Saag Chicken Recipe

Gather ’round, food lovers! Today, I’m diving into the flavorful world of Saag Chicken—a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Let me walk you through this vibrant recipe, where succulent chicken and tender spinach meet a warm embrace of spices, making it the ultimate comfort food with an irresistible twist. Let’s get started!

Cooking colorful and healthful dishes is my passion, and Saag Chicken exemplifies what I try to do in the kitchen. I prepare this dish with succulent chicken thighs and fresh spinach, which I braise and flavor with an intoxicating blend of spices—cumin, coriander, and garam masala, for instance—that makes this dish good for body and soul.

I serve it with a generous squeeze of lemon juice and a scattering of fresh cilantro.

Saag Chicken Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: High in protein, these tender pieces provide a rich flavor and juicy texture.
• Spinach: Packed with vitamins A and C, it’s a nourishing green that adds iron and fiber.
• Garlic: Adds depth with its aromatic and slightly spicy flavor; known for its health benefits.
• Ginger: Infuses warmth and zest, aiding digestion and providing anti-inflammatory properties.
• Green Chilies: Add a spicy kick and are rich in vitamin C, enhancing flavor and heat.
• Garam Masala: A spice blend adding warmth and complexity, pivotal in Indian cuisine.
• Plain Yogurt: Brings a tangy creaminess, mellowing spices and tenderizing the chicken.

Saag Chicken Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and chopped
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2-3 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt, whisked
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make this Saag Chicken Recipe

1. In a large skillet, warm the vegetable oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.

2. Incorporate the diced onion, and fry until deep amber. Mix in the crushed garlic, ground ginger, and diced green chili. Sauté for about 2 minutes until aromatic.

3. Incorporate the ground coriander, turmeric, and red chili powder. Blend together and cook for another minute.

4. Raise the heat to medium-high, throw in the chicken parts, and sauté them until they are golden brown all over.

5. Reduce heat to medium. Gradually add the whisked yogurt, stirring constantly to prevent it from curdling.

6. Incorporate the chopped spinach into the skillet. Combine well and cover. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is done.

7. Add the garam masala and salt to taste. You can add a little water if the consistency is too thick.

8. Allow the flavors to meld together for 5 minutes more on low heat.

9. Before serving, top with fresh cilantro, chopped very finely.

10. Serve hot, with wedges of lemon at the side. Serve with steaming rice or naan. Enjoy your Saag Chicken!

Saag Chicken Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Whisk
3. Cutting board
4. Sharp knife
5. Grater
6. Garlic press (optional)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Bowl (for whisking yogurt)
10. Serving platter or bowl

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?A: Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs tend to remain juicier and offer more flavor in a slow-cooked dish like this.
• Q: Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?A: Certainly. You can replace the regular yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt or coconut milk to achieve a rich, creamy texture.
• Q: How spicy is this dish?Moderate heat is present, but you can increase it or not by adding green chilies or leaving out the red chili powder. Adjust everything to your taste.
• Q: Can I prepare the dish in advance?A: Of course, Saag Chicken tastes much better the day after you make it. This is one of those dishes that is just meant to linger in the refrigerator overnight. The flavors deepen and get more concentrated, and the green sauce takes on this lovely thick texture.
• Q: What can I serve with Saag Chicken?B: For a complete meal, serve it with roti, naan, or basmati rice.
• Q: How do I keep the spinach vibrant green?A: Make sure that the spinach is not overcooked. Briefly blanching it before adding it to the dish can help too, in preserving its color.
• Q: Can I freeze this dish?A: Yes, Saag Chicken freezes well. Just cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before eating.

Saag Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitutable for chicken thighs are chicken breasts (or boneless cuts of lamb).
You can substitute frozen spinach for fresh spinach or use a mixture of kale and Swiss chard. If you do use a blend of greens, be sure to wash and chop them thoroughly.
Ghee or olive oil can be used in place of vegetable oil.
Serrano peppers or jalapeños, chopped, can stand in for green chilies, adjusting to taste.
Greek yogurt or coconut milk can stand in for plain yogurt, making a dairy-free substitute.

Pro Tips

1. Temper the Yogurt: Before adding the yogurt to the skillet, let it come to room temperature and gradually mix it with a small amount of the hot sauce from the skillet. This will help prevent curdling when you add it to the hot dish.