
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.
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.
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.
| Part | Conventional | Lighter | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core method | More added fat or a heavier proportion | 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. |
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.

- 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Calories at the same serving size
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.
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.

- skinless chicken breast900 g
- chickpeas700 g
- celery500 g
- tart apple450 g
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.
This uses the real CaloNote meal-detail layout with this recipe’s photo and estimated nutrition. Actual AI results vary with the photo and portion.
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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
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