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Slightly angled view of saag chicken in a white bowl, showing the rustic spinach texture and chunks of chicken, garnished with yogurt and cilantro. Naan and a lemon wedge are in the background, with a sage green napkin on white marble.

Crockpot Saag Chicken

This Crockpot Chicken Saag is an easy slow cooker Indian dinner made with chopped spinach, tender chicken thighs, and warm spices. There’s no cream, no blender, and no stovetop time; just a simple, rustic spinach curry that cooks while you get on with your day.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 4
Author: Shilpa

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) cut into chunks
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger grated
  • 1 green chili slit lengthwise
  • 10 oz frozen chopped spinach thawed and squeezed dry
  • 2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • 1-1½ teaspoon salt adjust as per taste
  • 2 tablespoon oil or ghee
  • ½ cup plain yogurt plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), optional
  • ½ lemon juiced
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  • Add the chicken, onion, garlic, ginger, green chili, thawed spinach, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, paprika, cayenne, salt, and oil or ghee to the slow cooker. Mix everything well so the chicken and spinach are evenly coated in the spices.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
  • In the last 15–20 minutes of cooking, add the yogurt. Also, rub the kasuri methi between your palms and add it. Mix gently to avoid breaking the chicken.
  • Squeeze in lemon juice just before serving and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a swirl of extra yogurt on top.

Notes

  • Use frozen chopped spinach for ease, but be sure to squeeze it dry before adding to avoid excess water.
  • Add the yogurt at the end to prevent it from curdling in the slow cooker.
  • Want it thicker? Leave the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  • Want a smoother version? Sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and spinach in a pan first, then blend that mixture before adding it to the slow cooker with the chicken and spices.
  • Chicken thighs work best as they stay juicy during long cook times. Skip breasts unless you reduce the cooking time.

Nutrition

Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 739mg | Potassium: 612mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 8666IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 156mg | Iron: 3mg
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