Chicken and Spinach Curry
Tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, spiced spinach sauce with a gentle warmth. This comforting one-pot curry is packed with flavor and comes together in about 40 minutes, perfect for scooping up with naan or rice.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Blanch and puree the spinach.
1.Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.2.Add spinach leaves and blanch for 2 minutes until wilted.3.Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking.4.Drain again and blend into a smooth puree with 2 tbsp of water. - fry · ~4 min
Brown the chicken.
1.Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.2.Add chicken pieces and sear for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.3.Remove chicken from pan and set aside on a plate.TIPDon't overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed for a good sear. - saute · ~8 min
Build the aromatic base.
1.Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the same pan over medium heat.2.Add chopped onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5–7 minutes.3.Add minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.4.Stir in cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and red chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds.TIPKeep the heat medium—high heat burns the ground spices and makes them bitter. - simmer · ~8 min
Simmer the curry base.
1.Pour in the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil begins to separate, about 4–5 minutes.2.Reduce heat to low, add the whisked yogurt one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously.3.Add the spinach puree, water, and salt. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. - simmer · ~15 min
Cook the chicken in the sauce.
1.Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan along with any resting juices.2.Cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.3.Stir in garam masala and lemon juice. Adjust salt if needed.TIPIf the curry is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your preferred consistency. - garnish
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To avoid bitterness, be sure to squeeze the water out of the spinach well after blanching and blending.
- 2Sear the chicken in batches for a deep golden crust; overcrowding will steam the meat instead.
- 3Whisk the yogurt until completely smooth before adding it to the hot pan to prevent curdling.
- 4Always add yogurt off the heat or on the lowest heat, stirring constantly for a silky sauce.
- 5Let the curry rest for 5 minutes after cooking—the flavors will meld and deepen noticeably.
- 6This curry freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; thaw overnight and reheat gently.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-free
Replace the full-fat yogurt with full-fat coconut cream or cashew cream (soaked and blended cashews). This makes the curry dairy-free while keeping it creamy and adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices.
lower fatLower-fat
Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breast, and replace the yogurt with low-fat Greek yogurt or a splash of milk. The cooking time will be shorter—about 10 minutes—so check for doneness early to avoid dry meat.
mushroom spinach curryMushroom spinach curry
Substitute the chicken with 400g of sliced button mushrooms to make a vegetarian version. Sear the mushrooms until golden before following the same steps. Mushrooms add an earthy, savory (umami) flavor that mimics the heartiness of meat.
extra spicyExtra-spicy
Increase the red chili powder to 1 teaspoon or add a finely chopped green chili (like serrano or Thai bird's eye) along with the garlic and ginger. This version is for those who love a bold, fiery kick in their curry.
spinach and lentil currySpinach and lentil curry
Add ½ cup of cooked red lentils (masoor dal) along with the chicken for an extra boost of protein and fiber. The lentils break down slightly and thicken the sauce naturally, creating an even more substantial one-pot meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Iron
Spinach is a well-known source of non-heme iron, which is essential for healthy blood and energy levels. The vitamin C from the lemon juice helps your body absorb this iron more efficiently.
High-Quality Protein
Chicken thighs provide a generous amount of complete protein, supporting muscle repair and satiety. This dish delivers a substantial protein boost in every serving.
Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Turmeric and ginger contain active compounds like curcumin and gingerol, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A pinch goes a long way in this comforting dish.
Good Source of Calcium
The yogurt and spinach both contribute calcium, which is crucial for strong bones and teeth. Using full-fat yogurt also provides vitamin D and healthy fats for better absorption.
Supports Digestive Health
Ginger and cumin are traditionally used to aid digestion and reduce bloating. The moderate fat from the chicken and yogurt also helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the spinach.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use 300g of frozen chopped spinach. Thaw it completely, then squeeze out as much water as possible before pureeing. Skip the blanching step and proceed directly to blending.







