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  3. Chicken Saagwala
Delicious chicken curry with creamy sauce and spinach-infused rice.

Tender chicken in a vibrant spiced spinach sauce

Chicken Saagwala

Chicken Saagwala

45 minEasy

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

45 min

Servings

4

5 cups

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Moderate

$$

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Chicken Saagwala

Tender chicken in a vibrant spiced spinach sauce

Succulent chicken pieces simmered in a bright green spinach sauce with ginger, garlic, and garam masala. A nutritious and flavorful North Indian classic.

15m

Prep Time

30m

Cook Time

45m

Total Time

4

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

Indian CuisineMain CourseGluten-Free
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

June 30, 2024(Updated April 13, 2026)

Chicken saagwala brings together protein-rich chicken and iron-packed spinach in one aromatic pot. The spinach is blanched and pureed for a smooth, vibrant sauce that clings to every piece of chicken.

Why This Recipe Works

Blanching and shocking spinach in ice water preserves the vivid green color. Adding the pureed spinach near the end of cooking prevents it from turning dull and bitter.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cubed
  • 500g fresh spinach, blanched and pureed
  • 2 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1 onion, diced, plus 4 garlic cloves and 1 inch ginger
  • 1 tsp each cumin, coriander, garam masala
  • 2 tbsp cream and 1 tsp kasuri methi

Instructions

  1. 1

    Blanch spinach in boiling water for 2 minutes, shock in ice water, squeeze dry, and blend into a smooth puree.

  2. 2

    Heat ghee, sauté onion until golden, add garlic-ginger paste and cook 1 minute.

  3. 3

    Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder; stir 30 seconds, then add chicken pieces.

  4. 4

    Cook chicken for 8 minutes, add spinach puree and salt, cover and simmer 12 minutes.

  5. 5

    Stir in cream, garam masala, and kasuri methi; cook 2 more minutes and serve with rice or naan.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with warm naan bread or basmati rice

  • Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime

  • Pair with a cooling cucumber raita on the side

Substitutions

ChickenPaneer cubes

Pan-fry paneer separately and fold in at the end

Heavy creamCoconut cream

Makes the dish dairy-free with a hint of sweetness

FlavorPantry

Test Kitchen Pick

Garam Masala

Helpful Pantry Staple

Why the spice blend matters

A better spice blend gives the recipe more rounded flavor without making you buy ten separate jars first.

This is often the pantry shortcut that makes the result taste more complete.

  • Adds warmer depth quickly
  • Useful across curries, lentils, and vegetable dishes

If you are cooking Indian food more than once, garam masala is a practical pantry anchor.

Shop garam masala for this recipe

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Use kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for that authentic restaurant aroma.

  • Frozen spinach works perfectly—thaw and squeeze out excess water before blending.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Freeze the spinach sauce separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Warm gently over medium-low heat; the spinach may darken slightly but flavor remains great.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (90mg) · 4 servings

Calories320
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein30g
Carbohydrates8g
Fat18g
Fiber640mg
Sugar3g
Sodium5g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use mustard greens instead?
Yes, that would make it sarson ka chicken—slightly more bitter but delicious.
How do I keep the sauce bright green?
Blanch quickly, use ice water, and avoid overcooking the puree.

Explore More

More Indian RecipesMore Main CourseGluten-Free RecipesStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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