This oven baked 3-ingredient chicken coronation is the kind of practical, old-school recipe that earns a permanent spot in the dinner rotation. It has that classic British-inspired coronation chicken flavor profile with a creamy, gently curried sauce, but this version keeps things especially simple for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches. I love recipes like this because they feel a little retro in the best way—reliable, comforting, and surprisingly crowd-pleasing with very little effort.

Serve this creamy chicken with fluffy rice, buttered green beans, a crisp green salad, or roasted carrots for an easy meal. It also works really well spooned over baked potatoes, tucked into sandwich rolls, or served slightly cooled alongside a fruit tray and simple couscous if you’re putting together a luncheon spread.

Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Chicken Coronation

Servings: 6

Chicken coronation in baking dish
Chicken coronation in baking dish

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons curry powder

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a white ceramic baking dish large enough to hold the chicken in a single layer.

2. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared dish. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and curry powder until smooth and evenly golden.

3. Spread the curry mayonnaise mixture evenly over the chicken, covering the tops and sides as much as possible.

4. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F in the thickest part. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations & Tips

Add sweetness: If you like a more classic coronation-style flavor, stir a spoonful of mango chutney or apricot preserves into the sauce. It adds a gentle sweetness that pairs nicely with the curry.

Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well here too and stay especially juicy. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time depending on their size.

Make it ahead: You can assemble the dish several hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. That makes it especially handy for work nights or casual entertaining.

Check doneness: Because chicken breasts vary so much in thickness, an instant-read thermometer is the easiest way to avoid overcooking. Pull the dish as soon as the center reaches 165°F.

Serve chilled or warm: Leftovers are surprisingly good cold, sliced and tucked into sandwiches or spooned over salad greens for lunch the next day.