Easy Chicken Saag Recipe

Introduction

Easy Chicken Saag is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant spinach and aromatic spices. This quick recipe brings the essence of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast (chopped into chunks)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 chili pepper (minced)
• 2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground chili pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 ounces baby spinach

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken chunks with salt and garam masala, mixing well to coat evenly.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same pan, add butter and cumin seeds. When they begin to sizzle, add diced onion, minced chili pepper, and ginger garlic paste. Cook until the onion softens.
4. Step 4: Stir in tomato paste, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground chili pepper, turmeric, and water. Mix well to combine the spices and create a sauce.
5. Step 5: Add the baby spinach to the pan and cook until it wilts completely.
6. Step 6: Blend the spinach and sauce mixture until smooth. Return the browned chicken to the pan and cook together for several minutes to let the flavors meld.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, ideally with rice or naan bread.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute the ginger garlic paste with freshly grated ginger and minced garlic.
• Add a splash of cream or coconut milk after blending for a creamier texture.
• Use frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable—just thaw and drain excess water before adding.
• Adjust chili levels to your preference by reducing or increasing the ground chili pepper and fresh chili.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken Saag in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Yes, chicken thighs or even lamb can be used instead of chicken breast. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is tender and cooked through.

What can I serve with Chicken Saag?

Chicken Saag pairs well with basmati rice, naan, or any flatbread. You can also serve it alongside a simple cucumber raita for a refreshing contrast.

Easy Chicken Saag Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 126 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Chicken Saag recipe combining tender chicken breast with aromatic spices and nutritious baby spinach, cooked in a buttery, spiced sauce for a comforting Indian-inspired meal.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 pound chicken breast, chopped into chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons garam masala

Cooking Base

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 chili pepper, minced
• 2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

Spices

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground chili pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Other Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• 8 ounces baby spinach

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chopped chicken breast with salt and garam masala, making sure each piece is evenly coated to infuse flavor before cooking.
2. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the spiced base: In the same skillet, add butter and cumin seeds. Cook until the seeds start sizzling and release their aroma. Then add the diced onion, minced chili pepper, and ginger garlic paste. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
4. Add spices and liquids: Stir in tomato paste, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground chili pepper, turmeric, and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients into a flavorful sauce.
5. Cook the spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts and blends with the sauce, stirring occasionally.
6. Blend the mixture: Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a countertop blender and carefully blend until smooth, creating a creamy spinach sauce.
7. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet with the blended spinach sauce. Cook together for several minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking.
8. Serve: Once heated through and the chicken is cooked completely, remove from heat and serve your warm, delicious Chicken Saag immediately.

Notes

• Ginger garlic paste can be prepared fresh by blending equal parts of ginger and garlic or purchased pre-made from stores.
• Adjust the chili pepper amount according to desired spice level.
• Baby spinach can be substituted with fresh spinach or frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable; just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Keywords: Chicken Saag, Indian chicken spinach curry, easy chicken saag recipe, garam masala chicken, spinach curry