Dairy-Free Chicken Saag

Experience the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine with this Dairy-Free Chicken Saag, a wholesome and delicious twist on the classic dish. Featuring tender, bite-sized chicken thighs simmered in a fragrant blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, this recipe skips the traditional cream, making it perfect for those avoiding dairy. Instead, rich coconut milk creates a silky, satisfying sauce that pairs beautifully with the earthy goodness of fresh spinach. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy weeknight dinner is naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients. Garnished with fresh cilantro and a hint of lemon, it’s a dish that’s sure to amaze your taste buds. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan for an irresistible, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon, minced fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 cups, packed fresh spinach
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 0.25 cup, chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook until they start to sizzle, about 30 seconds.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Mix in the ground coriander, ground turmeric, garam masala, cayenne pepper, and salt, stirring to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.

Step 7

Add the fresh spinach, stirring to wilt, for about 3 minutes.

Step 8

Pour in the coconut milk, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 9

Stir in the lemon juice, check seasoning, and adjust salt if necessary.

Step 10

Remove the skillet from heat, and sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top.

Step 11

Serve the Dairy-Free Chicken Saag hot with your choice of rice or naan.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1103.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1036.4

Total Fat 59.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 384.7mg	0%
Sodium 2938.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 54.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.9g	0%
Total Sugars 24.7g
Protein 77.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 344.1mg	0%
Iron 15.3mg	0%
Potassium 1599.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.2%

Protein: 29.3%

Carbs: 20.6%