shown in the CaloNote mobile meal-detail UI

CaloNote · mobile analysis example

Check the Coronation chicken serving you actually made

Photograph the finished plate in CaloNote, review the detected ingredients and portion, and correct the estimate before saving.

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Method and sources

Recipe development and nutrition review: CaloNote Editorial

This editorial recipe uses ingredient-level nutrition estimates and reviewed cooking principles. It is not represented as physically test-cooked, and nutrition is approximate.

Published and last reviewed: August 25, 2026

Make another familiar dinner lighter