Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMother IndiaChicken Tikka Saag Recipe

Chicken Tikka Saag Recipe

Inspired by Mother India
Time1h
Serves4

Boneless pieces of chicken tikka mixed in a spinach sauce with Himalayan herbs and various Indian spices.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Tikka

Spinach Sauce

Method

Marinate the Chicken

  1. 1

    Prepare the Marinade

    In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.

  2. 2

    Marinate the Chicken

    Add the boneless chicken thighs to the marinade. Ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for the best flavor.

Cook the Chicken

  1. 3

    Preheat the Grill or Oven

    Preheat your grill or oven to 200°C (392°F).

  2. 4

    Cook the Chicken

    Place the marinated chicken pieces on the grill or on a baking tray in the oven. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, turning once halfway through.

Prepare the Spinach Sauce

  1. 5

    Sauté Onions

    In a large pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Then add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

  2. 6

    Add Tomatoes and Spices

    Stir in the pureed tomato and slit green chili. Add coriander powder and salt to taste. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and oil starts to separate.

  3. 7

    Cook the Spinach

    Add the fresh spinach leaves to the pan and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then blend until smooth.

  4. 8

    Combine with Cream

    Return the blended spinach sauce to the pan, add cream, and stir well. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

  1. 9

    Add Chicken to Sauce

    Once the chicken is cooked, cut it into bite-sized pieces (if not already done) and add it to the spinach sauce. Stir well to coat the chicken with the sauce.

  2. 10

    Simmer Together

    Allow the chicken and sauce to simmer together for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

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