One-Pan Palak Chicken in 30 Minutes 🍃🍗

If you’re craving a flavorful curry without the fuss, this one-pan palak chicken (also known as Murgh Saagwala) is the perfect weeknight recipe. It brings together tender chicken breast, vibrant spinach, tomatoes, and warming Indian spices—all in just 30 minutes. No need to blanch spinach or fuss with multiple pots; everything comes together in one pan for easy cooking and cleanup. ✨

One-Pan Palak Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Curry ❤️

Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy evenings.
One-Pan Convenience: Less washing up, more flavor.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein, iron-rich spinach, and aromatic spices.
Flexible: Works with chicken breast or thighs, fresh or frozen spinach, and dairy or non-dairy options.

Key Ingredients 🛒

Chicken breast – juicy and lean, but thighs also work beautifully.
Spinach – fresh or frozen; add at the end for bright color and nutrients.
Whole spices – cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves for depth (or use ground for speed).
Aromatics – onion, ginger, garlic, tomato, and green chili for that classic curry base.
Creamy finish (optional) – swirl in yogurt, cream, or even coconut milk for richness.

Cooking Tips from the Kitchen 👩‍🍳

🌿 Skip blanching: Add chopped spinach directly for vibrant green color and fresh flavor.
🌶 Adjust spice levels: Kashmiri chili gives a mild warmth and beautiful red color; swap with paprika if you prefer no heat.
🥛 No dairy? Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a silky, plant-based finish.
🍋 Fresh lift: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the dish.
🫓 Perfect pairing: Serve with fluffy basmati rice, naan, or roti.

Serving Ideas 🍽

This curry is a weeknight hero, but also elegant enough for entertaining. Pair it with:

Steamed basmati rice or jeera rice
Fresh chapati or garlic naan
A cooling cucumber raita on the side

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Can I skip the whole spices?
Yes! Just use ground spices (cardamom and cinnamon) with the main masala blend.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely—just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.

How do I keep yogurt from splitting?
Always add it off the heat, whisked with a little water, and never boil after.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of yogurt or cream.

Can I swap chicken thighs for breast?
Definitely—just simmer slightly longer for tenderness.

With this easy palak chicken curry, you get all the comfort of a traditional Indian dish—without the time or effort. 🥘✨ Try it once, and it might just become your go-to weeknight curry.