Simple Nepali Chicken Saag with Garlic and Spinach

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

A quick and nourishing chicken curry simmered with fresh spinach and garlic for a comforting, healthy meal. This nepali-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, chopped, vegetable oil, medium (110 g) onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Nepali cuisine 280 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 medium finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp ginger paste, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 lb chopped boneless chicken thighs and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly browned.
  4. Step 4: Mix in 1 medium diced tomato, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp salt; cook for 3 minutes until tomato softens.
  5. Step 5: Add 5 cups fresh spinach leaves and 1/2 cup water, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until spinach wilts and chicken is cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Remove lid, increase heat to medium-high, and cook for 2 more minutes to reduce excess liquid and thicken the curry.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot with steamed rice or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simple Nepali Chicken Saag with Garlic and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Simple Nepali Chicken Saag with Garlic and Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep vegetable oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Nepali Chicken Saag with Garlic and Spinach?

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 Simple Nepali Chicken Saag with Garlic and Spinach 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 Simple Nepali Chicken Saag with Garlic and Spinach?

Nepali 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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