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Butter Chicken Made with Evaporated Milk

by Candace Sampson

I’ve been hesitant to embrace Indian food mostly because I’m not a big fan of curry. My husband and kids however LOVE Indian food and because I love them, I thought I’d give butter chicken a go. I had this recipe kicking around for years, tore out of some recipe book Carnation milk had put out. I am in love, seriously in love with this butter chicken. Serve with Basmati Rice and Naan Bread.

Butter Chicken

2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp minced ginger
2 tbsp butter
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp of each; garam masala and cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup Carnation fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 cup plain yogurt
salt and pepper to taste

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Heat remaining oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute onion, garlic and ginger until soft and fragrant. Stir in butter, lemon juices and spices. Cook, stirring for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce, cooking for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in milk and yogurt. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.

Add reserved chicken to sauce and bring sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes until sauce has thickened and chicken is cooked through. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.

Category: Food & Drink, Supper, UncategorizedTag: Butter Chicken, Food & Drink, Garam Masala, Indian Food, Life in Pleasantville, recipe butter chicken

About Candace Sampson

Candace Sampson is the founder of Life in Pleasantville and the host of What She Said, Canada’s longest-running women’s talk show turned podcast. A trusted voice in Canadian lifestyle and travel media for over a decade, Candace blends storytelling with sharp insight to connect with women on everything from solo travel to social issues. She’s also the creator of Girl Trips, a women-focused retreat and travel brand. Find her on Instagram @candace_said @whatshesaidtalk and @girltrips.ca

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. dee brun

    at

    OMG I think I licked the screen…I LUV Butter chicken but have only ever used pre-made sauces…Sp trying this recipe…
    Cheers

  2. Candace

    at

    Come back and let me know what you think of it!

  3. Aliya

    at

    I made this last night, scrumptious! Like dee brun, I’ve only ever used pre-made butter chicken sauces, and this tasted just as good, if not better!

  4. Cherie-Lynn

    at

    I’m with the other two I’ve only ever used the jar sauce. This is currently in the pan simmering an it smells so good. I did cheat on the Naan though! Thanks for posting such great recipes. 

  5. Bonnie

    at

    Me four – only ever used per-made sauces. I’ll definitely try this. My husband and I LOVE butter chicken. 
    More importantly, how do you get your kids to eat this fabulous stuff? 

  6. Candace

    at

    My oldest daughter is a total foodie. The kid eats raw oysters for heaven’s sake. That even grosses me out. My youngest is the pickiest child alive, but I happen to be the stubbornest mother alive. Two choices: take it or leave it. 🙂

  7. Pam @writewrds

    at

    I’m making this one! (Bookmarked the page!)

  8. Candace

    at

    Let me know what you think!

  9. Sara cooper

    at

    Making this tonight, will let you know how it turns out 🙂

  10. Candace

    at

    And? How was it?

  11. Leigh

    at

    Made this tonight. So yummy!  My 7yo loved it so much she asked to take leftovers for her school lunch tomorrow.  🙂

  12. Candace

    at

    You have no idea how pleased I am that you came back to tell me this! My kids are big fans too. Last week we out for Indian at a very popular restaurant in the area…..this butter chicken is better 🙂

  13. harpreet

    at

    http://sweb2.dmit.nait.ca/hkaur8/Punjabi_butter_chicken02/
    check this out….:)

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