Ep 17. The Alton Crown Affair

In Good Eats season 11 episode 17, titled "The Alton Crown Affair," host Alton Brown takes viewers on a culinary adventure as he creates his own version of a classic British dish: coronation chicken. This dish was first created in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation banquet.

Alton begins by explaining the origins of coronation chicken and how it became a beloved dish. He then breaks down the traditional recipe and offers his own spin on the ingredients and preparation. Coronation chicken is typically made with leftover roast chicken, apricot jam, curry powder, and mayonnaise. Alton updates this recipe with fresh spices and herbs, including turmeric and cilantro.

To start, Alton shows viewers how to properly roast a chicken to perfection. He also demonstrates how to create his version of garam masala, a blend of ground spices commonly used in Indian cuisine. Alton explains the importance of toasting the spices to enhance their flavor and aroma.

Once the chicken is cooked and cooled, Alton debones the meat and mixes it with the other ingredients to create a flavorful and creamy chicken salad. He serves the coronation chicken on a bed of lettuce and adds toasted almonds and dried apricots for a crunchy and sweet contrast.

Throughout the episode, Alton also offers tips on how to properly store and reheat leftover chicken and how to make homemade mayonnaise. As always, he provides scientific explanations for his cooking techniques and encourages viewers to experiment with their own flavors and ingredients.

"The Alton Crown Affair" is an enjoyable and informative episode that showcases Alton Brown's creativity and culinary expertise. It's a must-watch for fans of Good Eats and anyone looking to spice up their chicken salad game.