Chicken Keema

Last updated on: April 15, 2026

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If you're searching for easy, satisfying chicken mince recipes, this high-protein chicken keema is hard to beat.

Inspired by traditional Indian keema, this lighter version swaps lamb for lean chicken mince while keeping all the bold, aromatic flavour that makes this style of curry so comforting.

Each serving provides around 29g of protein for roughly 295 calories, making it ideal if you're trying to eat well, lose weight or simply keep dinners filling without feeling heavy.

The ingredients are simple UK supermarket staples, and everything cooks in one pan in about 30 minutes — perfect for busy evenings when you want proper food without the faff.

A small spoon of mango chutney adds a subtle sweetness, while Worcester sauce brings a savoury depth that makes the sauce taste like it’s been simmering all day.

Serve this chicken keema with rice, spoon it into wraps, or load it onto a baked potato for an easy high-protein dinner that works just as well for meal prep as it does for family nights.

Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Recipe

• Packed with 29g protein per serving to help keep you fuller for longer.
• One of the easiest chicken mince recipes for busy weeknights.
• Budget-friendly at around £1.28 per portion.
• Ready in 30 minutes using simple ingredients.
• Perfect for batch cooking and freezing.
• A lighter twist on traditional keema that still delivers big flavour.

Big Flavour, Low Budget: The Price of Chicken Keema

Let’s talk pennies and pounds—not the gym kind, the supermarket kind.

This chicken keema isn’t just a flavour bomb—it’s also a total budget win. Most of the ingredients are cupboard regulars or fridge freeloaders, and the hero of the dish, chicken mince, is an absolute steal. At around £2.50 for 500g, it’s one of the most economical, high-protein, low-fat meat options you can buy.

All in, this dish comes to roughly £5.10 to make, serving four hearty portions. That’s just £1.28 per portion for a spicy, protein-packed dinner that puts any limp meal deal to shame.

It’s the kind of dish that proves eating well doesn’t have to mean remortgaging your spice rack. Chicken keema: good for your gains and your wallet.

Key Ingredients

Chicken Mince. Lean, affordable and high in protein, making it ideal for healthy chicken mince recipes that don’t sacrifice flavour.

Onion. Adds natural sweetness and depth as the base of the curry.

Garlic and Ginger Paste. A classic flavour combination used in many Indian-inspired dishes.

Green Chilli. Optional, but adds a gentle warmth if you like a bit of heat.

Curry Powder. Provides aromatic spice without needing a huge list of ingredients.

Tomato Purée & Chopped Tomatoes. Create a rich, slightly tangy sauce that thickens beautifully.

Chicken Stock. Helps bring everything together into a proper curry consistency.

Cornflour. Helps the sauce thicken and cling to the mince.

Mango Chutney. Adds subtle sweetness to balance the spices.

Worcester Sauce. Adds depth and savoury richness.

Frozen Peas. Optional, but a simple way to add colour and fibre.

Fresh Coriander. Brings freshness and brightness to finish the dish.

How To Make Chicken Keema

Heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for around 5 minutes until softened and lightly golden. This creates the flavour base for your chicken keema.

Stir in the garlic and ginger paste (and green chilli if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring regularly to prevent sticking.

Add the curry powder and stir well. Cook for around 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aroma. This step gives the chicken mince curry its signature depth of flavour.

Add the chicken mince, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully combined with the spices.

Add the chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, tomato purée, cornflour, mango chutney, Worcester sauce and coriander. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 10–12 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Stir in the frozen peas for the final 5 minutes of cooking. Once thick and rich, finish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice if desired. Serve with rice, naan or your preferred side.

Serving & storage

To Store

Allow the chicken keema to cool fully before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Reheat

Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave and stir halfway through heating.

To Freeze

Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen in the microwave.

Serving suggestions

Serve with basmati rice, naan bread, or spoon into wraps. It also works well with roasted sweet potatoes or stirred through cooked lentils for an extra protein boost.

Variations & tips

Chicken Keema FAQ

Can I use turkey mince instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Turkey mince is just as lean and will work the same. Still counts as a chicken mince recipe with a cheeky twist. You could use beef mince and it becomes beef keema or lamb mince and it just becomes "keema" 🤣. A note on the lamb mince, though. It's easy to get 5% fat beef, pork mince, chicken and turkey mince. It's not so easy getting low fat lamb mince so it would like be 15% fat, meaning more calories.

Is chicken keema spicy?

It can be as spicy or as mild as you like. You’re in charge of the chilli and curry powder. No judgement if you keep it mild—we’ve all cried over a rogue naga.

Can I serve chicken keema with rice or bread?

Yes and yes. Steamed basmati rice, naan, or even a cheeky pita will soak up that saucy goodness like a charm.

Can I batch cook chicken keema for meal prep?

You’d be mad not to. It reheats like a dream and makes sad desk lunches 75% more exciting.

Is chicken keema kid-friendly?

Skip the chilli and maybe go easy on the curry powder. With those tweaks, chicken keema can be a hit with the little ones. Plus it's a good one for sneaking in hidden veg (thanks to the pees).

Chicken Keema

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5 from 6 reviews

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Packed with protein and punchy flavour, this chicken keema is your new weeknight dinner hero. It’s budget-friendly, boldly spiced, and ready to rescue your meal plan—one delicious spoonful at a time.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units MUS Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 30 g garlic and ginger paste (15g each)
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 1/2 tbsp curry powder (use mild, medium or hot to taste)
• 500g lean chicken mince
• 20g tomato purée
• 400g chopped tomatoes
• 250ml chicken stock, made with 1 stock cube
• 15g cornflour
• 20g mango chutney
• Splash of Worcester sauce
• Large handful of fresh coriander, leaves and stalks, chopped
• 100g frozen peas (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the oil in a wok over medium to high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for around 5 minutes until soft and golden.

Stir in the garlic and ginger paste and green chilli (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Add curry powder, stir well and cook for 1 minute.

Add the chicken mince, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and evenly mixed with the spices.

Add in the chopped tomatoes, stock, cornflour, mango chutney, Worcester sauce and coriander. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the frozen peas for the last 5 minutes. Once the keema is thick and fragrant, finish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice if you like.

• Author: Scott Baptie
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stove Top
• Cuisine: Indian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 295
• Fat: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Protein: 29 g

Recipe Video

If you liked this Chicken Keema, try these:

Chicken Bhuna. If you’re into deep, rich flavours that cling to your spoon (and your heart), Chicken Bhuna is your next spicy fling. It’s all about bold spices, less sauce, and maximum flavour. Think of it as keema’s chunkier cousin who means business and doesn’t need to shout about it.

Chicken Madras. Love your spice with a side of sass? Chicken Madras brings the heat and a smoky depth that makes your taste buds sit up and pay attention. It’s fiery, it’s high in protein, and it’s perfect for those who think mild is just a missed opportunity.

Palak Chicken. This vibrant Palak Chicken Curry sneaks an entire bag of spinach into a rich, protein-packed green sauce. Full of tender chicken chunks, it’s a fast, fuss-free chicken curry that fussy eaters and curry lovers alike will adore — without a hint of "ugh, spinach" in sight.

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