When it comes to Indian cuisine, few dishes are as beloved and nutritious as Chicken Palak.
This delightful recipe combines tender pieces of chicken with the vibrant flavors of spinach and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a dish that’s both healthy and delicious.
Whether you’re a fan of Indian food or simply looking to add more greens to your diet, this Chicken Palak recipe is a must-try.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500 grams boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 200 grams fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the yogurt, half of the minced garlic, half of the grated ginger, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt.
Add the chicken pieces to this mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Blanch the Spinach
In a pot of boiling water, blanch the chopped spinach for 2 minutes.
Drain and immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water. This helps retain its vibrant green color.
Once cooled, blend the spinach into a smooth paste. Set it aside.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and golden brown.
Add the remaining garlic and ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for another 2 minutes.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate.
- Spice it Up
Add the coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the Marinated Chicken
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Cook until they turn white on the outside.
- Simmer and Blend
Pour in the spinach paste and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Final Touch
Adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a dollop of cream or yogurt at this stage.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve
Chicken Palak pairs wonderfully with naan, rice, or roti. Enjoy your homemade, healthy, and flavorful Chicken Palak!
Chicken Palak is a classic Indian dish that seamlessly combines the goodness of spinach with succulent pieces of chicken and aromatic spices.
It’s not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritious addition to your meal. Give this recipe a try and savor the flavors of India in the comfort of your own kitchen. Bon appétit!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving | Amount Per Serving |
Calories | 350 |
Total Fat | 25g |
Saturated Fat | 10g |
Cholesterol | 100mg |
Sodium | 450mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 10g |
Dietary Fiber | 3g |
Sugars | 3g |
Protein | 24g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
You can use this format to provide the prep time, cook time, total time, servings, and yield for the remaining Chicken Palak recipes as well.
10 Simple Chicken Palak Recipes
Chicken Palak is a savory Indian dish that combines tender chicken with creamy spinach sauce. To make it, sauté chicken, blend spinach, and spices, then simmer together. Serve with rice or naan for a delicious, wholesome meal.
1. Creamy Chicken Palak

Elevate your Chicken Palak by adding a creamy twist. After cooking the chicken and spinach as usual, stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk for a rich and velvety texture. Garnish with cashews for extra decadence.
2. Spicy Chicken Palak Curry

If you love heat, try a spicy version of Chicken Palak. Increase the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to give the dish a fiery kick. It’s perfect for those who crave a bit of extra spice in their meals.
3. Lemon Garlic Chicken Palak

Infuse your Chicken Palak with a burst of citrusy flavor by adding fresh lemon juice and minced garlic. The zesty notes complement the earthy spinach and tender chicken beautifully.
4. Chicken Palak with Potatoes

Add a hearty element to your Chicken Palak by tossing in some diced potatoes. The potatoes soak up the delicious flavors of the spinach and spices, making it a filling one-pot meal.
5. Coconut Chicken Palak

For a tropical twist, incorporate coconut milk and shredded coconut into your Chicken Palak. The coconut adds a sweet and nutty undertone that pairs wonderfully with the spinach.
6. Chicken Palak with Paneer

Combine two favorites in one dish by adding cubes of paneer (Indian cheese) to your Chicken Palak. The paneer absorbs the flavors and creates a delightful contrast in textures.
7. Smoky Chicken Palak

Infuse a smoky aroma into your Chicken Palak by using a smoking technique. After cooking the dish, place a piece of hot charcoal in a small bowl in the center of the pot, add a few drops of ghee or oil, and cover it for a few minutes to infuse smokiness.
8. Cashew Chicken Palak

Elevate your dish with a touch of luxury by adding finely ground cashew nuts. The creamy cashew paste enhances the flavor and provides a delightful creaminess to the dish.
9. Chicken Palak with Fenugreek Leaves

Amp up the flavor by incorporating fresh fenugreek leaves (Methi) into your Chicken Palak. The bitter notes of fenugreek add depth and complexity to the dish.
10. Tangy Tomato Chicken Palak

Introduce a tangy twist by including tomato puree or diced tomatoes to your Chicken Palak. The acidity of the tomatoes balances the richness of the dish and brightens up the flavors.
Each of these Chicken Palak recipes offers a unique flavor profile, allowing you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences or experiment with new and exciting variations of this classic Indian favorite.