Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe because it combines such cozy, warming flavors with a straightforward, no-fuss method. When I first tried this dish, I was blown away by how the garlic, ginger, and spices melded with creamy coconut milk and buttery sesame notes to create this rich, comforting sauce that feels indulgent but is really easy to pull off. You’ll find it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something a little special without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe truly worth trying is how versatile it is—you can adjust the heat, swap chicken cuts, or pair it with your favorite sides and still end up with something delicious. Plus, it bakes in one dish, so clean-up is a breeze, which is a huge win in my book. I love how tender and juicy the chicken gets, especially with that tangy yogurt marinade giving it a lovely depth.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy richness of Greek yogurt and coconut milk to the fragrant warmth of spices and fresh garlic and ginger, these components come together to create a balanced and delicious dish. When shopping, look for fresh spices and quality butter to really elevate the final result.

• Chicken: I recommend small boneless breasts or thighs for even cooking and juiciness.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: This tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy creaminess.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped—it packs a punch you just can’t get from the jarred stuff.
• Fresh Ginger: Grated for that bright, zesty warmth that complements the spices.
• Garam Masala: A fragrant Indian spice blend that’s essential for authentic flavor.
• Cumin: Adds a deep, earthy note that works beautifully with the garam masala.
• Turmeric: Not only for color but subtle earthiness and health benefits.
• Cayenne Pepper: Use your desired amount to kick up the heat as you like.
• Salt and Black Pepper: The basics that enhance all the other flavors.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps develop that nutty sesame butter flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Chopped finely to soften and blend into the sauce.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk: The creamy base that gives this dish its luscious texture.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates sweetness and adds body to the sauce.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted on top for crunch and that classic sesame aroma.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped for a fresh, herby finish that brightens the dish.
• Chili Butter Components: Salted butter, chili flakes, and paprika to amp up the spice and add a buttery shimmer when serving.
• Steamed Rice and Naan: Essential for soaking up the amazing sauce and making the meal complete.

Variations

I often tweak this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe depending on what I have on hand or what my mood calls for. You can tailor it to your heat tolerance or dietary needs and still come away with something delightful. Personalizing it keeps it fresh and fun to make again and again.

• Mild Version: When I want the family-friendly version, I cut back or omit the cayenne and chili flakes, and the dish still bursts with flavor without overwhelming heat.
• Protein Swap: Sometimes I use boneless turkey thighs or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist, just adjusting baking time accordingly.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt and coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free alternative that’s still rich and creamy.
• Extra Veggies: Adding bell peppers or spinach near the end of baking adds color and a nice nutrient boost.

How to Make Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by tossing your chicken pieces with plain Greek yogurt, chopped garlic, freshly grated ginger, and your spice mix—garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, plus salt and pepper—in a large baking dish. I like to let this sit for at least 5 minutes so the flavors can start to meld and the yogurt tenderizes the meat slightly. This brief marinating is a game-changer—you’ll notice the tender texture and depth without needing to plan ahead overnight.

Step 2: Layer the Aromatics and Sauce

Once your chicken is marinated, sprinkle the chopped yellow onion over the pieces for sweetness and texture. Next, pour the full-fat coconut milk all over, followed by the rich tomato paste. Stir gently right in the dish until the sauce turns creamy and well combined, coating all the chicken. Then arrange slices of cold salted butter on top—that little dot of richness will melt into the sauce as it bakes and add luxurious flavor.

Step 3: Bake Until Tender and Bubbly

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven at 400°F. Bake uncovered for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the chicken to cook through and the sauce to bubble gently with that buttery finish. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking starts if you want them lightly toasted with the chicken, or add them right after baking if you prefer their crunch intact. Either way, the sesame adds a lovely nutty pop of flavor.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Chili Butter

While your chicken is baking, melt salted butter in a small pan with chili flakes and paprika. I like to cook this until the butter starts to brown slightly—it brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor that really complements the spicy chicken sauce. Just be sure not to burn it, and remove from heat when it looks golden and fragrant. This chili butter is the perfect finishing touch, drizzled over your plated chicken and rice for an extra layer of heat and richness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the chicken hot, topped with fresh cilantro, alongside steamed rice and warm naan. Drizzle the spicy chili butter over the top and watch smiles light up around your table. The contrast of creamy sauce, spicy butter, and fluffy rice is absolutely heavenly.

How to Serve Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a generous handful of freshly chopped cilantro because it cuts through the richness and adds a burst of freshness. Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top provide a little crunch and a wonderfully nutty aroma. Sometimes, I add a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the table for that zesty pop that’s just irresistible.

Side Dishes

Steamed basmati rice is my go-to, soaking up all that luscious sauce perfectly. I also love pairing it with warm, pillowy naan bread to scoop up every bit of the spicy sesame butter goodness. For greens, a simple cucumber raita or a fresh salad with tangy yogurt dressing balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe in individual shallow bowls, topped with a small mound of rice in the center and sprinkled with sesame seeds and cilantro for color contrast. Drizzling the chili butter artistically around the edges makes it feel extra special and restaurant-worthy. It’s a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes without any fancy plating skills required.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftover Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better the next day. Just be sure to reheat gently to keep the chicken tender and sauce creamy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. I freeze it in portions for easy dinners later on; it keeps well for up to 2 months. When thawing, I prefer overnight in the fridge before reheating so the texture stays nice.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of coconut milk or water can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow reheating preserves the tender texture better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe has become a favorite in my home because it’s pure comfort food with just the right amount of spice and richness. I love that it doesn’t require a ton of fuss yet rewards me with a fragrant, restaurant-quality meal every time. If you’re looking for a dish to impress your family or simply treat yourself on a busy night, give this one a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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