Green Chicken: If you’re looking for a delicious, vibrant, and nutrient-packed meal that brings together the goodness of greens and the richness of chicken, then Healthy Green Chicken Curry is your go-to recipe.
Known as Hari Chicken or Hara Masala Chicken in South Asian kitchens, this dish is a delightful blend of fresh herbs, lean protein, and aromatic spices. Unlike traditional curries, it’s light on oil and heavy on natural flavors, making it a perfect healthy weeknight dinner. Each bite is infused with the freshness of mint, coriander, and green chilies, creating a balance between zesty and savory.
This curry is not only rich in protein but also loaded with antioxidants and fiber, thanks to the vibrant green paste. Let’s explore how you can whip it up at home with ease.
Ingredients Breakdown of Green Chicken
The magic of Green Chicken Curry lies in its herb-based masala. The combination of fresh greens and minimal oil gives it a clean, wholesome flavor while maintaining that signature Pakistani kick.
- Chicken (Boneless or Bone-in): A lean source of protein that absorbs the green masala beautifully.
- Coriander Leaves: Add freshness, aroma, and a bright green hue.
- Mint Leaves: Provide cooling balance and depth of flavor.
- Green Chilies: Bring subtle heat—adjust to your spice tolerance.
- Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tang while tenderizing the chicken.
- Onion & Garlic: The aromatic backbone of the curry.
- Ginger: Lends warmth and helps digestion.
- Lemon Juice: Enhances freshness and prevents bitterness in greens.
- Spices (Cumin, Coriander, Black Pepper, Salt): Elevate and balance the flavors.
- Olive Oil or Ghee: A healthy fat source that binds the masala together.
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Equipment Needed
You don’t need fancy kitchen gadgets to make this, just the essentials:
- Blender or food processor (for the green paste)
- Heavy-bottomed pan or wok
- Wooden spatula for sautéing
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Lid for simmering
Preparation of Green Chicken
- Clean & Marinate Chicken: Wash, pat dry, and marinate chicken with yogurt, salt, and half the green paste. Set aside for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Green Masala: In a blender, add coriander, mint, green chilies, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and a splash of water. Blend into a smooth paste.
- Chop Onion: Slice thinly for sautéing—this will form the base of your curry.
- Measure Spices: Keep all spices pre-measured for quick cooking.
Cooking Time Table
| Step | Time Required | Details |
| Preparation & Marination | 30 minutes | Let flavors infuse into the chicken |
| Cooking Green Masala | 10 minutes | Sauté onions and cook paste |
| Adding Chicken | 20–25 minutes | Cook until tender and well coated |
| Final Simmer | 5 minutes | Thicken sauce and finish with lemon juice |
🕒 Total Time: Around 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions of Green Chicken
Sauté the Onions: Heat olive oil or ghee in a heavy pan. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
Add Green Paste: Stir in the prepared green chutney paste and cook for 4–5 minutes until fragrant.
Add Marinated Chicken: Toss the chicken in and mix well. Cook on medium heat until it starts to release its juices.
Add Spices: Sprinkle cumin, coriander powder, and black pepper. Mix and cook for 10–15 minutes.
Simmer: Add ¼ cup water if needed. Cover and simmer on low heat until the chicken is tender and the oil separates.
Finishing Touches: Squeeze fresh lemon juice and garnish with mint or coriander leaves before serving.
Serving Suggestions of Green Chicken
- Serve hot with brown rice, whole-wheat chapati, or steamed basmati rice.
- Pair it with cucumber raita or mint yogurt dip for a refreshing combo.
- For a complete meal, add a side of fresh salad or grilled vegetables.
- You can also serve it with naan for a traditional Pakistani touch.
Comparison Table – Green Chicken vs. Traditional Chicken Curry
| Feature | Green Chicken Curry | Traditional Chicken Curry |
| Oil Content | Low | Medium to High |
| Flavor | Fresh & Herbaceous | Spicy & Rich |
| Texture | Light & Creamy | Thick & Gravy-like |
| Nutrition | High in protein & antioxidants | Higher in calories |
| Best Pairing | Rice or roti | Naan or paratha |
Green Chicken is the guilt-free way to enjoy authentic curry flavors without heaviness.
Tips & Variations
- Make It Creamier: Add 2 tbsp of coconut milk or cream for a richer version.
- Go Vegan: Substitute chicken with tofu or paneer and use coconut yogurt.
- Freeze-Friendly: You can freeze the green masala paste for up to a week for quick meals.
- For Extra Spice: Add crushed black pepper or extra green chilies.
- For Kids: Use less chili and more yogurt for a mild, creamy texture.
Ingredient Table for Green Chicken Curry
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose / Tip |
| Chicken (boneless or bone-in) | 500 g | Main protein |
| Fresh Coriander | 1 cup | Adds freshness & color |
| Fresh Mint Leaves | ½ cup | Cooling balance |
| Green Chilies | 3–4 | Adds subtle heat |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 medium | Curry base |
| Garlic Cloves | 4–5 | Adds depth |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece | Warm flavor |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp | Brightens flavor |
| Yogurt | ½ cup | Creamy texture & tenderizes |
| Cumin Powder | 1 tsp | Earthy spice |
| Coriander Powder | 1 tsp | Body to curry |
| Black Pepper | ½ tsp | Subtle kick |
| Salt | To taste | Balances flavors |
| Olive Oil or Ghee | 2 tbsp | Healthy fat source |
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen herbs for this recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have fresh mint or coriander, frozen works—just thaw and blend smoothly.
Q2: Can I skip yogurt?
You can substitute with coconut milk or a splash of cream if avoiding dairy.
Q3: How do I keep the green color bright?
Avoid overcooking the paste; cook just enough for the raw aroma to disappear.
Q4: Is this curry spicy?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can easily adjust by controlling the number of green chilies.
Q5: How long can I store it?
It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 weeks.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 340 mg |
A perfect balance of lean protein and healthy fats, ideal for gym-goers and clean eaters.
Closing / Call-to-Action
Now that you’ve learned how to make Healthy Green Chicken Curry, it’s time to turn your kitchen into a mini herb garden of flavor.
It’s simple, quick, and bursting with nutrients, perfect for meal prep or a wholesome family dinner.
Try it this week and tag your creation with Healthy Green Chicken to share your flavorful success story with the world!
Conclusion
The Healthy Green Chicken Curry is proof that you can enjoy bold, authentic flavors while staying on the nutritious side of cooking. Its fresh green masala, balanced spices, and tender chicken make it a winner for both health-conscious eaters and curry lovers alike.
