Chicken Keema Curry

Chicken Keema Curry is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Imran Ali on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 35 min | Total: 2 hrs 10 min

Cost: $20.47 total, $5.12 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Ghee (unsalted)
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin, can substitute vegetable oil)
  • 3 Bay Leaves
  • 2 Cinnamon Sticks (about 2‑inch pieces)
  • 4 Cloves
  • 5 Cardamom Pods
  • 1 Large White Onion (Spanish‑type, roughly 300 g, sliced thin)
  • 1 tsp Salt (plus pinch for onions)
  • 3 Garlic and Ginger Blocks (pre‑made blocks, roughly 1 tbsp each when grated)
  • 2 Tomatoes (large, ripe, chopped)
  • 0.5 tbsp Turmeric Powder
  • 0.5 tbsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
  • 0.5 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1 tbsp Madras Curry Powder
  • 3 Green Chilies (slit lengthwise, seeds optional)
  • 1 pinch Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 kg Chicken Mince (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas (thawed)
  • 0.33 tbsp Garam Masala (about 1 tsp)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Coriander (Cilantro) (chopped for garnish)
  • 200 ml Water (plus extra splashes as needed)

Instructions

  1. Heat Ghee and Oil

    Add 2 tbsp ghee and 3 tbsp olive oil to the pan over medium‑high heat and let melt.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Toast Whole Spices

    Add 3 bay leaves, 2 cinnamon sticks, 4 cloves, and 5 cardamom pods. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT0M30S

  3. Sauté Onion

    Add the sliced large white onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes until the onion softens and begins to sweat.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Garlic‑Ginger Blocks

    Add the 3 garlic‑ginger blocks, increase heat slightly, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until the blocks break down.

    Time: PT5M

  5. First Water Splash & Simmer

    Add a splash of water (≈2 tbsp), lower heat to medium, cover with the lid and simmer for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Add Tomatoes

    Stir in the chopped 2 large tomatoes, face‑down, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until the skins start to separate.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Mash Tomato‑Onion Mix

    Using a spoon or masher, gently mash the tomato‑onion mixture to achieve a semi‑smooth consistency.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Add Ground Spices

    Stir in 0.5 tbsp turmeric, 0.5 tbsp cumin powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 0.5 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp Madras curry powder, and the sliced green chilies. Cook for 30 seconds.

    Time: PT0M30S

  9. Water & Oil Separation Check

    Add another splash of water (≈2 tbsp), stir, and cook for 3 minutes until you see a thin layer of oil separating around the edges.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Add Chicken Mince

    Add 1 kg chicken mince, break it up with the spoon, and sprinkle a large pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

    Time: PT3M

  11. Initial Simmer

    Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes to let the meat release its moisture.

    Time: PT10M

  12. Add Boiling Water

    Pour in 200 ml boiling water, increase heat to bring back to a gentle boil, then reduce to low‑medium and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes.

    Time: PT25M

  13. Add Peas and Garam Masala

    Stir in 1 cup thawed peas and 0.33 tbsp garam masala. Continue simmering for another 15 minutes, stirring halfway.

    Time: PT15M

  14. Final Simmer & Oil Separation

    Lower heat to low, cover, and simmer for a final 10 minutes until a clear oil layer appears on top.

    Time: PT10M

  15. Garnish & Serve

    Turn off heat, sprinkle chopped fresh coriander over the keema, let rest 1 minute, then serve hot with rice or flatbread.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Low‑Carb

Allergens: Dairy (ghee), Possible cross‑contamination with nuts in spice blends

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Chicken Keema Curry

Recipe by Imran Ali

A flavorful one‑pot Indian chicken keema (ground chicken) curry cooked with aromatic whole spices, tomatoes, peas and a blend of vibrant ground spices. Perfect for serving over rice or with flatbread.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
6m
Prep
1h 26m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 43m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.47
Total cost
$5.12
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Toasting whole spices until fragrant without burning.
  • Achieving oil separation after adding ground spices – indicator of cooked spices.
  • Ensuring chicken mince releases its moisture before adding water.
  • Maintaining a gentle simmer to prevent the curry from drying out.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – keep a lid nearby.
  • Handle boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife safely when chopping onions and chilies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Keema in Indian cuisine?

A

Chicken keema is a classic North Indian comfort dish that evolved from traditional minced meat preparations using lamb or beef. It became popular with poultry as chicken became more affordable, and it is often served at family meals and festive gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Keema in Indian cuisine?

A

In Punjab, keema is often cooked with peas and a richer tomato base, while in Bengal it may include mustard oil and poppy seeds. Coastal versions add coconut milk, and in Kashmir the dish is spiced with fennel and dried apricots.

cultural
Q

How is Chicken Keema traditionally served in Indian households?

A

It is typically served hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or roti. In many homes it is accompanied by a side of sliced onions, lemon wedges, and fresh coriander for added texture and brightness.

cultural
Q

During which occasions is Chicken Keema commonly prepared in Indian culture?

A

Chicken keema is a go‑to dish for everyday family meals, but it also appears at weekend gatherings, Eid celebrations, and during monsoon evenings when a warm, hearty curry is desired.

cultural
Q

What makes Chicken Keema special or unique in Indian cuisine?

A

The dish balances the richness of ground meat with aromatic whole spices and a bright tomato‑onion base. The visible oil separation signals perfectly cooked spices, giving the keema a glossy, flavorful finish.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Keema?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the spices, which can turn bitter, not allowing oil separation, and adding too much water too early, which dilutes flavor. Also, avoid crowding the pan when adding the mince; it should brown, not steam.

technical
Q

Why does this Chicken Keema recipe use both ghee and olive oil instead of just one fat?

A

Ghee provides a deep, nutty flavor while olive oil raises the smoke point and keeps the dish lighter. The combination ensures the whole spices toast evenly without burning.

technical
Q

Can I make Chicken Keema ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the keema improves in flavor after resting. Cool it to room temperature, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Chicken Keema is done?

A

The keema should be moist but not watery, with a glossy surface and a thin layer of oil separating on top. The meat should be fully cooked, and the peas should retain a bright green color.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Imran Ali specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Imran Ali focuses on easy‑to‑follow South Asian home cooking tutorials, emphasizing flavorful, budget‑friendly meals that use everyday pantry ingredients.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Imran Ali's approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Imran Ali combines casual, relatable commentary with clear step‑by‑step visuals, often using quick‑fire tips and shortcuts while still honoring traditional spice blends, making the recipes feel both authentic and accessible.

channel

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