Key Highlights
- The late Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation Chicken recipe has been revealed in Tom Parker Bowles’ new book.
- Tom criticized the modern alterations to the original recipe, which included adding sultanas and turmeric.
- Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume are credited with creating the original recipe during Queen Victoria’s reign.
- The Coronation Chicken dish was a rarity in post-war Britain, given chicken wasn’t an everyday staple then.
Queen Elizabeth’s Sandwich Recipe: A Taste of History
You might think this is new, but Tom Parker Bowles has uncovered the original recipe for Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation Chicken sandwiches. Published in his 2024 book, Cooking & The Crown, it reveals a simple yet regal dish that was once a rarity.
The Original Recipe: A Royal Delight
Tom Parker Bowles explains how the original recipe, created by Constance Spry and Rosemary Hume during Queen Victoria’s reign, is now a far cry from its initial form. The late queen savoured these sandwiches at her 1953 coronation, but the modern version has been “butchered,” according to Tom.
“I know, I know it really wouldn’t be a royal cookbook without this so-called regal ‘classic,’” he wrote in his book. “Now the original version, as below, is perfectly civilised, but as the years went on, all manner of base and vile things were done to this perfectly innocent recipe.”
Modern Alters: A Recipe for Disaster?
The modern versions of Coronation Chicken are loaded with sultanas, almonds, and lashings of turmeric. Tom laments that these additions have transformed the dish into a “banana-hued, sickly-sweet aberration.” He argues that the original recipe contains more than just chicken, mayonnaise, curry powder, tomato paste, and red wine.
A Royal Sandwich Tradition
Tom Parker Bowles provides a detailed step-by-step guide in his book. For those who fancy recreating this piece of royal history, the process involves boiling and shredding chicken before combining it with a sauce that includes bay leaves, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and other seasonings. The mixture is then served on brown bread, with the crusts cut off to make sandwiches.
“Remove the crusts and cut each sandwich into three fat fingers,” Tom added, according to a previous OK! article.
Beyond Coronation Chicken
Tom’s book spans from Queen Victoria’s reign to King Charles III, featuring over 100 recipes. While many are lavish, there are also simpler options for home cooks. It’s a treasure trove of culinary traditions, both royal and not-so-royal.
So, if you’re feeling adventurous, give this historic recipe a try.
Who knows? You might just be recreating a piece of history on your own dining table.
Why It Matters
The story of Coronation Chicken is more than just a culinary footnote. It encapsulates the evolution of British cuisine and the changing tastes over decades. From rationing to post-war austerity, this sandwich reflects the times it was born in and the times it has evolved into.
As you bite into your sandwich, imagine the queen’s taste buds savoring the same ingredients you’re enjoying today—albeit with a few more modern additions.
