Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for something that feels like a flavorful hug on a plate, this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is just the ticket. I love how it takes just a handful of ingredients and turns them into this rich, spicy, buttery delight that fills the kitchen with the most irresistible aroma. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting but not complicated.

What makes this dish truly special, in my eyes, is the way the spices and creamy coconut meld with the tender chicken baked right in the sauce — no fuss, no standing over the stove. I’ve found it works wonders whether you’re feeding a family or looking to impress guests without the stress. Trust me, once you try this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe, it’ll be one you come back to over and over.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here come together to deliver warmth, creaminess, and a little kick of heat—perfectly balanced so your taste buds stay happy without the burn. When shopping, I always look for fresh ginger and good quality plain Greek yogurt to keep the flavors fresh and tangy.

• Chicken (boneless breasts or thighs): Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well if you trim them neatly for even cooking.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken while keeping it moist.
• Garlic: Offers that classic savory punch we all crave.
• Fresh grated ginger: Provides a zesty warmth that brightens the spices.
• Garam masala: The star spice blend giving this recipe its Indian-inspired depth.
• Cumin: Earthy undertones that pair wonderfully with garam masala.
• Turmeric: Adds color and subtle flavor with anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Cayenne pepper: The heat component—adjust based on your spice tolerance.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances every flavor in the dish.
• Salted butter: Used twice — in the sauce and the chili butter — to pack in richness.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture to the creamy sauce.
• Full-fat coconut milk: Keeps the sauce luscious and dairy-free friendly if you swap butter.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated tang that balances the creaminess and spices.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted on top for nutty crunch and that sesame aroma.
• Fresh cilantro: Bright finish that cuts through the richness.
• Chili flakes and paprika (for chili butter): Infuses the finishing butter with smoky heat.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this recipe is — I often adjust the heat from the cayenne or swap chicken thighs for breasts depending on what’s in the fridge. Don’t be shy about making it your own; little tweaks can highlight your favorite flavors or meet dietary needs.

• Variation: I once made this with coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version, and it was still incredibly rich and tasty.
• Mild Version: If you want less heat, start with 1/2 teaspoon cayenne and add more after tasting.
• Extra Veggies: Adding chopped bell peppers or spinach before baking adds color and nutrition.
• Protein Swap: Try this with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by tossing your chicken in a baking dish with the yogurt, garlic, grated ginger, and all the spices — garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, plus salt. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes; longer if you can! This quick soak lets all those spices seep in without needing hours of marinating. I usually prep this part while my oven preheats to save time.

Step 2: Bring It All Together and Bake

Once your chicken’s marinated, stir in the chopped yellow onion, pour in the creamy coconut milk, and mix in the tomato paste until you get a beautiful, velvety sauce. Dot the dish with sliced salted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for that signature nutty crunch. Pop it into your preheated 400°F oven for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Keep an eye so the sauce doesn’t dry out—if it looks too thick, just add a splash of water.

Step 3: Make the Chili Butter While Chicken Bakes

While the chicken is baking, melt butter with chili flakes and paprika in a small pan. Cook until the butter is golden and fragrant, but don’t burn it! This step adds a rich smoky layer that I find elevates the dish. When everything’s ready, drizzle this spiced butter on top. It’s like the final little flourish that makes the meal sing.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro and serve over fluffy steamed rice, alongside warm naan bread. This combination totally rounds out the meal and soaks up all that delicious sauce. Believe me, by now your kitchen will smell amazing and your guests or family will be asking for seconds!

How to Serve Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with fresh chopped cilantro and toasted sesame seeds. The cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy lift that balances the rich sauce, while sesame seeds provide a satisfying crunch and that toasty nuttiness that complements the butter and spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is my go-to to soak up the sauce. Warm naan bread on the side is non-negotiable for me—I love tearing off pieces to scoop up the chicken and sauce. Roasted or sautéed greens like spinach or kale also make a lovely, nutritious side to balance the indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve had friends over, I like to serve this in individual shallow bowls with a dollop of chili butter on top and a lime wedge on the side for a bright twist. It’s simple but feels special. You can also plate it with a sprinkle of sliced green onions or even crispy fried shallots for extra texture and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken keeps wonderfully tender, and the sauce thickens nicely, so you might want to add a splash of water or coconut milk when reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes pretty well if you want to batch cook. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found is to reheat on low heat in a skillet to keep the chicken moist. Add a little splash of coconut milk or broth to loosen up the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwave works fine for a quick fix—just cover to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s both comforting and exciting in flavor. I love how effortless it is to make but still impressive when served. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll enjoy how the layers of spice, butter, and cream come together so beautifully, making it both a treat and a reliable crowd-pleaser in your kitchen.

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