Chicken Keema Recipe (Minced Chicken in Indian Style)

Chicken keema is a flavorful, minced chicken dish cooked with aromatic spices and herbs. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this dish has become a favorite worldwide due to its simplicity and versatility. You can enjoy chicken keema on its own, in curries, or as a filling for naan, samosas, and even dosas. Whether you’re making chicken keema curry, biryani, or kababs, this dish is perfect for any meal.

What is chicken keema?

Chicken keema refers to minced chicken that is cooked with spices and herbs. It is a versatile dish that can be made in various styles, such as dry, curry, or with added vegetables like peas. It is popular in Indian, Pakistani, and other South Asian cuisines, often used in dishes like curries, biryani, and kababs.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Keema Recipe

• 500g chicken mince (keema)
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 3 green chilies, slit
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 3 tablespoons oil
• ½ cup green peas (optional, for chicken keema matar)
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon juice (optional)

Easy Chicken Keema Recipe (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Prepare the Keema: Start by thoroughly washing the chicken mince and draining any excess water using a strainer. Set it aside. This step ensures that the keema is clean and cooks evenly.

2. Sauté the Onions: In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Stir frequently to avoid burning.

3. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Green Chilies: Once the onions are golden, add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the raw smell of the paste disappears.

4. Add Chicken Keema: Now, add the chicken mince to the pan. Stir and break up the mince so that it doesn’t clump together. Cook the keema until it changes color from pink to light brown.

5. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and salt. Stir well so that the spices coat the chicken evenly. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the oil starts to separate.

6. Add Tomatoes and Peas: Add the chopped tomatoes and mix well. Cook until the tomatoes soften and blend into the chicken. This may take around 8-10 minutes. If you’re making chicken keema matar, this is the time to add the peas.

7. Simmer and Cook: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the keema cook for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If it looks too dry, add a little water to keep it moist. The keema should become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

8. Finish with Garam Masala and Garnish: Once cooked, sprinkle garam masala over the keema and mix well. Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing.

Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Taste and Texture

Chicken keema has a rich, savory taste, with a hint of heat from the green chilies and spices. The dish is slightly tangy, thanks to the tomatoes, and the garam masala adds a warm, earthy finish. The texture of keema is soft and tender, making it perfect for curries or as a filling. It has a satisfying mouthfeel, especially when paired with soft naan or roti.

Health Benefits

Chicken keema is a great source of lean protein, which helps in muscle growth and repair. Since this recipe uses minimal oil and includes vegetables like peas and tomatoes, it can be a healthy, low-calorie meal. The spices used, such as turmeric and cumin, have anti-inflammatory properties, making this dish not only tasty but also nutritious.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Expert Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions, tomatoes, and spices enhance the flavor of the dish. Pre-ground spices lose their potency over time, so opt for freshly ground spices if possible.
• Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the chicken mince before adding spices is key to developing a deep, rich flavor. It also helps the keema absorb the spices better.
• Control the Heat: Adjust the number of green chilies and red chili powder based on your tolerance for spice. You can always add more later, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!
• Add Water for Curry: If you prefer a gravy-style curry, add about 1 cup of water after adding the tomatoes and simmer until the desired consistency is reached.

Variations of the Chicken Keema Recipe

1. Chicken Keema Biryani

Chicken keema biryani is a fusion of minced chicken with fragrant basmati rice. To make this, you’ll first prepare the keema using the base recipe. Once the keema is cooked, parboil the rice with whole spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Layer the keema and the semi-cooked rice in a pot, sprinkle fried onions, saffron-infused milk, and fresh herbs (mint and coriander). Seal the pot with a lid or dough and cook on low heat (also known as dum cooking) for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked. This results in a rich, flavorful biryani where every grain of rice is infused with the spicy chicken mince.

2. Chicken Keema Matar

This is a classic variation where green peas (matar) are added to the keema. The sweetness of the peas perfectly balances the spicy and savory flavors of the minced chicken. After the keema is cooked, you simply stir in green peas (fresh or frozen) and let them cook together for 5-10 minutes. This is an excellent dish to serve with plain rice or chapati, and it also adds some extra nutrition and color to the dish.

3. Chicken Keema Naan

For chicken keema naan, the keema is used as a filling inside naan bread. You’ll need to make the keema a little drier so it doesn’t make the naan soggy. Once the keema is ready, roll out your naan dough, place a spoonful of the keema mixture in the center, fold the dough over, and roll it flat again. Cook the naan in a hot tandoor or pan until it’s puffy and golden. The spicy keema inside soft, buttery naan makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

4. Chicken Keema Samosa

Chicken keema samosas are perfect for appetizers or snacks. The key here is to cook the keema until it’s quite dry to avoid any moisture ruining the crispy samosa pastry. You’ll wrap the dry keema mixture in samosa sheets, fold them into triangles, and deep-fry them until golden and crisp. The crunchy exterior contrasts beautifully with the spicy, flavorful keema filling inside.

5. Chicken Keema Pav

Chicken keema pav is a popular street food from Mumbai. In this variation, you serve the chicken keema with buttered and toasted pav (soft bread rolls). The keema should be slightly saucy, making it easier to scoop up with the pav. This dish is typically garnished with chopped onions, green chilies, and a squeeze of lemon for that extra tangy kick. It’s a quick, satisfying snack or meal.

6. Chicken Keema Kababs

For keema kababs, you’ll shape the cooked chicken mince into patties or onto skewers. You can either grill them or shallow fry them on a pan. To make the mince suitable for kababs, mix in some breadcrumbs or gram flour for binding, along with extra spices like cumin and coriander powder. These kababs are great for serving with chutneys or wrapped in naan or pita bread for a delicious sandwich.

7. Chicken Keema Dosa

This variation uses chicken keema as a filling for crispy dosa, a South Indian staple. After cooking the keema, spread it inside a dosa (which is made from fermented rice and lentil batter). This gives the dish a fusion touch, combining the spicy flavors of the keema with the slightly tangy and crisp texture of the dosa. Serve with coconut chutney or sambar for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Chicken keema is an incredibly versatile dish that can be made in countless ways, from curry to biryani, or even as a filling for bread and snacks. This recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion. With a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Experiment with the variations, and enjoy chicken keema in all its tasty forms!

Expand Your Menu with These Favorites

• Hyderabadi Chicken Curry
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