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Chicken Saag Recipe

4.9 from 144 reviews

Chicken Saag is a flavorful Indian curry featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a spiced tomato and spinach sauce. This healthy and comforting dish combines aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric with fresh spinach and creamy Greek yogurt for a delicious, nutrient-packed meal perfect served with rice or naan.

Ingredients

Scale

Spices & Aromatics

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb (650 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups (200 g) fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) Greek yoghurt

Instructions

  1. Sauté onions: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent, softening the base flavors of the curry.
  2. Add garlic and ginger: Add the chopped garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, enhancing the aromatic profile.
  3. Toast spices: Stir in the garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently to release the spices’ full flavors into the oil.
  4. Brown chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, sealing in juices.
  5. Add tomato base: Mix in the tomato paste, then pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer, developing a rich sauce.
  6. Cook spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the curry and cook for 5 minutes or until the spinach wilts completely, blending seamlessly into the sauce.
  7. Stir in yoghurt: Turn off the heat and stir in the Greek yoghurt until fully incorporated, adding creaminess and balancing the spiciness.
  8. Season and serve: Adjust seasoning to taste, then serve the Chicken Saag hot alongside basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. Frozen spinach can be used but may release more water requiring longer simmering.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
  • For a richer dish, substitute canola oil with ghee or butter.
  • Greek yoghurt adds creaminess; substitute with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Chicken thighs can replace chicken breast for a juicier curry.

Keywords: Chicken Saag, Indian curry, chicken spinach curry, healthy Indian recipes, stovetop chicken curry