Indian Chicken Curry with Evaporated Milk (Easy Recipe) (2024)

This Quick Indian Chicken Curry recipe is bursting with amazing spicy flavor and is ready to eat in just 30 minutes! It is made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, curry powder, coconut oil, yellow onion, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, crushed tomatoes, and evaporated milk. Learn how to make homemade chicken curry with this fast and easy recipe.

Indian Chicken Curry with Evaporated Milk (Easy Recipe) (1)

Quick Chicken Curry: An Easy Indian Dinner Recipe

You are going to love this spicy, rich curry made with tender, juicy pieces of chicken. It is ideal for busy weeknights because it delivers maximum flavor in minimal time. Serve this rich, flavorful curry over steamed basmati rice or with warm naan bread for a complete, satisfying dinner when you are in the mood for something exotic.

Normally when you read Indian recipes, they include a large number of spices in the ingredient list that many people don’t readily have on hand. So, I developed a recipe that uses curry powder, which contains a bunch of fragrant spices that have been ground up and mixed together in one handy package.

This curry recipe uses evaporated milk, rather than heavy cream, to add creaminess and to tone down the spices a bit. Evaporated milk adds almost the same creaminess, but with much less of the fat and calories than heavy cream.

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More Curry Recipes to Try

Craving more spicy dinner inspiration? Here are some of my faves:

  • Indian Butter Chicken
  • Mixed Vegetable Curry
  • Curried Pumpkin Soup
  • Coconut Chickpea Curry
  • Thai Shrimp Noodle Soup

Indian Chicken Curry with Evaporated Milk (Easy Recipe) (2)

Where to Buy Organic Chicken and Other Meats

I am a huge advocate of only eating organic, humanely-raised chicken. This is because naturally-raised, organic meat is just so much more healthy, ethical, sustainable and flavorful than factory-farmed meat. And for the best-tasting organic chicken and other meats, I highly recommend using ButcherBox.

ButcherBox is a popular organic meat delivery service that delivers hormone-free and antibiotic-free cuts directly to your door. Their meat selection includes 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef, free-range chicken, heritage breed pork, and wild-caught seafood.

The main reason why I love ButcherBox is because of the high quality of their meat. ButcherBox sells the cleanest, healthiest meat possible and it always tastes amazing. The meat arrives frozen and individually vacuum-packed in an insulated and eco-friendly box. The price works out to less than $6 per meal and shipping is free!

If you want to learn more about ButcherBox, I have written a detailed Butcher Box Review here on the blog. But if you still don’t think ButcherBox is for you, I wrote another article called: The Best Organic Meat Delivery Services. In that article, I discuss a bunch of online delivery services for organic meat (in addition to ButcherBox) that might be a better fit for you.

Indian Chicken Curry with Evaporated Milk (Easy Recipe) (3)

Can You Freeze Chicken Curry?

This recipe freezes really well, so you could make a bit batch and then store some (or all) of it in the freezer. That way you can have chicken curry on-hand and ready to go on evenings when you don’t have time to cook dinner. Just remember to transfer it to the fridge a day or so in advance, so that it has time to defrost.

For this Quick Indian Chicken Curry Recipe, I recommend:

Here are a some pantry staples that I suggest using to ensure this chicken curry recipe turns out perfect. All of these ingredients can be ordered online from Thrive Market, which is an online retailer that sells healthy, organic food at wholesale prices. I like to think of it like Amazon (online marketplace) meets Costco (wholesale prices) meets Whole Foods (all wholesome, junk-free foods).

  • Thrive Market Curry Powder – The quality of this curry powder is excellent and it gives a rich, fragrant, and well-rounded flavor to curries and spicy dishes.
  • Pure Lemon Juice– I don’t always have fresh lemons on hand, so I like to keep a bottle of organic lemon juice in my fridge. I use this one because it is 100% pure fruit juice (not from concentrate) and nothing else.
  • Nutiva Coconut Oil – I always use this unrefined, virgin, and organic coconut oil for optimal flavor and health benefits.

If you’re interested in purchasing any of the above items, you’ll need to get a Thrive Market membership. However, if you’re a reader of my website, you will get an exclusive bonus when you sign up:

Click here to get a FREE gift, up to $22 value, when you purchase a 1-month or 1-year risk-free Thrive Market membership!

If you make this Quick Indian Chicken Curry recipe, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating ★ below, because I love hearing from you! ♡

Indian Chicken Curry with Evaporated Milk (Easy Recipe) (4)

Indian Chicken Curry with Evaporated Milk (Easy Recipe)

Alia Kay

This Indian Chicken Curry recipe is super quick and easy to make. Serve with rice or naan bread for a hearty, satisfying meal.

5 from 9 votes

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Indian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 197 calories

Ingredients

  • 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder, divided
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

Notes

  1. Serve your chicken curry with rice or naan for a satisfying meal.
  2. If possible, I highly recommend using organic chicken in this recipe.
  3. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for about a week or can be frozen for up to three months.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Indian Chicken Curry with Evaporated Milk (Easy Recipe)

Amount per Serving

Calories

197

% Daily Value*

Fat

7

g

11

%

Saturated Fat

4

g

25

%

Cholesterol

66

mg

22

%

Potassium

684

mg

20

%

Carbohydrates

11

g

4

%

Fiber

2

g

8

%

Sugar

6

g

7

%

Protein

23

g

46

%

Vitamin A

251

IU

5

%

Vitamin C

12

mg

15

%

Calcium

101

mg

10

%

Iron

2

mg

11

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword Chicken Curry, Chicken Curry with Evaporated Milk, Indian Chicken Curry

Did you try this recipe?Let me know what you thought!

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Indian Chicken Curry with Evaporated Milk (Easy Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

Can I use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream in curry? ›

Evaporated Milk – With a similar consistency, you can use a 1-to-1 swap of evaporated milk for heavy cream in most sweet and savory dishes. Its flavor is richer with unique caramelized tones and is not a lower-fat option, but evaporated milk makes do in a pinch.

What is the secret ingredient in Indian curry? ›

TURMERIC. That is the go to spice in any South Indian kitchen to enhance a dish.

What is the secret to the best Indian curry? ›

Fresh Garlic and Ginger Paste

Garlic and ginger are maybe the most-loved ingredients in Indian cuisine. The combination of these two fragrant elements produce an aroma that is an integral part of the many Indian curry sauces, and adds a gorgeous depth and complexity to most of Indian cooking.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in chicken curry? ›

Regular Milk: Regular milk, especially in the form of cream or yogurt, is often used in curries from regions like North India. It can add a creamy texture and mild flavor to the dish. Creamy curries like butter chicken or paneer tikka masala often use milk or cream to achieve their characteristic richness.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of coconut milk in curry? ›

Half-and-half or heavy cream

Like evaporated milk, heavy cream and half-and-half are good substitutes for coconut milk, too.

How do you use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream? ›

Evaporated milk can be used as a substitute in recipes in which heavy cream is used as a liquid ingredient, such as in baked goods, but it doesn't whip well. Substitute the heavy cream in your recipes with an equal amount of evaporated milk.

How do restaurants make curry so creamy? ›

The actual sweetness and creaminess of such curries meanwhile, usually comes from fried onions and either cashews and/or dairy products. Instead of (or in addition to) onion, ground coconut may be used. White poppy seeds and/or watermelon seeds are also used in some creamy sauces.

How to make Indian curry more creamy? ›

Yoghurt or heavy cream:

To achieve a creamy, tangy curry sauce, incorporate yoghurt or heavy cream. Stir them in gently, as high heat may cause curdling. These ingredients are ideal for creating a luxurious texture in dishes like butter chicken or tikka masala.

What thickens Indian curry? ›

Pureed Vegetables

Boiled vegetables can be made into a thick paste/ puree and then added to the sauce. Potatoes, squash, carrots, and other root vegetables can be used. The addition of vegetables thickens the curry sauce while reducing the also balancing out the heat of the curry.

What is the most important spice in curry? ›

Fenugreek (Methi)

This Indian spice is what people say "smells like curry." Of all Indian spices, this spice may be the most essential. You may use up to a few tablespoons in a family size dish near the end of the cooking process, but start with a teaspoon. Fenugreek seeds also have many health benefits.

Should I blend onions for curry? ›

If you purée it first, you will have to dries up most of that flavor to cook onions. I suggest just chop and cook them till done and purée / blend after to bring out a smooth curry base. *If adding tomatoes, cook that in first and then blend.

Is evaporated milk the same as heavy cream? ›

Evaporated milk and cream are often used interchangeably, especially in older recipes; however, cream has a much higher fat content than evaporated milk. Evaporated milk has no less than 6.5% milkfat, where whipping cream has no less than 30-36% milk fat, depending on whether you use light or heavy whipping cream.

What kind of milk is used in curry? ›

Wet: Wet curries, such as those found in Thailand, are often made in an abundance of liquid including broth, coconut milk or cream, yogurt or sofrito-like legume or vegetable purees.

Do you put coconut milk or yogurt in curry? ›

A dish could use both: yogurt marinade then a bit of cream to finish. For richness and a hint of sweetness along with a wonderful aroma, coconut can't be beat but will be a discernable flavor in most curries. Many restaurants are making use of coconut where it is less than traditional with good results.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in curry? ›

What are the best substitutes for heavy cream?
  • Butter and milk.
  • Oil and dairy-free milk.
  • Full-fat coconut cream.
  • Evaporated milk.
  • Brown rice and milk.
  • Cashew cream.
  • Pureed tofu.
  • White beans.
Nov 28, 2018

How can I thicken my curry without cream? ›

Use wheat flour, rice flour, or coconut flour plus a fat (like ghee, olive oil, or coconut oil) in equal amounts. Cook both ingredients for a few minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, then add your curry ingredients. Once the whole curry dish comes to a boil, the sauce will thicken.

Does evaporated milk thicken when cooked? ›

Keep in mind that this evaporated milk will make your dish taste richer, but it won't actually thicken the soup. You can always use a bit of flour or cornstarch if you're missing that added texture. Otherwise, you'll find evaporated milk the best dairy addition for your classic slow cooker favorites.

What can I use if I don't have heavy cream? ›

Regardless of what you're making, the following are the best heavy cream substitutes for cooking, baking, or whipping into dessert.
  • Half-and-half + butter. ...
  • Milk + butter. ...
  • Coconut cream. ...
  • Milk + cornstarch. ...
  • Greek yogurt + milk. ...
  • Alt milk + oil. ...
  • Heavy cream powder.
May 25, 2022

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