Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly simple to prepare. When I first tried this, the blend of warm spices with the creamy coconut milk and the nutty crunch of sesame seeds blew me away. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen.

You’ll find that the balance of spicy heat and buttery richness in this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, baking the chicken in one dish means less mess and more time savoring your meal. Trust me, this recipe quickly became a family favorite in my house, and I’m excited for you to give it a go.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe are simple but pack a flavor punch. I like to use small boneless chicken pieces for even cooking, and don’t skip on the fresh garlic and ginger — they really bring the dish alive.

• Chicken (boneless breasts or thighs): I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work well, too.
• Plain Greek yogurt: This tenderizes the chicken and adds a silky tang.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh is best for that punchy aroma.
• Fresh grated ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing.
• Garam masala: The spice blend that gives this dish its signature Indian-inspired flavor.
• Cumin: Earthy and nutty, it deepens the spice profile.
• Turmeric: For color and a mild smoky taste.
• Cayenne pepper: Adjust this based on your heat preference — I usually settle on 1 tsp.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for balance and flavor enhancement.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and helps create a luscious sauce.
• Yellow onion: Chopped finely to melt into sweetness during baking.
• Full-fat coconut milk: This creamy base tames the spices and keeps the chicken moist.
• Tomato paste: Introduces subtle acidity and depth.
• Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a toasty crunch.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous finish.
• Chili butter (butter, chili flakes, paprika): Optional but highly recommended for serving with extra heat.

Variations

I love tweaking this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or my mood for heat. Feel free to personalize it — I encourage you to make it your own!

• Protein Swap: I’ve tried this with shrimp and tofu for a different twist — just adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Mild Version: If you’re not into spice, reduce the cayenne and skip the chili butter; the creamy coconut milk still makes it flavorful.
• Extra Crunch: Toasted chopped peanuts or cashews can be sprinkled on top for an added texture kick.
• Herb Twists: Swap cilantro for fresh mint or basil for a fresh and unexpected aroma.

How to Make Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken with Spices and Yogurt

Start by tossing your chicken in a baking dish with the Greek yogurt, chopped garlic, freshly grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. I like to mix it well so every piece is fully coated. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes to start soaking in all those vibrant flavors — I sometimes let it go longer if I’m prepping ahead, and it only gets better.

Step 2: Layer On the Onions, Coconut Milk, and Tomato Paste

Turn your oven on to 400°F (about 200°C) to preheat it. Add the chopped onion right over the marinated chicken. Then pour in the full-fat coconut milk and stir in the tomato paste until the sauce is creamy and velvety. At this point, I drop slices of salted butter on top and sprinkle a generous handful of sesame seeds. This layering creates a rich, aromatic bake that keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked and Aromatic

Place the dish in the oven and bake for around 30 to 40 minutes. You want the chicken to be tender and cooked through — if you have a meat thermometer, aim for 165°F (75°C). You’ll notice the butter melting into the sauce and the sesame seeds toasting beautifully. Peek in occasionally but resist stirring; the top should stay intact and golden.

Step 4: Make the Chili Butter Sauce

While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a small pan and whisk in chili flakes and paprika. Cook until the butter lightly browns — smell that lovely nutty aroma? That chili butter takes this dish to the next level when drizzled over your rice and chicken, adding smoky heat and richness. I always keep this warm until serving.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color and brightness. Serve it hot with steamed rice and warm naan bread, then drizzle the chili butter over everything. I promise, this combo is soul-satisfying and irresistibly good.

How to Serve Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this chicken with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds for both a pop of freshness and that satisfying nutty texture. Sometimes, I add a wedge of lime on the side to squeeze over it just before eating for a tangy lift. These little touches brighten the whole dish.

Side Dishes

Steamed basmati rice or jasmine rice pairs perfectly because it soaks up the luscious sauce. Warm naan bread is a must in my book — it’s perfect for scooping every last bit. Roasted or steamed greens like broccoli or spinach add a nice contrast too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve this chicken in mini cast iron skillets right at the table — the presentation feels cozy and vibrant. Another fun idea is to plate it over a bed of fragrant turmeric rice, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a fresh, elegant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors actually deepen a bit after resting overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Just make sure to cover it to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I portion out the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop in a covered pan over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce silky. Adding a splash of water or coconut milk helps revive the creaminess if it’s thickened too much. You can also reheat in the oven covered with foil to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s such a perfect balance of comfort and excitement, all baked in one pan. I love how it brings the family to the table with minimal hassle and maximum flavor. If you want a tasty, hands-off dinner that feels a little fancy but is totally doable, I can’t recommend this enough — give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen, too!

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