Coconut Aminos & Capers Butter Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, creamy paleo version of butter chicken using coconut aminos and capers for umami depth—ready in under 25 minutes with minimal cleanup. This asian-inspired chicken (dairy-free, paleo) ready in about 25 minutes pairs avocado oil, medium, finely diced onion, grated ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 345 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 345 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken pieces with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until smoking slightly. Add chicken and cook for 4 minutes until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add diced onion, and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp coconut aminos and 1/2 cup coconut milk, stirring to dissolve any browned bits. Return chicken to the skillet, adding 2 tbsp drained capers.
  5. Step 5: Simmer uncovered for 6 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened to coat the back of a spoon, stirring occasionally.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut Aminos & Capers Butter Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Coconut Aminos & Capers Butter Chicken?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep avocado oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut Aminos & Capers Butter Chicken?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coconut Aminos & Capers Butter Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Coconut Aminos & Capers Butter Chicken dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free, paleo, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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