Chicken Keema Masala
Tender minced chicken cooked in a rich and aromatic blend of onions, tomatoes, and classic Indian spices. This flavorful keema masala is a versatile dish, perfect with roti, naan, or even as a filling for sandwiches. Ready in under an hour!
For 4 servings
Sauté Aromatics and Onions
- Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- Add the whole spices: cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamom. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until they sizzle and become fragrant.
- Add the finely chopped onions. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deep golden brown. This 'bhunao' step is crucial for a rich flavor base.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
Cook Tomato Masala
- Add the tomato puree to the pan.
- Stir in the powdered spices: turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, and 1 tsp of salt.
- Mix well and cook the masala for 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating from the sides of the masala.
Brown the Chicken Keema
- Add the chicken mince to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high.
- Immediately start breaking up the mince with your spatula to prevent lumps from forming. Mix it thoroughly with the masala.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously, until the chicken changes color from pink to opaque white and is well-browned.
Simmer to Perfection
- Pour in 240 ml (1 cup) of hot water and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld. The gravy should thicken to your desired consistency.
Finish and Garnish
- Remove the lid. Stir in the garam masala and crushed kasuri methi (rub it between your palms before adding).
- Cook for another 2 minutes, uncovered, to allow the final flavors to incorporate.
- Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most flavorful keema, use minced chicken thighs instead of breast.
- 2Do not rush the onion browning process. Deeply caramelized onions are the secret to a rich, flavorful gravy.
- 3The sign of a well-cooked masala is when oil starts to separate from the tomato and spice mixture.
- 4Break up the keema immediately upon adding it to the hot pan to ensure a fine, non-lumpy texture.
- 5For a slightly tangy and richer gravy, you can add 2 tablespoons of whisked yogurt after the tomatoes are cooked and before adding the chicken.
- 6Leftover keema tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chicken Keema Matar
Add 1/2 cup of green peas (fresh or frozen) along with the water in Step 4 and simmer until the peas are tender.
Mutton KeemaMutton Keema
Substitute chicken mince with mutton (goat) mince. Increase the simmering time in Step 4 to 30-40 minutes, or until the mutton is tender. You may need to add a little more water.
Creamy KeemaCreamy Keema
For a richer, restaurant-style finish, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or cashew paste at the very end, after adding the garam masala.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chilies and red chili powder, or add a pinch of black pepper powder along with the garam masala.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein source, essential for muscle building, repair, and overall body function. A single serving provides a significant portion of your daily protein needs.
Rich in Anti-Inflammatory Spices
This dish contains spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, which are known for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to combat oxidative stress in the body.
Boosts Metabolism
The blend of spices, particularly chili powder and cinnamon, can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, aiding in calorie burning.
Frequently asked questions
Chicken Keema Masala can be a healthy dish as it's a great source of lean protein. To make it healthier, use minimal ghee or oil and opt for chicken breast mince. Serving it with whole wheat roti instead of naan also increases its nutritional value.