Savory Chicken Spinach Curry Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this delightful Chicken and Spinach Curry recipe! Inspired by the vibrant palak-based dishes of Mumbai, this curry brings together tender chicken pieces with a velvety spinach sauce, all infused with a medley of aromatic Indian spices.

Imagine the magic that unfolds as the bright green spinach blends with the fragrant spices to envelop the succulent chicken in a symphony of flavors. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly evening or a soul-soothing treat after a long day. Even my husband swears by its comforting powers, making it his ultimate comfort food choice.

Whether you savor it with fluffy basmati rice, warm naan, or nutritious quinoa, every bite of this Chicken and Spinach Curry is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a feast for the senses. With the option to customize it with paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist, this versatile recipe is sure to become a regular star on your dining table. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a culinary journey filled with warmth and spice!

Quick Benefits

• Nutrient-rich: Packed with fragrant spices, creamy greens, and tender chicken for a nourishing meal.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with vegetarian options like paneer or chickpeas, and dairy-free swaps like coconut cream.
• Make-ahead: Tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prepping or busy nights.
• Customizable: Adjust spice level, texture, and ingredients based on personal preferences and seasonal variations.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Chicken Spinach Curry Recipe Recipe

• Delicious and Fragrant: This curry is packed with fragrant spices like coriander, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and cardamom, creating a rich and aromatic flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Creamy and Nourishing: The velvety spinach sauce combined with tender chicken pieces and yogurt creates a creamy texture that is both comforting and nourishing, making it a perfect meal for cozy evenings.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping chicken with paneer or chickpeas for a vegetarian option, adjusting the spice level to your preference, or using coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Easy and Convenient: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it can be made ahead of time, reheated easily, and even frozen for later, ensuring you have a delicious and satisfying meal ready whenever you need it.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both experienced cooks and beginners, this curry has been praised for its simplicity, vibrant flavors, and ability to turn simple ingredients into a celebratory meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients for Savory Chicken Spinach Curry Recipe

Main

• 1/4 teaspoon Indian chili powder or cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 8 ounces baby spinach or regular spinach, washed and dried
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt, preferably thick Greek-style
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 pound chicken breast or chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed

Pro Tips for Savory Chicken Spinach Curry Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For a richer flavor, consider using chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Ensure they are fully cooked by adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Pro Tip 2: Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or cayenne. Remember, you can always start with less and add more later to avoid making the curry too spicy.

Pro Tip 3: To enhance the texture of the curry, blend the spinach into a smooth puree. If you prefer more texture, you can leave it coarser, but keep in mind that this will change the consistency of the sauce.

How to Make Savory Chicken Spinach Curry Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring, until onion is softened, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 2: Toast Spices

Add kosher salt, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, cardamom, and chili powder to the pan. Stir on medium-low heat until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.

Step 3: Create Spiced Sauce

Combine tomato paste and 1/2 cup water in a skillet, stirring with spices until a thick sauce forms, approximately 1 minute.

Step 4: Wilt Spinach

Add spinach to skillet, stir gently to combine. Cover and cook over medium-high heat until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Uncover and stir until spinach is wilted but vibrant green, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Purée Spinach Mixture

Transfer the spinach mixture to a blender or food processor and purée until mostly smooth, leaving some texture. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 6: Brown Chicken

Clean the skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add chicken pieces, lightly season with salt, and cook until nearly done, approximately 5 to 7 minutes, turning as required.

Step 7: Combine and Simmer

Add the puréed spinach mixture back to the skillet with the chicken. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors and cook the chicken thoroughly.

Step 8: Finish with Yogurt

Lower the heat to low and stir in plain Greek yogurt until smooth. Serve promptly with basmati rice or naan, if desired.

Storage Tips

To store the finished chicken and spinach curry, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will develop even more overnight, making it taste even better the next day. When ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently warm the curry before serving, and if it has thickened up, you can add a splash of water or extra yogurt to refresh the sauce.

If you have a surplus of curry or want to meal prep for busy nights, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Simply allow the curry to cool completely before storing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat the frozen curry, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding a bit of water to revive the sauce. This makes for an easy and convenient meal option that retains the delicious flavors of the dish.

Whether using baby spinach or regular spinach, both work well in the recipe as long as they are washed, dried, and trimmed for optimal texture. Additionally, for a variation in protein and flavor, you can substitute chicken with paneer cubes or canned chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or cayenne, and feel free to customize the dish with different seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes in winter or fresh mint in summer for added depth and freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of this curry, you can easily swap the chicken with paneer cubes or canned chickpeas. Paneer provides a similar protein-rich and creamy texture, while chickpeas offer a hearty and filling alternative. Both options will absorb the delicious flavors of the spices and spinach sauce, creating a satisfying dish for vegetarians.

If you need to make this recipe dairy-free, consider substituting the Greek yogurt with coconut cream. The coconut cream will still provide a creamy element to the curry while adding a hint of coconut flavor to complement the spices. This swap maintains the richness of the dish without compromising on taste, making it suitable for those with dairy restrictions or preferences.

When spinach is not available, baby kale or chard can be used as substitutes. These leafy greens offer a similar texture and nutritional profile to spinach, ensuring that the curry maintains its vibrant green color and earthy flavor. Simply wash, dry, and trim these greens before adding them to the curry to enjoy a tasty variation of the dish with a slight twist in flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try turning this chicken and spinach curry into a fun build-your-own bowl bar for your next gathering. Set out bowls of steamed basmati rice, warm naan bread, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced red onions, and a variety of chutneys and pickles. Let your guests customize their bowls with the curry, toppings, and a squeeze of lime for a flavorful and interactive dining experience.

Another idea is to use the leftover curry to create delicious stuffed bell peppers. Cut bell peppers in half, remove seeds and ribs, and fill each half with the chicken and spinach curry mixture. Top with a sprinkle of cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. This twist on traditional stuffed peppers will delight your taste buds with the aromatic flavors of the curry infused into the sweet peppers. Serve with a dollop of yogurt on top for a creamy finish.

FAQs for Savory Chicken Spinach Curry Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this curry?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for extra tenderness and rich flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is it possible to adjust the spice level of this curry?

Yes, the spice level is adjustable. Use less chili powder or cayenne for mild heat, or add more for an extra kick, based on your preferences.

Should I puree the spinach for a smoother sauce, or can I leave it coarser for more texture?

Pureed spinach yields a smooth, cohesive sauce. If you prefer more texture, you may leave it coarser, but keep in mind that the consistency of the sauce will change accordingly.

Do the flavors of this curry develop over time? How should I store leftovers?

Yes, the flavors do deepen over time. Store the curry covered in the fridge and gently reheat it when ready to eat. For best results, stir in the yogurt just before serving.

Conclusion

As you savor the last bites of this vibrant and comforting Chicken and Spinach Curry, remember the joy of creating a nourishing meal that brings everyone together. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with loved ones, this curry is sure to be a hit. The blend of fragrant spices, tender chicken, and creamy spinach sauce is simply irresistible.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own by trying different variations like swapping in paneer or chickpeas, adjusting the spice level to suit your taste, or incorporating seasonal ingredients for a fresh twist. Remember, cooking is a creative journey, and each adaptation will only enhance the experience of making and enjoying this delicious curry.

So, the next time you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients, turn to this Chicken and Spinach Curry recipe. Let its aromatic spices and creamy textures warm your soul and bring a taste of India to your table. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the magic of homemade curry!