Introduction

When it comes to traditional Pakistani home-cooked meals, Palak Chicken holds a special place on the dining table. This hearty and nutritious dish combines tender chicken with fresh spinach, aromatic spices, creamy yogurt, and milk to create a rich and flavorful curry. It is one of those recipes that feels both healthy and comforting at the same time.

Palak Chicken, also known as Spinach and Chicken Curry, is loved for its earthy spinach flavor, tender chicken pieces, and thick gravy that pairs beautifully with naan, chapati, or rice. In many Pakistani households, this recipe is prepared as a wholesome lunch or dinner because spinach is packed with nutrients and chicken provides a great source of protein.

What makes this recipe unique is the use of milk while blending spinach instead of water. This simple tip gives the curry a creamy texture and richer taste. Alongside the curry, simple aromatic rice cooked with garlic and a hint of jaiphal-javitri (nutmeg and mace) makes the meal even more delicious.

If you are looking for a healthy, easy, and authentic Pakistani-style Palak Chicken recipe, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why You’ll Love This Palak Chicken Recipe

There are many reasons why Palak Chicken is a favorite dish:

• Healthy and nutritious – spinach is rich in iron, vitamins, and fiber
• Protein-packed – chicken makes it filling and satisfying
• Easy to cook – simple ingredients and easy method
• Rich in flavor – yogurt, spices, and green chilies create amazing taste
• Perfect for family meals – serves a large family easily

This recipe is ideal for those who want a balanced meal without compromising on flavor.

What is Palak Chicken?

Palak Chicken is a South Asian curry dish made by cooking chicken with pureed spinach and spices. The word Palak means spinach, and the combination of spinach and meat is common in Pakistani and Indian cuisine.

Unlike Palak Paneer, which uses cottage cheese, Palak Chicken uses chicken as the protein source, making it lighter yet filling.

The texture can vary depending on the recipe. Some prefer chunky spinach while others blend it into a smooth puree. This recipe uses blended spinach with milk for a creamy and velvety consistency.

Ingredients for Palak Chicken Recipe

Here is everything you need:

For Palak Chicken

• 1 kg chicken
• 2 kg spinach (palak)
• 2 cups oil or ghee
• 1 glass milk
• 1 tomato (optional)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 4 green chilies (chopped)
• 1 bowl yogurt
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 2 teaspoons red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons salt (or according to taste)
• 2 onions (sliced)

For Rice

• 750 grams rice
• ½ tablespoon garlic paste
• A very small pinch of jaiphal-javitri powder
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 1½ liters water
• 3 tablespoons oil or ghee

Ingredient Details and Their Role

Chicken

Chicken gives the dish its body and makes it protein-rich. Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor to the curry.

Spinach (Palak)

Spinach is the star ingredient. It creates the thick green gravy and gives the curry its signature taste.

Yogurt

Yogurt adds creaminess and balances the strong earthy flavor of spinach.

Milk

Milk makes the spinach puree smooth and creamy.

Green Chilies

They add freshness and slight heat.

Ginger-Garlic Paste

Essential for deep flavor and removing the raw smell of chicken.

How to Make Palak Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Clean the Spinach

Wash the spinach thoroughly under running water to remove dirt and sand.

Spinach often carries mud in its leaves, so washing properly is important.

Step 2: Boil the Spinach

Add spinach to a pot with 2 glasses of water.

Cook until the spinach becomes soft and tender.

Do not overcook, as overcooking can dull the green color.

Step 3: Drain the Spinach

Transfer the boiled spinach into a strainer.

Let it rest for 10 minutes.

This helps remove excess water.

Removing excess water keeps the curry thick and flavorful.

Step 4: Blend the Spinach

Add drained spinach into a blender.

Pour in 1 glass of milk.

Blend until smooth.

Important Tip: Never use water while blending. Milk gives a richer texture.

Step 5: Fry the Onions

Heat oil or ghee in a large cooking pot.

Add sliced onions.

Cook until they become soft and slightly golden.

This forms the flavor base.

Step 6: Add Chicken

Add chicken pieces into the pot.

Mix and cook until the chicken changes color.

This seals in the juices.

Step 7: Add Ginger-Garlic and Spices

Add:

• Ginger-garlic paste
• Green chilies
• Cumin powder
• Red chili powder
• Turmeric
• Salt

Mix everything well.

Cook for 1 minute.

Step 8: Add Yogurt and Tomato

Add yogurt and tomato.

Mix thoroughly.

Cover with a lid.

Cook on low heat until the chicken becomes tender.

The yogurt helps create a smooth and rich curry base.

Step 9: Add Spinach Puree

Once chicken is fully cooked, add the blended spinach mixture.

Mix well.

Cook on medium to low flame.

Continue cooking until the water dries and oil separates.

This step is crucial for the final flavor.

Step 10: Final Cooking

When the curry thickens and oil comes on top, your Palak Chicken is ready.

Serve hot.

How to Make Garlic Rice

This rice pairs perfectly with Palak Chicken.

Step 1: Heat Oil

Take a pot.

Add 3 tablespoons of oil or ghee.

Heat it.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Add garlic paste.

Cook until golden brown.

Step 3: Add Jaiphal Javitri

Add a small pinch of jaiphal-javitri powder.

Cook for a few seconds.

This gives the rice a subtle aroma.

Step 4: Add Water and Salt

Pour in water.

Add salt.

Bring it to a boil.

Step 5: Add Rice

Add soaked rice.

Cook on high flame.

Step 6: Steam the Rice

When only a little water remains, lower the heat completely.

Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes.

Rice should become soft and fluffy.

Tips for the Best Palak Chicken

1. Use Fresh Spinach

Fresh spinach gives better color and taste than frozen spinach.

2. Do Not Overcook Spinach

Overcooking can make it dark and bitter.

3. Use Milk Instead of Water

This keeps the curry creamy.

4. Cook Until Oil Separates

This improves flavor and texture.

5. Use Bone-in Chicken

Bone-in chicken gives better taste.

Serving Suggestions

Palak Chicken tastes best with:

• Chapati
• Tandoori naan
• Garlic naan
• Jeera rice
• Plain steamed rice

You can also serve it with salad and yogurt.

Health Benefits of Palak Chicken

Rich in Iron

Spinach is known for its high iron content.

High Protein

Chicken provides lean protein.

Full of Vitamins

Spinach contains vitamins A, C, and K.

Good for Digestion

The fiber in spinach supports digestion.

Energy Boosting

Iron and protein help maintain energy levels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Too Much Water

Too much water makes the curry watery.

Skipping the Draining Step

Excess spinach water can dilute flavor.

Not Cooking the Masala Properly

Masala needs proper cooking for a rich flavor.

Adding Cold Yogurt

Always whisk yogurt before adding.

Storage Tips

Palak Chicken stores well.

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Freeze for up to 1 month
• Reheat on low flame

Add a little water if needed during reheating.

Variations of Palak Chicken

Creamy Palak Chicken

Add cream at the end.

Spicy Palak Chicken

Increase green chilies.

Boneless Palak Chicken

Use boneless chicken cubes.

Palak Mutton

Replace chicken with mutton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, but fresh spinach gives better flavor.

Can I skip milk?

Yes, but milk improves texture.

Can I make it less spicy?

Yes, reduce chili powder and green chilies.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, absolutely.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day.

Conclusion

Palak Chicken Recipe (Spinach and Chicken Curry) is a perfect combination of taste and nutrition. It is simple, filling, and packed with traditional Pakistani flavors. The creamy spinach blended with milk, tender chicken, and aromatic spices create a meal that feels both comforting and satisfying.

Whether you are making it for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe is reliable and delicious. Pair it with garlic rice, naan, or chapati for a complete meal.

Try this homemade Palak Chicken recipe and enjoy a wholesome desi meal full of flavor and goodness.