Chicken Saag Recipe
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.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Low Fat
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
- 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.
- Add garlic and ginger: Add the chopped garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, enhancing the aromatic profile.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Stir in yoghurt: Turn off the heat and stir in the Greek yoghurt until fully incorporated, adding creaminess and balancing the spiciness.
- 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