Looking for an easy coronation chickpea sandwich filling? This vegan coronation chickpeas recipe is creamy, mildly spiced, slightly sweet, and ready in under 10 minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it’s my delicious plant-based take on a classic British sandwich filling - Coronation Chicken.
I didn’t grow up eating coronation chicken. Being a vegetarian, it was never really an option. But I still remember the first time I tried coronation chickpeas at a university café, served over a jacket potato. It was one of those unexpected finds that instantly stays with you.
And you want to make it again and again.
Jump to:
- Video - How I Make Coronation Chickpeas in 30 seconds
- Best Coronation Chickpeas Recipe (Vegan Coronation Chicken Alternative)
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sandhya's Top Tips
- Ingredients
- How to Make Coronation Chickpea Sandwich Filling Recipe?
- Serving Suggestions
- Storing Leftovers
- Recipe FAQs
- Coronation Chickpeas
Video - How I Make Coronation Chickpeas in 30 seconds
Best Coronation Chickpeas Recipe (Vegan Coronation Chicken Alternative)
Coronation chicken has long been a British favourite, first created to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. This vegan version swaps chicken for chickpeas, paired with pops of dried fruit and fresh herbs in a flavourful, well-balanced dressing.
It’s a recipe I make often at home because it comes together with very little effort. This spring break, my teen made it again—and we even managed to film it together.
Budget-friendly and versatile, this coronation chickpea filling works beautifully in sandwiches, wraps, burgers, or simply spooned over a warm jacket potato.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 10 minutes
- Uses simple pantry staples - most of which you may already have at home.
- Completely vegan and dairy-free
- Perfect for meal prep, quick lunches or Picnics!
- Requires no cooking if using canned chickpeas.
Sandhya's Top Tips
- If you have homemade chickpeas, they really do give the best flavour and texture.
- Indian Mango chutney is a key ingredient—don’t skip it. It adds that signature sweetness and depth. I use homemade. You could also use Geeta's brand.
- Mash only half the chickpeas to get that perfect creamy yet chunky texture.
- If the mixture feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen it.
- Taste and adjust. Add more lemon juice for tang or chutney for sweetness.
- Make the coronation chickpea filling a few hours to a day in advance - the flavours develop over time.
Ingredients
(Detailed measurements and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below.)
- Chickpeas – the base of the recipe. Canned chickpeas are convenient. To make at home from scratch, I show you how to cook dried chickpeas.
- Vegan mayonnaise – It brings everything together with a creamy texture. I use Hellmann's mayo.
- Mango chutney – adds sweetness and that classic coronation flavour.
- Lemon juice - fresh tastes best.
- Mild curry powder – gives the signature warm spice. I use Bolst brand curry powder.
- Turmeric powder– adds colour and a subtle earthy flavour.
- Salt & pepper – enhances and balances the taste
- Spring onions – add crunch and freshness. I don't recommend red onion - they are a bit overpowering.
- Raisins – add a little bursts of sweetness throughout. You could use sultanas too.
- Fresh coriander
How to Make Coronation Chickpea Sandwich Filling Recipe?
Step 1: In a bowl, add vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, turmeric, curry powder, and mango chutney. Mix well until combined.
Step 2: Add half the chickpeas and mash lightly with a fork to create a creamy base.
Step 3: Add the remaining chickpeas, chopped spring onions, raisins, salt, pepper, and coriander leaves.
Step 4: Mix until everything is well combined.
Tip: If the filling feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to adjust the consistency.
Serving Suggestions
- I love serving between a burger bun. Spread generously between slices of bread or burger bun. Top with lettuce leaves and serve.
- We also love as a topping for air fryer jacket sweet potato. Its so good.
- Spoon into wraps or pitta bread or serve on toast or crackers.
Storing Leftovers
Store the coronation chickpea filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, and add a splash of water if needed to loosen.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, and it actually tastes better after a few hours as the flavours develop.
Try fresh parsley or simply leave it out.
You can, but they add a lovely sweetness that balances the spices.
No, it’s mildly spiced. You can add Kashmiri chilli powder if you prefer more heat.
You can freeze coronation chickpeas for up to 2–3 months, but it’s not ideal. The mayonnaise based dressing tends to split and turn watery once thawed, which can affect the texture. For best results, freeze just the cooked chickpeas and mix in the dressing fresh when ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 250 g cooked chickpeas 1 can of 400g, drained
- 4 tablespoon vegan mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon mango chutney
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoon mild curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 spring onions chopped
- 2 tablespoon raisins
- Handful of coriander leaves chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, add vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, turmeric, curry powder, and mango chutney. Mix well.
- Add half the chickpeas and mash lightly with a fork.
- Add remaining chickpeas, spring onions, raisins, salt, pepper, and coriander. Mix until combined.
- If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to adjust the consistency.
- To Serve, Spoon the filling onto bread or a burger bun, add lettuce, top with another slice, and serve.
Video
Notes
Expert Tips
- Use Homemade chickpeas if you can - they mash better than the canned ones.
- Don't have Mango chutney - you could add other chutneys, like apple tomato chutney or even apricot chutney.
- Mash only half the chickpeas for the best texture
- Adjust seasoning and consistency to taste
Sandhya Hariharan says
This is family favourite recipe that I have been making for 15 years. It takes only 10 minutes for a speedy sandwich recipe on a busy day.