Chicken Saag

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Saag is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s bursting with aromatic spices and the freshness of spinach. The tender chicken breast chunks are cooked to perfection and paired with a creamy, spiced spinach sauce. With ingredients like garam masala, cumin, and ginger-garlic paste, this dish delivers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly earthy flavors. It’s a comforting meal that feels both hearty and healthy, and it’s easy to make at home, bringing the taste of India to your table.

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 (see notes)
• 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

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breast chunks with salt and garam masala. Set aside.
2. Cook the Spices: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the cumin seeds and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Sauté Onions and Chilies: Add the diced onion and minced chili pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes golden brown.
4. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Spice it Up: Add the tomato paste, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground chili pepper, and turmeric. Stir to combine, allowing the spices to cook for another 2 minutes to release their flavors.
6. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken chunks to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through.
7. Add Water and Spinach: Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, add the baby spinach in batches, allowing it to wilt into the sauce. Stir well until all the spinach is incorporated into the sauce.
8. Simmer: Let the Chicken Saag simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more water to reach your desired consistency.
9. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the spinach has fully wilted, remove from heat. Serve the Chicken Saag over steamed rice or with naan, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
• Spicy Version: If you prefer a spicier dish, add more minced chili peppers or a pinch of red chili flakes.
• Creamy Chicken Saag: For a richer, creamier texture, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
• Add More Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Chicken Saag can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the Chicken Saag in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

1. What is ginger-garlic paste?

Ginger-garlic paste is a common ingredient in Indian cooking, made by blending fresh ginger and garlic together into a smooth paste. It adds a strong, aromatic flavor to dishes. You can find it in most grocery stores or make it at home by blending equal parts ginger and garlic.

2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish. Fresh spinach gives a more vibrant texture, but frozen spinach will work just fine in a pinch.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful option. Just be sure to cook them for a bit longer if using bone-in thighs.

4. Is Chicken Saag a healthy dish?

Yes! Chicken Saag is a relatively healthy dish, as it’s packed with lean protein from the chicken and iron-rich spinach. The spices also provide various health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties from turmeric.

5. How can I make Chicken Saag spicier?

To make the dish spicier, increase the amount of chili pepper or add some cayenne pepper or red chili flakes. Adjust the spice level to your liking!

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Chicken Saag a day ahead. The flavors will develop even more overnight. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

7. Can I use ground spinach instead of fresh spinach?

You can use ground or frozen spinach, but fresh spinach gives the dish a nice texture and color that ground spinach lacks. If using ground spinach, adjust the quantity to ensure you have enough spinach in the dish.

8. What should I serve with Chicken Saag?

Chicken Saag is best served with steamed basmati rice or naan bread. You could also serve it with a side of raita or a simple cucumber salad to balance the spiciness.

9. Can I make Chicken Saag without tomato paste?

Yes, if you don’t have tomato paste, you can substitute it with a small amount of chopped tomatoes or use a little more ginger-garlic paste for added flavor.

10. Can I freeze Chicken Saag?

Yes, Chicken Saag can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Chicken Saag is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken and nutritious spinach in a rich, spiced sauce. The combination of aromatic spices and fresh herbs makes this dish both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe will bring the tastes of Indian cuisine to your table. Paired with rice or naan, Chicken Saag is a delicious and healthy choice that everyone will love.

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