Saag Chicken, also known as Palak Chicken, is a flavorful North Indian dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich and creamy spinach-based sauce. Infused with aromatic spices, this dish is nutritious, vibrant, and full of bold flavors. Serve it with naan, roti, or basmati rice for a delicious meal!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Curry:

  • 1 lb fresh spinach, rinsed well
  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, skinless & boneless, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
  • 1 plum tomato, quartered
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 2-inch ginger root, diced
  • 2 green chilies
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 2½ teaspoons kosher salt

• For Garnish:

  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Directions

Step 1: Blanch the Spinach
In a saucepan, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch until it wilts. Immediately transfer the spinach to a bowl of ice water (2 cups ice + 2 cups water) to preserve its color. Squeeze out excess water.

Step 2: Blend the Spinach
For a smooth sauce, blend the spinach thoroughly. For a more rustic texture, pulse it to your desired consistency. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Onion-Tomato Puree
Blend onion, tomato, garlic, ginger, and green chilies into a coarse puree. Avoid making it too smooth, as raw onion flavor can overpower the curry.

Step 4: Cook the Base
Heat ghee in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds. Stir in the onion-tomato puree, turmeric, coriander powder, and half of the salt. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the oil starts to separate.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken, garam masala, and remaining salt. Mix well and cover to cook for 7-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Finish
Stir in the pureed spinach and let the curry come to a gentle boil. Garnish with cream and kasoori methi for a rich, aromatic finish.

Nutrients (Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 368 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 1172mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Vitamin A: 7416IU (high in antioxidants!)
• Iron: 3mg (great for energy!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious & Flavorful: Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, making this dish both healthy and delicious.
• Rich & Creamy Texture: The blended spinach sauce gives the curry a smooth and luxurious consistency.
• Perfectly Spiced: A balance of warming spices creates an aromatic and well-rounded flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
• Pairs Well with Various Sides: Enjoy it with naan, roti, rice, or even quinoa for a wholesome meal.

The Origin and Cultural Significance of Saag Chicken

Saag, meaning “leafy greens” in Hindi, refers to a variety of curries made with green vegetables such as spinach, mustard greens, or fenugreek leaves. Saag Chicken (Palak Chicken) is a popular dish in North India and Punjab, where greens are widely used in traditional cooking.

This dish is a variation of Saag Paneer, where spinach is cooked with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese). Instead of paneer, this version features chicken, making it a protein-packed meal perfect for those who enjoy meat-based curries.

The use of spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala reflects the rich culinary heritage of Indian cuisine, where flavors are carefully layered to create a complex yet harmonious taste.

The Health Benefits of Spinach in This Dish

Spinach is a superfood that adds both flavor and nutrition to this curry. Here’s why it’s a fantastic ingredient:

• Rich in Iron: Spinach is an excellent source of iron, which helps support healthy red blood cells and prevents fatigue.
• High in Antioxidants: Loaded with vitamins A and C, spinach helps boost immunity and supports overall health.
• Good for Digestion: With its high fiber content, spinach promotes healthy digestion and gut health.
• Low in Calories: Despite being nutrient-dense, spinach is low in calories, making it an excellent ingredient for a balanced diet.

Blanching the spinach before blending helps retain its vibrant green color and reduces bitterness, ensuring a visually appealing and flavorful curry.

Why Chicken Thighs Work Best for This Curry

Chicken thighs are the preferred cut for Saag Chicken due to their rich flavor and tender texture. Here’s why they’re a great choice:

• Juicier and More Flavorful: Unlike chicken breasts, thighs remain juicy and absorb spices beautifully.
• More Tender: The slow-cooking process allows the chicken to become soft and infused with the curry flavors.
• Less Likely to Overcook: Chicken thighs remain tender even after prolonged cooking, making them ideal for curries.

If you prefer leaner meat, you can use boneless chicken breasts, but be sure to monitor the cooking time to avoid dryness.

The Role of Spices in Saag Chicken

Indian curries are defined by their rich spice profiles. Each spice in this recipe plays a unique role:

• Cumin Seeds: Adds a warm, earthy aroma and enhances the depth of flavor.
• Turmeric: Provides a golden hue and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Coriander Powder: Adds citrusy, slightly sweet notes that balance the dish.
• Garam Masala: A blend of warming spices that gives the dish its signature Indian flavor.
• Kasoori Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): Adds a slightly bitter, aromatic touch that enhances the overall taste.

The spices are first bloomed in ghee or oil to release their essential oils, ensuring that the curry develops maximum depth and complexity.

How to Serve Saag Chicken

Saag Chicken is best enjoyed with traditional Indian sides. Here are some perfect pairings:

• With Naan or Roti: Soft, warm flatbreads are ideal for scooping up the creamy spinach sauce.
• With Basmati Rice: Fragrant basmati rice soaks up the curry, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
• With Jeera (Cumin) Rice: Flavored with cumin and ghee, jeera rice adds an extra layer of aroma.
• With Paratha: Buttery, flaky parathas complement the richness of the curry.

For a low-carb alternative, try serving Saag Chicken with cauliflower rice or quinoa.

Customizing the Recipe to Suit Your Taste

One of the best things about Saag Chicken is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations you can try:

• Make It Spicier: Add extra green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder for heat.
• Use Different Greens: Substitute part of the spinach with mustard greens, collard greens, or kale for a unique twist.
• Add Yogurt Instead of Cream: If you prefer a tangier taste, stir in plain Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free version while keeping the dish creamy.
• Try a Smoky Flavor: Add a little smoked paprika or char some of the chicken for a tandoori-style touch.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Saag Chicken stores well and can be enjoyed for several days. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the consistency.

This dish actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making it perfect for meal prep.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

Saag Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served on various occasions:

• For a Cozy Family Dinner: A comforting, home-cooked meal that everyone will love.
• For Festive Gatherings: Impress guests with an authentic Indian curry full of rich flavors.
• For Meal Prep: A great make-ahead dish that stores well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
• For a Healthy Yet Flavorful Meal: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.

Conclusion

Saag Chicken is a delicious and nourishing Indian dish that beautifully combines the rich flavors of spinach and spices with tender, juicy chicken. The smooth, vibrant green sauce, infused with cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, makes this dish both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful.

Whether served with naan, roti, or rice, this curry is sure to become a favorite in your household. Its perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and heartiness makes it a comforting dish that you’ll want to cook again and again. Try this recipe today and bring the flavors of North India to your table!