Classic Coronation Chicken Salad: Elevate Your Afternoon Tea Picnic Experience

There’s nothing quite like a leisurely afternoon spent outdoors, especially when it involves delightful food and good company. Classic Coronation Chicken Salad is the star of such occasions, perfectly suited for crafting elegant finger sandwiches for a charming Afternoon Tea Picnic or serving as a light, flavorful luncheon salad. Its unique blend of sweet, tangy, and subtly curried flavors makes it a timeless British favorite, versatile for any gathering.

With the world now in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to embrace the spirit of outdoor dining! We recently partnered with our esteemed blogging friends, Nicoletta and Loreto of ‘SugarLoveSpices’, to host our inaugural picnic of the year. To honor the Coronation of King Charles III, we decided on a quintessential Afternoon Tea Picnic, complete with all the traditional accoutrements.

We discovered a picturesque setting by a historic home in Edmonton, meticulously packed our dainty tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and an array of sweet treats into a picnic hamper. Alongside, we brought teapots, fine china, and exquisite linens in separate crates, culminating in a truly delightful Sunday afternoon tea under the warm spring sun. It was, without a doubt, a glorious day filled with cherished moments and culinary delights.

The Enduring Charm of the Afternoon Tea Tradition

The beloved tradition of Afternoon Tea, an elegant interlude between meals, is widely credited to Anna, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford, around 1840. In 19th-century Britain, it was common for people to consume only two main meals: a substantial breakfast and a much later dinner, often around 8 PM, a schedule made possible by the advent of kerosene lanterns. The Duchess found herself feeling a distinct ‘peckishness’ during the long afternoons and began inviting friends to share a pot of tea accompanied by simple bread and butter. This informal practice gradually blossomed into a sophisticated social ritual among high society ladies, evolving to include delicate scones served with clotted cream and jam, alongside an array of other small sweet and savory snacks.

The tradition truly took hold when Queen Victoria embraced this delightful custom, leading to its rapid spread throughout the country. It provided a welcome solution to the hunger pangs experienced during the extended gap between luncheon and dinner. Ladies would dress in comfortable, yet elegant, ‘tea dresses’ – even allowing for the omission of corsets, a notable comfort at the time! Tea was typically served informally at low tables, though the presence of exquisite china, fine linens, and polished silver remained essential. While this elegant meal is sometimes mistakenly referred to as “High Tea,” it’s important to note the distinction. High Tea historically represented a more substantial, working-class meal, often eaten at a “high” (dinner) table upon returning home from work.

Essential Elements for a Perfect Afternoon Tea

At the heart of any afternoon tea is, naturally, the tea itself. Offering two distinct varieties provides a pleasant choice for your guests; Earl Grey tea is a quintessential favorite, and a fragrant tisane (herbal tea) makes for an excellent second option. This is the ideal occasion to showcase your most cherished teapots – perhaps the one that came with your cherished china set or a treasured heirloom passed down from a beloved relative like Aunt Millie. For those looking to assemble a charming collection, thrift stores and flea markets are often treasure troves of inexpensive, yet beautiful, china pieces and accessories.

While serving these courses together on a three-tiered cake stand epitomizes the elegance of a traditional tea party, it’s perfectly acceptable to present them on separate, equally pretty serving dishes if a stand isn’t available. The key is to make the cake stand (or central display) the proud focal point of your table, inviting guests to admire and partake in the culinary artistry.

The Etiquette and Delights of Afternoon Tea

When approaching the tiered stand, the traditional way to partake is to begin from the bottom tier and work your way up. The selection of sandwiches and other savories on the first tier should all be small, easily consumable in two bites. Plan for approximately 4-6 finger or tea sandwiches per person to ensure everyone has a satisfying selection. Scones, the star of the middle tier, can be medium-sized (offering one per person) or smaller (allowing for two per person). The proper way to enjoy a scone is to split it by hand, rather than cutting with a knife, and then use a knife to generously spread your chosen toppings. Clotted cream is the traditional accompaniment, and whether it’s applied over or under the jam or curd is a matter of personal preference and often a playful debate! For our picnic, we savored Nicoletta’s delightful homemade sour cherry jam and my own fresh rhubarb curd, paired exquisitely with our cream and scones.

For the grand finale, the final course, select an array of sweet treats that appeal to your taste. You can either bake a variety of homemade delights or, to save time, incorporate a few high-quality purchased items, as we chose to do. It’s also perfectly acceptable to feature a larger cake or dessert that is cut and served separately on individual plates; a beautiful footed cake plate can add an extra touch of elegance. I prepared two types of delicate macarons, while Nicoletta enchanted us with her charming little jam tarts. For more tempting dessert ideas, consider these Easy Gluten-Free Lemon Bars, luscious Coconut Raspberry Mochi Bars, or perhaps the indulgent No-Bake Chewy Chocolate Almond Bars. Or, for a fun and creative touch, try making Homemade Raspberry Honey Marshmallows, traditional Sicilian Almond Cookies, artistic Chocolate Mendiants, or the decadent No-Bake Oreos-Snickers Ganache Tarts. Choose one or several – any of these would make special, memorable additions to your Afternoon Tea Picnic.

To further enhance the ambiance, consider these lovely additions: a beautiful tablecloth and linen napkins, candles for a soft glow, fresh flowers to adorn the table, a scattering of fresh berries, and elegant silverware (a luncheon plate and knife for each guest). Essential for the tea are sugar and cream, with optional honey and lemon slices provided for those who prefer them. An afternoon tea party is truly the perfect occasion to bring out your most cherished and beautiful possessions. And, of course, each guest will need a teacup and saucer, whether from a perfectly matched set or a charmingly mismatched collection. (A friendly reminder: raising your pinky finger while sipping tea is not considered polite – so best to avoid it!)

Elegant White Chocolate Dipped Goldenberries

For a truly enchanting and simple treat, I prepared goldenberries (also known as physalis) dipped in melted white chocolate. To make these delicate nibbles, simply gently peel back the outer papery husks of the berries; they’ll fan out beautifully, resembling tiny fairy wings. Melt a few tablespoons of high-quality white chocolate, either gently in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, or in a heatproof bowl set over a small saucepan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Dip each goldenberry halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing the natural golden hue of the berry to show through. Carefully place them onto a cookie sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Allow them to set until the chocolate hardens, a process that can be accelerated by chilling them in the refrigerator. These white chocolate-dipped goldenberries look absolutely charming tucked among other treats on a dessert platter and also serve as beautiful, edible decorations for an iced cake or other sweet creations.

Our Exquisite Afternoon Tea Picnic Menu

Transforming Your Afternoon Tea into a Memorable Picnic

To truly elevate your Afternoon Tea into a special outdoor event, start by scouting out a picturesque location. Look for a spot that offers a blend of natural beauty, some welcome shade, and a charming view. For our picnic, we selected the tranquil and historic grounds of Edmonton’s Government House, which provided a private and beautiful backdrop with its impressive historic architecture.

Converting your traditional Afternoon Tea into a picnic requires a bit of extra planning and gear. You’ll likely need foldable, portable chairs and a table to create a comfortable and elegant dining space. While a blanket picnic is certainly an option, especially if you opt for less fragile and more casual dishes, a proper table can make a significant difference for the full tea experience. If you do choose a blanket, remember to bring a few comfortable pillows for seating. A classic wicker picnic basket and a few extra tablecloths or napkins are always a good idea, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes.

Logistically, you’ll need to transport your hot tea or boiling water in reliable thermal containers to maintain their temperature. All your delectable food items should be securely packed in sealable plastic containers to prevent spills and keep them fresh. For any refrigerated or perishable foods, a cooler filled with ice packs is an absolute must to ensure food safety and freshness throughout your outing. To safeguard your precious china and delicate crystal, wrap each piece individually in tablecloths, linen napkins, or a handful of small towels and cloths. Then, pack them carefully into sturdy totes or crates to prevent breakage during transport.

Finally, don’t forget these crucial picnic essentials: a designated bag for all your garbage to ensure you leave no trace behind, and a separate tote or box for dirty dishes. Placing dishcloths or paper towels between the dirty dishes during transport will help prevent scratching and secure them. Always strive to leave your chosen picnic spot as pristine as you found it. A thoughtful touch that truly transforms an ordinary picnic into something extraordinary is the addition of fresh flowers. Wrap the flower stems in damp paper towels, place them in a plastic bag, and bring a bottle of water to refresh them. A favorite vase or even a pretty teapot can serve as a charming centerpiece for your floral arrangement. For a sweet, rustic variation, tuck a few individual blooms into small glass bottles for scattered pops of color.

Discover More Picnic Inspiration

If you’re seeking additional creative ideas for delightful outdoor meals, be sure to explore our other picnic adventures. The essence of a perfect picnic lies in gathering good friends, preparing delicious food, and finding a beautiful location. These elements combine to create not just a meal, but truly beautiful and lasting memories.

• Gluten-Free Sausage Rolls and a Glorious Autumn Picnic
• Hearty Homemade Tomato Soup and a Cozy Late Fall Picnic by the Lake

Allow Mother Nature to provide the perfect backdrop for your outing, whether it’s a majestic wilderness setting, a serene bucolic meadow, a vibrant urban park, or even the familiar comfort of a beautiful backyard or a leafy urban balcony. The key is to simply pack a basket, tote, or shoulder bag with a few tasty nibbles and a refreshing drink to quench your thirst. Invite a cherished friend or loved one to share in the experience. For an extra special touch, you can go all-out with elaborate preparations, as we did, or simply keep it sweet and uncomplicated. Ultimately, it’s the people you share your picnic with that truly make it memorable and special.

Crafting Exquisite Coronation Chicken Finger Sandwiches

Coronation Chicken Salad is a true British culinary icon, originally conceived for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. Initially presented as an elegant luncheon salad, it quickly gained immense popularity across Britain as a delectable sandwich filling. This streamlined version captures all the essential elements of the original recipe: a perfectly balanced, slightly sweet, subtly tangy, and lightly-curried creamy chicken that tantalizes the taste buds, whether enjoyed as a standalone salad or nestled within soft bread.

For our memorable afternoon tea picnic, we expanded our sandwich selection beyond Coronation Chicken. We also prepared refreshing cucumber sandwiches with herbed cream cheese, savory egg salad sandwiches, and classic tuna salad sandwiches. The beauty of tea sandwiches is their versatility; feel free to customize your fillings to suit your preferences. Other excellent choices include smoked salmon with cream cheese, savory ham and cheese, or even nostalgic peanut butter and jam for a simpler touch.

Simple Steps to Prepare Coronation Chicken Salad Sandwiches

This simplified Coronation Chicken Salad recipe requires just a handful of quality ingredients to create its iconic flavor profile. You’ll need either leftover cooked chicken or, for the juiciest results, you can poach some chicken breasts (easy instructions are provided in the recipe below). The creamy base comes from good quality mayonnaise, brightened by sweet mango chutney and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The characteristic warmth and depth of flavor are achieved with mild or medium curry powder, seasoned with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a hint of cinnamon. To complete the dish, stir in some plump raisins or finely diced dried apricots; dried cranberries also make a lovely addition, offering a touch of tartness.

If your intention is to create sandwiches, whether they are everyday favorites or elegant tea/finger sandwiches, you will also need a loaf of your preferred bread, a small amount of butter, and a handful of crisp baby arugula or other fresh greens of your choice.

Begin by preparing your cooked chicken. If you’re making a luncheon salad, cut the chicken into bite-sized chunks for a satisfying texture. However, if you’re preparing a sandwich filling, dice the chicken more finely, as shown in the photo below, to ensure a smooth, even spread that’s easy to eat in delicate sandwiches. Once your chicken is prepped, simply combine all the salad dressing ingredients in a bowl. Then, add the diced or chopped chicken and the dried fruits, stirring gently until everything is thoroughly combined and coated. This creates a wonderfully cohesive and flavorful mixture ready for serving.

Crafting Elegant Tea Sandwiches or Finger Sandwiches

To assemble your exquisite tea sandwiches, begin by spreading a generous amount of the prepared Coronation Chicken Salad onto lightly buttered bread. You can choose either traditional brown or white sandwich bread; in this instance, we’ve used a flavorful gluten-free whole grain option. Next, add a handful of pungent greens – their slightly peppery or crisp notes beautifully complement and balance the sweet and savory curry flavor of the chicken. Baby arugula is a fantastic choice, but watercress offers a similar delightful zing, or simply use your favorite mild greens. For truly fancy tea sandwiches, the crusts must, of course, be meticulously removed. Don’t discard those flavorful crusts! They make excellent little nibbles for yourself, or perhaps a special treat for your canine companion!

Pro-tip for Perfect Tea Sandwiches: To achieve beautifully precise and uniformly cut sandwiches, a little foresight goes a long way. It works best to prepare the sandwiches the day before your event. Once assembled, wrap them very tightly in plastic food wrap – you can even wrap them in pairs to maximize efficiency and save on wrapping material. Then, chill them thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the fillings to set nicely, firming up the sandwiches and making them significantly easier to cut cleanly and neatly. When you’re ready to serve, use a large, sharp serrated knife. Hold the sandwich firmly down with one hand, and then gently saw back and forth with the knife blade to create clean, crisp cuts, ensuring a professional presentation.

Once trimmed, cut each sandwich into four triangles or into three or four elegant fingers. Given that most sandwich breads are rectangular, you’ll naturally yield two flatter triangles and two slightly taller ones from each sandwich. For a polished and appealing presentation on your sandwich platter, stack the triangles of similar shapes together. The result will be truly elegant little Coronation Chicken Salad Sandwiches, ready to impress your guests.

For another delightful and equally versatile option, consider this Curried Chicken Salad recipe, which is also fantastic for light lunches or pleasant picnics. This entire picnic experience, from the initial planning stages to the joyful final event, was incredibly rewarding. For more invaluable insights and tips on how to host a truly perfect Afternoon Tea Picnic, make sure to check out Nicoletta’s comprehensive post!

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Coronation Chicken Salad

Margaret Bose Johnson

Coronation Chicken Salad is a delightful British classic. This simplified version has all the elements of the original; slightly sweet, slightly tangy, lightly-curried creamy chicken that tastes great as a sandwich filling or as a light luncheon salad.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Afternoon Tea, Lunch

Cuisine British

Servings 6

Ingredients

 

for the coronation chicken salad:

• ▢ 1 lb. (450gms) cooked chicken (3 cups diced or chopped) if cooking from raw, you’ll need about 1½lbs/650gms of boneless, skinless chicken breast
• ▢ ½ cup (120ml) good quality mayonnaise
• ▢ 3 tablespoons mango chutney
• ▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ▢ 2 teaspoons curry powder, medium or mild or more to taste
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
• ▢ 3 tablespoons raisins or chopped dried apricots

if making tea sandwiches:

• ▢ 14 slices sandwich bread gluten-free or regular
• ▢ butter
• ▢ several handfuls baby arugula leaves or watercress or greens of choice

Instructions

 

• If you are using previously cooked chicken, chop it finely for use as a sandwich filling, or cut it into larger, bite-sized cubes (½-¾ inch / 1-2 cm) if you intend to serve it as a chicken salad.

  If you are starting with raw chicken breast, you will need to cook it first by poaching, roasting, or pan-frying. Poaching is highly recommended as it yields the juiciest results. To poach chicken breasts, place them in a saucepan and cover them generously with water. Add ½ teaspoon of salt, a light sprinkling of pepper, and one or two bay leaves for flavor. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan with a lid and allow the chicken to simmer for approximately 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat, keeping the lid securely in place. Let the chicken cool completely in its poaching liquid; this helps retain moisture and flavor. Once cooled, drain the chicken and proceed to make your salad, or refrigerate the cooked meat for up to 2 days before preparing the salad.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mango chutney, lemon juice, curry powder, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together until thoroughly blended and smooth.
• Gently fold in the diced or chopped chicken along with the raisins or apricots into the dressing mixture. Mix carefully to ensure all the chicken is evenly coated without mashing the ingredients.

If making tea sandwiches or finger sandwiches:

• Take each slice of sandwich bread and spread a thin, even layer of butter on one side. This prevents the bread from getting soggy.
• Generously spread the prepared chicken salad onto half of the buttered bread slices. Aim for approximately ⅓ cup of salad for each sandwich to create a satisfying filling.
• Top the chicken salad with a handful of fresh arugula leaves (or your chosen greens) and then cover with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered side faces down onto the greens.
• For authentic tea sandwiches, the crusts must be neatly removed. This step is most easily and effectively accomplished if the assembled sandwiches are tightly wrapped in plastic food wrap and refrigerated overnight. Wrapping them in sets of two helps maintain their shape. The chilling process allows the filling to firm up and the sandwiches to meld together, making them much easier to cut precisely. Just before serving, use a sharp serrated knife to trim off the crusts and then cut each sandwich into 4 small triangles or 3 to 4 elegant fingers.
• This recipe yields approximately 3 cups of chicken salad, which is enough to prepare 2½ cups of sandwich filling, sufficient for making 7 double sandwiches (or 28 finger sandwiches).

Notes

When preparing the Coronation Chicken for a salad, dice the cooked chicken into distinct, bite-sized chunks for a satisfying texture. If you intend to use it as a sandwich filling, chop it more finely to ensure a smooth, easily spreadable consistency that works well between bread slices.

For truly pristine tea sandwiches, the crusts should always be removed. You’ll find that the sandwiches are significantly easier to cut evenly and precisely if they are prepared a day in advance, wrapped tightly in plastic food wrap, and thoroughly refrigerated. This allows the filling to set beautifully, ensuring the sandwiches hold together perfectly when sliced. Trim the crusts and cut the sandwiches just prior to serving for the best presentation.

To transport your delicate sandwiches for a picnic without compromising their freshness and appearance, first trim and cut them into your desired shapes. Then, arrange them carefully in a plastic container. Place a lightly damp paper towel directly on top of the sandwiches before sealing the container with a lid. This trick helps keep them moist and fresh until you reach your destination.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!