EASY & QUICK WAY TO COOK SPINACH CHICKEN CURRY

EASY & QUICK WAY TO COOK SPINACH CHICKEN CURRY is a easy Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Curries With Bumbi on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $10.29 total, $2.57 per serving

Ingredients

  • 4 cloves Garlic (peeled)
  • 2 inches Fresh Ginger (peeled and roughly chopped)
  • 1 Green Chili (optional, seeded for less heat)
  • 4 tablespoons Water (for blending paste)
  • 4 Green Cardamom Pods (seeds removed)
  • 4 Cloves
  • 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns (coarsely ground)
  • 1 Dried Bay Leaf
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick (small piece)
  • 1 large Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (plus to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 500 grams Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (cut into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 Tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 1 cup Hot Water
  • 2 tablespoons Sour Cream (optional; can use plain yogurt or cooking cream)
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (pinch)
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Butter
  • 3 Fresh Mint Leaves (torn)

Instructions

  1. Make Ginger‑Garlic Paste

    Combine peeled garlic cloves, chopped ginger, optional green chili, and 4 Tbsp water in a blender. Blend until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Grind Whole Spices

    Using a spice grinder or mortar, coarsely grind the cardamom seeds, cloves, and black peppercorns together.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add a bay leaf and cinnamon stick, then the sliced onion with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the edges turn golden.

    Time: PT7M

  4. Add Ground Spices and Paste

    Sprinkle the coarsely ground whole spices into the pan, then add the ginger‑garlic paste. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Introduce Powdered Spices

    Quickly add Kashmiri red chili powder, paprika, turmeric, ground coriander, and ground cumin. Stir for just 30 seconds; do not let the spices sit unattended.

    Time: PT30S

  6. Cook Chicken

    Add the bite‑size chicken thigh pieces. Increase heat to high and stir‑fry for 3–4 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked.

    Time: PT4M

  7. Add Tomatoes and Simmer

    Stir in the chopped tomatoes and a pinch of sugar. Cook, stirring, until the tomatoes break down and become mushy (about 5 minutes). Then cover the pan, reduce to medium heat, and let simmer for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Add Hot Water

    Pour in 1 cup hot water, cover, and cook on medium‑low heat for another 5 minutes until the chicken is tender.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Finish with Cream, Spices, and Spinach

    Stir in the sour cream (or yogurt/cream), garam masala, ground nutmeg, and the fresh spinach. Cover and cook on medium‑low heat for 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Final Flavor Boost

    Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick, then stir in 1 tsp butter and torn mint leaves. Let sit for 2 minutes, then serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Contains Dairy

Allergens: Dairy (sour cream, butter), None other

Last updated: May 28, 2026

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EASY & QUICK WAY TO COOK SPINACH CHICKEN CURRY

Recipe by Curries With Bumbi

A fast, flavorful Indian‑style chicken curry packed with fresh spinach, aromatic ginger‑garlic paste, and a blend of whole and ground spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner served with rice or flatbread.

EasyIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
33m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
52m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.29
Total cost
$2.57
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Grinding whole spices to a coarse texture
  • Cooking onions until golden but not burnt
  • Briefly toasting powdered spices to release aroma
  • Stir‑frying chicken just until browned to keep it juicy
  • Adding spinach at the end to preserve color and nutrients

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Be careful when blending hot ingredients; let the paste cool slightly before blending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chicken with spinach in Indian cuisine?

A

Spinach (palak) is a staple leafy green in North Indian cooking, often paired with meat to create nutritious, protein‑rich dishes. Combining chicken with spinach reflects the tradition of balancing meat with vegetables for a wholesome family meal.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken spinach curry in Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, the dish is often richer with cream and butter, while in South India it may include coconut milk and mustard seeds. Some regions add fenugreek leaves (methi) for a slightly bitter note.

cultural
Q

How is chicken with spinach traditionally served in Indian households?

A

It is typically served hot with steamed basmati rice, roti, or naan, and accompanied by a side of fresh cucumber raita to cool the palate.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is chicken with spinach commonly prepared in Indian culture?

A

The dish is popular for everyday family meals but also appears at festive gatherings like Diwali or family celebrations because it is quick yet feels indulgent.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Indian chicken spinach curry versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include ginger‑garlic paste, whole spices like cardamom, cloves, and black peppercorns, and garam masala. Substitutes can be ground cardamom powder, allspice for cloves, or yogurt instead of sour cream.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with chicken spinach curry?

A

Pair it with buttery naan, garlic roti, or a simple cucumber‑onion salad. A side of dal (lentil soup) or a light vegetable pakora also complements the meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken spinach curry at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the chicken, burning the powdered spices, and adding spinach too early which turns it mushy. Follow the timing steps carefully and add spinach at the very end.

technical
Q

Why does this chicken spinach curry recipe use a brief 30‑second stir of powdered spices instead of a longer cook?

A

Spices release their aroma quickly; prolonged heat can cause them to become bitter. A short stir at medium heat unlocks flavor without burning.

technical
Q

Can I make this chicken spinach curry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the curry can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and gently reheat on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the chicken spinach curry is done?

A

The sauce should be glossy and slightly thick, the chicken pieces should be tender but not falling apart, and the spinach should be wilted and vibrant green without turning dark.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Curries With Bumbi specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Curries With Bumbi focuses on quick, home‑cooked Indian‑style curries and comfort dishes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize flavor and simplicity for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Curries With Bumbi's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Curries With Bumbi prioritizes speed and minimal ingredient lists while still preserving authentic spice blends, whereas many other channels may use more elaborate techniques or specialty ingredients.

channel

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