Murg Chaman (Chicken in Creamy Spinach Sauce)

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Velvety Indian-inspired chicken dish with tender cubes in a rich spinach-cream sauce, finished with aromatic spices. This indian-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends chicken breast, onion, tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1.2 lbs chicken breast cubes and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until golden. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 diced medium tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to blend spices.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes). Stir in 1/4 cup plain yogurt and 1/2 cup heavy cream, then return cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving over basmati rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Murg Chaman (Chicken in Creamy Spinach Sauce) take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Murg Chaman (Chicken in Creamy Spinach Sauce)?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Murg Chaman (Chicken in Creamy Spinach Sauce)?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Murg Chaman (Chicken in Creamy Spinach Sauce) for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Murg Chaman (Chicken in Creamy Spinach Sauce)?

Indian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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