If you’re looking for a comforting dish that brings a burst of Pakistani flavors to your dinner table, then you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into a chicken keema recipe that’s both simple and rich in taste. This chicken mince recipe in Pakistan is perfect for a weeknight meal or a festive spread with family and friends.
What is Chicken Keema?
Chicken keema is a versatile dish featuring ground chicken cooked with aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and tomatoes. In Pakistan, it’s not just food—it’s a celebration of flavors that speaks to tradition and innovation alike. Whether you call it keema or minced meat, this recipe offers the best of both worlds: ease of preparation and a burst of authentic taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a handy table sharing the important ingredients for our Simple chicken keema recipe Pakistani style.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 🛢️ Neutral Oil (canola) | 2 tbsp |
| 🧅 Small Red/Yellow Onions | 2 (sliced thin) |
| 🧄 Crushed Garlic | 1 tsp |
| 🌱 Crushed Ginger | 1 tsp |
| 🌶️ Bird’s Eye Chili | 1 (finely chopped) |
| 🧂 Whole Cloves | 2 cloves |
| 🎋 Black Cardamom Pod | 1 pod |
| 🌟 Turmeric Powder | ¼ tsp |
| 🔴 Kashmiri Red Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
| 🌿 Coriander Powder | 1 tsp |
| 🍂 Cumin Powder | ½ tsp |
| 🍗 Ground Chicken | 1 lb (~450 g) |
| 🧂 Salt | 1 tsp (adjust as needed) |
| 🍅 Roma Tomatoes | 4 (chopped) |
| ✨ Garam Masala Powder | ¼ tsp (optional) |
| 🌱 Fresh Cilantro | 1 tbsp (finely diced, optional) |
This table serves as a quick reference to gather everything you’ll need for this Simple chicken keema recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create the Best chicken keema recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the Oil: In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil.
- Brown the Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This step is key as it lays the foundation for the flavor.
- Add Garlic, Ginger & Chili: Lower the heat, then stir in crushed garlic, crushed ginger, and the finely chopped bird’s eye chili. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until they become fragrant.
2. Spice It Up
- Whole Spices: Add the whole cloves and the black cardamom pod. Let them infuse the oil with their aromatic essence.
- Ground Spices: Sprinkle in the turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Fry these spices on low heat for another minute. If needed, add a splash of water to deglaze the pot.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Add Ground Chicken: Increase the heat to high and add the ground chicken along with salt. Break up the meat with a spatula and stir-fry until it’s no longer pink.
- Simmer: Pour in 1 cup of water, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover with a tight-fitting lid. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. The Bhuna Technique
- Add Tomatoes: Remove the lid, turn the heat back up to high, and add the chopped roma tomatoes. Continue to fry while stirring frequently. This process, known as “bhuna,” helps evaporate excess moisture and deepens the flavor, as the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
- Final Touches: Once done, remove from heat, dust with a touch of garam masala powder, and garnish with finely diced cilantro if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Keema Recipe
- Master the Bhuna: This cooking technique—frying the ingredients uncovered on high heat—intensifies the flavor and texture. Keep stirring to avoid sticking.
- Adjust the Heat: Modify the number of bird’s eye chilies based on your spice tolerance.
- Consistency is Key: For a thicker consistency, let the keema cook longer until most of the water evaporates. For a saucier version, add a bit more water.
What to Serve with Your Chicken Keema?
Chicken keema recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Paratha: The classic pairing—flaky and buttery, paratha complements the rich keema perfectly.
- Rice: Serve over steamed basmati rice for a hearty and comforting dish.
- Fresh Salads: A side salad or raita can add a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the keema.
For more exciting recipes to create a full Pakistani feast, consider exploring these other recipes:
- Elevate your spread with our flavorful Peshawari Chapli Kabab.
- Craving more spice? Check out our Namkeen Gosht Karahi.
- Pair your meal with a tangy Achari Aloo Paratha.
- For a lighter side, try our refreshing Vegetable Pulao.
- And don’t miss out on the sweet twist of our unique Aloo Katli.
Quick Reference Table: Cooking Process
| Step | Key Action | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Aromatics Sauté | Brown onions; add garlic, ginger, chili | 5-7 minutes |
| Spice Infusion | Fry whole and ground spices; deglaze if needed | 1-2 minutes |
| Chicken Cooking | Add ground chicken; stir until no longer pink | 5-7 minutes |
| Simmer & Bhuna | Simmer with water, then add tomatoes; fry until oil separates | 10-15 minutes |
Concluding Thoughts
This Simple chicken keema recipe Pakistani style is a celebration of vibrant flavors and comforting textures. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home and invites everyone to enjoy a little taste of Pakistan. With easy-to-follow steps and versatile serving suggestions, this is truly one of the best chicken keema recipes to add to your culinary repertoire.
Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t hesitate to experiment with the flavors to suit your taste. Happy cooking!
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