This chicken spinach curry recipe is a comforting, home-style dish that’s big on flavor and nutrition—featuring tender chicken simmered with aromatic spices and vibrant greens. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and perfect with rice or flatbread. For more globally inspired dinners, try our slow-cooked French Onion Pot Roast or the nourishing Gluten-Free Red Lentil Dal with Beetroot for a vibrant vegetarian option. Want to know why spinach is a nutritional powerhouse? This Healthline article shares all the health benefits packed in each leaf.
🌿 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lb (700g) boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- ½ cup plain dairy-free yogurt (or regular yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Curry:
- 2 tablespoons oil (coconut or vegetable)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tomato, finely chopped (or ½ cup canned tomatoes)
- 1 cup coconut milk (or water for a lighter version)
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garam masala (for finishing)
- Juice of ½ lemon
Garnish:
- Fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
- Toasted cashews or almonds (optional)
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix chicken with yogurt, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, salt, ginger, and garlic.
- Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2️⃣ Cook the Aromatics
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
- Add onions and cook until golden brown (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chili. Cook for another minute.
3️⃣ Build the Curry Base
- Add coriander powder, paprika, red chili powder, and tomatoes.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften.
4️⃣ Cook the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in coconut milk (or water) and let it simmer for 15 minutes, until the chicken is tender.
5️⃣ Add the Spinach
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook for another 5 minutes, until wilted.
- Sprinkle with garam masala and squeeze lemon juice for freshness.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with fresh coriander and toasted cashews/almonds if using.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or gluten-free naan.
✨ Tips & Variations:
- Creamier Version: Add ¼ cup cashew cream or extra coconut milk.
- Spicier Curry: Increase the red chili powder or add more green chilies.
- Vegan Alternative: Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu!
Enjoy your chicken & spinach curry—warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor! 🍛✨🌿
