Coronation Chicken and Bacon Tea Sandwiches and My New Tea Table

There's something about a cup of tea that's warming, relaxing, and feels like a cozy hug, especially as the days get cooler and we get closer to Autumn. I'm enjoying it all again for the first time in many years; it's been far too long. Hot tea is perfect any time of day, and even more perfect in that it gives the best kind of excuse to make those cute little tea sandwiches like this Coronation Chicken and Bacon Tea Sandwich.

So, I first bought a box of English Breakfast Tea; black tea is my favorite. Then, I created a tea table in our living room, complete with a new teapot, cups and saucers and white-footed porcelain trays with gold rims. I was excited to find this modern blue polka dot two-tiered tray from Lenox, which adds some whimsy to the display. Like my design style, I purchased various pieces in an eclectic fashion, with a mix of modern and traditional that didn't come as a set but perfectly complemented each other. 

This floral teapot set makes me smile. I purchased it from Anthropologie. And the pretty teacups kept calling to me due to their rich navy color and gold handles. There is even a gold butterfly etched on the inside. Leave it to Lenox to offer such an interesting design. They are on the expensive side, but worth it.

A perfect setup to go alongside tasty desserts and tea sandwiches, like my Coronation Chicken and Bacon Tea Sandwiches. I first found this recipe on the YouTube Channel Kevin Lee Jacobs and adapted it slightly to fit our own tastes. His channel is chock-full of delicious recipes and tips, from cleaning his home to how to arrange flowers and trips to his local produce stand. It is soothing to watch, and he always has great content.

Now, back to the tea sandwiches. There is something so delicious about the mix of mango chutney and curry powder. Add some bacon and sliced heirloom tomatoes, and you've got a winner. 

A special addition to your afternoon tea or as a regular sandwich packed up for a picnic at the park. This chicken salad would also be great on a baguette or ciabatta bread.

Coronation Chicken and Bacon Tea Sandwiches

2 chicken breasts, salted, cooked and shredded
2 Tblsp. mayonnaise (we use Hellman's) or more to taste and to spread on your bread if you'd like
2 Tblsp. sour cream, or more to taste
1-1/2 Tblsp. mango chutney (I love the one from Stonewall Kitchen), or more to taste
1/4 tsp. curry powder, or more to taste
This makes about 3 cups of filling.

Sandwich bread (I like Pepperidge Farm White Bread)
Bacon slices, cooked
Heirloom tomato slices
Romaine lettuce (optional)

Spread more mayonnaise on your bread and add the chicken salad. Top with cooked bacon and sliced heirloom tomatoes. You can also add romaine lettuce, but it makes it harder to cut into tea sandwiches, so use a big, sharp knife. Cut the crusts off the bread and then into three fingers or triangles. 

If you are not serving the chicken salad right away, you can also spread the bread with butter on each interior piece before adding the chicken salad. This prevents the bread from getting soggy.