In this delightful Indian-spiced chicken and spinach recipe, the exotic flavors of Indian cuisine are brought to the forefront. The warmth of ginger, the smoky sweetness of paprika, the earthiness of cumin and coriander, and the fiery kick of jalapeno peppers meld together to create a savory, tantalizing sauce. Combined with tender chicken and nutritious spinach, this dish is a satisfying and flavorful addition to any meal.
Photos of Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach Recipe
The ingredients in this recipe are fairly standard in Indian cuisine and should be easily found in the international aisle of most supermarkets. However, please note the jalapeño peppers and fresh ginger. They are key to the flavor profile of this dish, providing a balance of heat and zesty brightness. The spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika are usually sold as ground powders.
Ingredients for Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach
Cooking oil: The base of any good stir-fry, it helps to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the pan and aids in the cooking process.
Onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized depth to the dish.
Garlic: Offers a pungent, earthy flavor that's essential in Indian cuisine.
Fresh ginger: Provides a spicy, lemony flavor that adds brightness.
Ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy flavor and is often used in Indian cooking.
Ground coriander: Offers a sweet, floral taste that complements the other spices.
Turmeric: Gives the dish a vibrant yellow color and a slightly bitter, peppery taste.
Paprika: Adds a smoky sweetness to the dish.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Jalapeño peppers: Adds heat to the dish. Adjust according to your spice preference.
Crushed tomatoes: Offers a tangy flavor that balances out the creaminess.
Heavy cream: Gives the dish a rich, creamy texture.
Cinnamon stick: Infuses the dish with a sweet-spiced aroma and flavor.
Water: Used to control the consistency of the dish.
Frozen spinach: Adds a touch of earthiness and a boost of nutrition to the dish.
Chicken breast: The protein of the dish. Cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the spices well.
One reader, Brian Flanagan says:
This Indian-spiced chicken and spinach recipe is a game-changer! The blend of spices creates an explosion of flavors, and the creamy texture is simply divine. It's a perfect balance of heat and richness. I highly recommend trying it - it's a winner!
Key Techniques for Making Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach
How to sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over moderate heat. Add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes until starting to soften. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes longer.
How to incorporate the spices: Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
How to prepare the spinach: Squeeze the spinach to remove excess liquid before adding it to the pan.
How to simmer the stew: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pan, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes after adding the spinach.
How to cook the chicken: Stir in the chicken and the remaining salt, cover, and simmer the stew for about 10 minutes until just done.
How to serve: Remove the cinnamon stick before serving. Serve and enjoy.
How To Make Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach
Bursting with rich and fragrant flavors from Indian spices, this spiced chicken is simmered in crushed tomatoes and heavy cream sauce for a filling dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspcooking oil
- 1onion
- 3clovesgarlic
- 1tbspfresh ginger,chopped
- 1tbspground cumin
- 1tbspground coriander
- ½tspturmeric
- ½tsppaprika
- 1½tspsalt
- 2jalapeno peppers
- ½cupcrushed tomatoes,canned
- ½cupheavy cream
- 1cinnamon stick
- 1½cupswater
- 2ozfrozen spinach,chopped
- 4chicken breast,boneless and skinless,
Instructions
-
In a large frying pan, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes until starting to soften. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes longer.
-
Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant, and then stir in the jalapeños and tomatoes. Add the cream, cinnamon stick, and water.
-
Squeeze the spinach to remove excess liquid and add the spinach to the pan. Bring to a simmer. Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Stir in the chicken and the remaining salt, cover, and simmer the stew for about 10 minutes until just done. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
-
Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
- Calories: 508.76kcal
- Fat: 34.94g
- Saturated Fat: 12.09g
- Trans Fat: 0.21g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.67g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.96g
- Carbohydrates: 10.22g
- Fiber: 2.90g
- Sugar: 3.97g
- Protein: 38.89g
- Cholesterol: 152.12mg
- Sodium: 907.20mg
- Calcium: 108.87mg
- Potassium: 711.03mg
- Iron: 3.73mg
- Vitamin A: 245.76µg
- Vitamin C: 18.74mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach
When cooking with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, it's important to cook them for a minute or so in the oil before adding other ingredients. This process, known as blooming, helps to release the full depth of flavor from the spices. Just be careful not to burn them, as this can impart a bitter taste to your dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach
Prep ahead: Chop and measure ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Efficient multitasking: Utilize downtime, such as marinating or simmering, to prep other ingredients or set the table.
Streamlined cleanup: Clean as you go to avoid a pile of dishes at the end of the meal preparation.
Time-saving tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to expedite meal prep.
Quick fixes: Keep a well-stocked pantry with canned goods, spices, and condiments for easy flavor boosts.
Substitute Ingredients For Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach Recipe
cooking oil - Substitute with ghee: Ghee is a traditional Indian cooking fat that adds a rich, nutty flavor to the dish and complements the Indian spices well.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor without the need for chopping or mincing.
fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute for fresh ginger, providing a convenient option with a slightly different flavor profile.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground caraway seeds: Ground caraway seeds can be used as a substitute for cumin, providing a similar earthy and slightly peppery flavor.
ground coriander - Substitute with ground fennel seeds: Ground fennel seeds can be used as a substitute for coriander, offering a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor.
turmeric - Substitute with curry powder: Curry powder can be used as a substitute for turmeric, providing a blend of spices that includes turmeric along with other complementary flavors.
paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can be used as a substitute for paprika, adding a spicy kick to the dish.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for salt, adding a savory umami flavor to the dish.
jalapeño peppers - Substitute with green bell peppers: Green bell peppers can be used as a substitute for jalapeño peppers, providing a milder heat and a slightly sweet flavor.
crushed tomatoes - Substitute with tomato sauce: Tomato sauce can be used as a substitute for crushed tomatoes, providing a smoother texture and concentrated tomato flavor.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream, adding a creamy richness with a hint of coconut flavor.
cinnamon stick - Substitute with ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon can be used as a substitute for cinnamon stick, providing a convenient option with a similar warm and sweet flavor.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can be used as a substitute for water, adding depth of flavor to the dish.
frozen spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, providing a hearty and nutritious green addition to the dish.
chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be used as a substitute for chicken breast, providing a vegetarian option with a similar protein content.
Presentation Ideas for Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Indian-spiced chicken and spinach, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean, white plates to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out. Arrange the chicken and spinach stew thoughtfully, ensuring each element is showcased beautifully.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with fresh cilantro or chopped parsley. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a layer of freshness to the overall presentation.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use a small spoon to drizzle a swirl of heavy cream on the plate before placing the chicken and spinach stew. This adds a touch of finesse and elegance to the presentation, showcasing attention to detail.
Utilize microgreens for a delicate touch: Sprinkle a few delicate microgreens over the dish just before serving. The vibrant green hues will provide a pop of color and a gourmet touch, elevating the overall presentation.
Consider the placement of the chicken: Place the chicken breast atop the spinach stew, ensuring it is positioned in a visually appealing manner. Pay attention to the balance and symmetry of the dish to create a professional and polished presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing various ingredients.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for sautéing, frying, and searing.
- Wooden spoon: A kitchen utensil with a long handle, used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
- Grater: Used to grate or shred ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or spices.
- Cooking twine: Used for trussing meats and securing stuffed ingredients.
- Tongs: Kitchen utensils used for gripping and lifting hot pots, pans, or food items.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for boiling, simmering, and making sauces.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach
- Allow the indian-spiced chicken and spinach to cool completely before storing or freezing.
- Transfer the cooled dish into an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- If using a container, place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the food to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Store the indian-spiced chicken and spinach in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, place the sealed container or bag in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen indian-spiced chicken and spinach in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the thawed dish in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You may need to add a little water or chicken broth to thin out the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
- Tip: For best results, store the chicken and spinach separately from the sauce, as this will help maintain the texture of the ingredients and prevent the spinach from becoming too soggy.
How To Reheat Leftover Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach
Reheat the leftover indian-spiced chicken and spinach in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the dish, allowing the spices to meld together even more.
If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan while reheating to help loosen it up and maintain a creamy consistency.
For a quicker reheating option, transfer the leftovers to a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the chicken is heated through and the spinach is steaming.
To add a fresh twist to your leftovers, shred the reheated chicken and serve it wrapped in warm naan bread or tortillas, topped with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Transform your leftover indian-spiced chicken and spinach into a hearty soup by adding it to a pot of simmering chicken broth along with some diced potatoes and carrots. Let the flavors meld together for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Interesting Fact About Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach
The Indian-spiced chicken and spinach recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of traditional Indian spices with tender chicken and hearty spinach. This recipe is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a perfect way to incorporate healthy greens and aromatic spices into your diet. The combination of cumin, coriander, and turmeric not only adds a rich flavor but also provides potential health benefits. The dish is a wonderful representation of the diverse and vibrant flavors found in Indian cuisine. Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic meal with your loved ones!
Is Making Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach at Home Cost-Effective?
This Indian-spiced chicken and spinach recipe can be cost-effective for a household. The spices and ingredients are commonly found in many kitchens, making it budget-friendly. The use of chicken and frozen spinach keeps the cost reasonable. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. The dish offers a flavorful and satisfying meal, earning a verdict rating of 8 for its taste, nutritional value, and affordability.
Is This Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach Recipe Healthy?
The Indian-spiced chicken and spinach recipe is a flavorful dish that incorporates some healthy ingredients, but it also contains elements that could be improved upon from a nutritional standpoint. Let's break it down:
Healthy aspects:
- The recipe includes spinach, which is a nutrient-dense leafy green packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Chicken breast is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair
- The use of various spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika, not only adds flavor but also provides potential health benefits due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
- Ginger and garlic, known for their immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects, are also included in the recipe
Less healthy aspects:
- The recipe calls for heavy cream, which is high in saturated fat and calories
- The use of cooking oil adds additional fat to the dish
- The salt content may be a concern for those watching their sodium intake
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as coconut milk or Greek yogurt, to reduce the saturated fat content while maintaining a creamy texture
- Use a smaller amount of cooking oil or opt for a healthier option like olive oil or avocado oil
- Reduce the salt content by using low-sodium crushed tomatoes and adjusting the added salt to taste
- Increase the amount of spinach or add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to boost the fiber and nutrient content of the dish
- Serve the chicken and spinach alongside a portion of whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa, to provide a balanced meal with complex carbohydrates
Editor's Opinion on This Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach Recipe
This Indian-spiced chicken and spinach recipe offers a delightful blend of aromatic spices and creamy textures. The combination of cumin, coriander, and turmeric creates a rich and flavorful base, complemented by the heat of jalapeños and the subtle sweetness of cinnamon. The addition of spinach adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients, while the tender chicken breast absorbs the fragrant sauce. The dish is a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Why trust this Indian-Spiced Chicken and Spinach Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful fusion of Indian spices and spinach, creating a flavorful and nutritious dish. The aromatic blend of cumin, coriander, and turmeric infuses the chicken with rich, exotic flavors. The addition of jalapeño peppers adds a hint of heat, balanced by the creamy texture of heavy cream. The use of crushed tomatoes and frozen spinach ensures freshness and quality. With careful attention to detail and a harmonious combination of ingredients, this recipe promises a satisfying and authentic dining experience.
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