Easy Chicken Keema - spiced ground chicken Indian recipe
Easy

Easy Chicken Keema

(654)
25 min4285 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|October 1, 2024

Chicken keema is the ultimate easy Indian dinner — spiced ground chicken cooked with peas, tomatoes, and aromatic spices in one pan. It is fast, flavourful, and incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, stuff it in naan, or use it as a filling for samosas. This recipe uses common grocery store spices and takes just 25 minutes from start to finish.

indiankeemaground-chickeneasyone-panweeknight

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Season Generously

Most home cooks under-season their chicken. I use about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of chicken, applied at least 30 minutes before cooking for the deepest flavour penetration.

About This Recipe

Easy Chicken Keema is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavours of Indian cuisine into the heart of Canadian kitchens. With its rich blend of ground chicken, aromatic spices, and sweet peas, this one-pan meal is a celebration of simplicity and taste. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet exotic. The tender texture of the chicken combined with the warmth of spices creates a satisfying experience that resonates with home cooks across Canada.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. Whether you serve it over a fluffy bed of basmati rice, tuck it into warm naan, or use it as a filling for crispy samosas, Chicken Keema adapts beautifully to any dining setting. It's not just a meal; it's a way to bring friends and family together, showcasing how a few pantry staples can transform into something extraordinary in just 25 minutes.

Tips for the Best Easy Chicken Keema

To ensure your Chicken Keema turns out perfectly, remember to cook the ground chicken just until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dryness. Stirring frequently will help the spices coat the meat evenly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavour. The key is to let the mixture simmer gently after adding the peas and tomatoes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavours to meld beautifully.

What to Serve With It

For an authentic experience, serve your Chicken Keema with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread. A side of yogurt mixed with diced cucumber and mint adds a refreshing contrast to the spices. If you’re feeling adventurous, use this keema as a filling for samosas or lettuce wraps. Pair it with a crisp salad or a mango chutney for that extra burst of freshness, making it a well-rounded Canadian-Indian feast.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of Chicken Keema store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy a quick and satisfying meal any time.

Nutrition Per Serving

285
Calories
28g
Protein
14g
Fat
14g
Carbs
Fiber3g
Sugar5g
Sodium560mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this recipe?+

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and will give you a slightly different flavour while keeping the dish lean. Just ensure you monitor the cooking time as turkey may require a little longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for fresh cilantro?+

If cilantro isn't your favourite, fresh parsley or mint can be used as a garnish instead. Both will add a fresh touch to the dish, enhancing its vibrant flavours.

Is this dish spicy?+

The spice level can be adjusted to your taste. With only half a teaspoon of chili powder, it’s mild but you can increase it for more heat. Additionally, serve with cooling yogurt to balance any spiciness.

Can I add more vegetables to the keema?+

Definitely! Chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach can be added to enhance the nutrition and flavour of your keema. Just toss them in when you add the tomatoes and peas.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?+

Ground chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) to ensure it’s fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, and always check that it’s no longer pink before serving.

Reviews

4.8 / 5 (654 reviews)
Chris G.
May 21, 2025

Best chicken recipe I have tried in a long time.

Sophie X.
Sep 15, 2025

Easy to follow and turned out amazing. A new favourite.

Brandon J.
Jul 16, 2025

Made this twice already this month. So delicious!

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
5 min
Cook:
20 min
Total:
25 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Frozen peas go in at the end — they only need a few minutes to cook.
  • 2Use lean ground chicken for lighter keema, or regular for richer flavour.
  • 3This keema freezes well for up to 3 months — make a double batch.

Variations

  • Add diced potatoes for aloo keema — a heartier version.
  • Use ground turkey as a substitute for ground chicken.
  • Make it creamier by stirring in 2 tablespoons of yogurt at the end.

International Chicken Recipes

Easy Chicken Keema

The secret to the best Easy Chicken Keema? It is easier than you think.

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Easy Chicken Keema - spiced ground chicken Indian recipe
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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