Palak Chicken (Chicken Spinach Curry)

Did you know that Palak Chicken, also known as Chicken Spinach Curry, is one of the most popular Indian curries enjoyed around the world? This delicious dish combines tender chicken with nutritious spinach to create a flavorful and creamy curry that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to try something new, Palak Chicken is the perfect choice. Its unique blend of warm spices and creamy texture makes it a standout dish that will leave you wanting more.

Made with minimal spices, Palak Chicken is suitable for those who prefer milder curries while still delivering a punch of flavor. This gluten-free dish can also be made dairy-free by simply omitting the yogurt or cream.

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as I share with you the secrets of making this mouthwatering Palak Chicken!

Ingredient List & Possible Substitutions

When it comes to making Palak Chicken, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients that come together to create the perfect blend of flavors in this Indian curry. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

• Chicken: Opt for boneless chicken or bone-in chicken, depending on your preference. The chicken adds protein and heartiness to the dish.
• Spinach: The star ingredient of this recipe is spinach, which lends its vibrant green color and earthy flavor to the curry.
• Spices: A combination of spices such as Kashmiri red chilli powder, crushed black pepper, and garam masala add depth and a hint of heat to the dish.
• Onion and Tomatoes: These aromatic vegetables form the base of the curry and lend a natural sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: This pungent paste made from fresh ginger and garlic adds a punch of flavor to the curry.

In addition to the main ingredients, there are a few optional ingredients that can elevate the taste of your Palak Chicken:

• Lemon Juice: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the curry to add a tangy note that complements the richness of the dish.
• Green Chilies: If you prefer a spicier curry, you can add green chilies to amp up the heat.
• Cashews: For a creamy and indulgent touch, you can add cashews during the cooking process.

Don’t fret if you don’t have every ingredient on hand – there are always substitutions you can make to adapt the recipe to your taste and dietary preferences. For example:

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, make sure to use gluten-free spices and check the labels of packaged ingredients for any hidden gluten.

If you’re dairy-free, you can omit the yogurt or cream typically used in the recipe. The natural creaminess of the spinach and the addition of cashews should still provide a satisfying texture.

If fresh spinach is not available, you can use frozen spinach as a substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the curry.

Now that you have your ingredient list and possible substitutions, it’s time to gather everything you need to create a delicious Palak Chicken curry.

How To Make Palak Chicken

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking instructions for this delicious Palak Chicken.

1. Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken with Kashmiri red chilli powder, crushed black pepper, salt, and lemon juice. This step will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors.
2. Blanch and Puree the Spinach: Blanch the spinach in boiling water for a few minutes until it wilts. Drain the spinach and puree it to a smooth consistency. This vibrant green puree will be the base of our Palak Chicken.
3. Prepare the Spice Mixture: Grind the whole spices, such as bay leaf, green cardamoms, black cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and cumin seeds, to create a fragrant spice mixture. This blend will add depth and aroma to our curry.
4. Sear the Chicken: In a hot pan, sear the marinated chicken until it turns pale in color. This step helps seal in the juices and adds a delicious caramelization to the chicken.
5. Cook the Onion and Tomato Base: In the same pan, cook the onion and tomato base until they become soft and mushy. This will create a flavorful foundation for our Palak Chicken.
6. Add the Spice Mixture and Cook the Chicken: Once the onion and tomato base are cooked, add the seared chicken and the prepared spice mixture to the pan. Cook the chicken until it becomes tender and fully cooked.
7. Stir in the Spinach Puree: Now it’s time to add the spinach puree to the curry. Mix it well with the chicken and let the flavors meld together.
8. Adjust Consistency and Seasonings: Adjust the consistency of the curry by adding water or broth if needed. Taste the curry and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You can add more salt, spices, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy kick.
9. Simmer and Serve: Let the Palak Chicken simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Once it’s done, serve the Palak Chicken hot with steamed rice, roti, naan, or any Indian bread of your choice.

Now that you know the step-by-step process, it’s time to gather your ingredients and give this Palak Chicken recipe a try. Enjoy the delightful flavors of tender chicken in a creamy spinach curry!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Palak Chicken, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. One classic choice is to serve this flavorful curry over steamed rice. The combination of the creamy Palak Chicken and fluffy rice creates a balanced and satisfying meal.

If you are looking to add even more flavor to your meal, consider pairing Palak Chicken with flavored rice varieties such as Turmeric Rice or Jeera Rice. These aromatic rice dishes complement the spices in the curry, enhancing the overall dining experience.

For those who enjoy Indian breads, Palak Chicken is a wonderful accompaniment to roti, naan, chapati, or plain parathas. The soft and pillowy breads are perfect for scooping up the rich and creamy curry, allowing you to savor every bite.

To elevate the taste and texture of Palak Chicken, you can garnish it with a dollop of cream or cashew cream. This adds a velvety smoothness and richness to the dish, making it even more indulgent.

For an extra burst of flavors, consider tempering the Palak Chicken with a tadka (tempering) of spices before serving. Heat some mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves in oil or ghee until fragrant, then drizzle it over the curry. This aromatic tempering enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

To balance out the richness of Palak Chicken, pair it with a refreshing side like cucumber raita or a fresh salad. The cool and tangy flavors of these sides provide a delightful contrast to the creamy curry, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

FAQ

Is Palak Chicken a spicy dish?

Palak Chicken is minimally spiced, making it suitable for those who prefer milder curries. However, you can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less Kashmiri red chili powder and crushed black pepper to suit your personal preference.

Can I make Palak Chicken without dairy?

Yes, Palak Chicken can be made dairy-free by omitting yogurt or cream from the recipe. The dish will still have a creamy and comforting texture, thanks to the spinach puree.

What can I serve with Palak Chicken?

Palak Chicken goes well with steamed rice, flavored rice varieties like Turmeric Rice or Jeera Rice, as well as Indian breads such as roti, naan, chapati, or plain parathas.

How can I enhance the flavors of Palak Chicken?

To enhance the flavors of Palak Chicken, you can garnish it with a dollop of cream or cashew cream. You can also temper the dish with a tadka (tempering) of spices, such as mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves, before serving.

Are there any substitutions for the main ingredients of Palak Chicken?

While the traditional recipe calls for boneless chicken or bone-in chicken, spinach, spices, onion, tomatoes, and ginger-garlic paste, you can make variations based on your preferences. For example, you can use tofu or paneer instead of chicken for a vegetarian version of Palak Chicken. You can also experiment with different spices and vegetables to create your own unique twist on the dish.