Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe because it’s got layers of rich, comforting flavors without any fuss. The blend of garam masala, turmeric, and a touch of cayenne gives the chicken this beautiful warm spiciness, while the coconut milk and butter create a luscious sauce that’s downright addictive. Whenever I’m pressed for time but want something that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen, this goes straight to my go-to list.

You’ll find that this recipe works brilliantly for weeknight dinners but also shines when you’re entertaining — it’s impressive but surprisingly easy to pull off. Baking everything together means minimal mess and a hands-off cooking process, giving you more time to relax or prep sides. If you love bold flavors and creamy sauces, this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe will become a fast favorite, just like it did for my family!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe are simple pantry staples that come together for incredible taste. When shopping, look for fresh ginger and good quality coconut milk to really elevate the dish.

• Boneless Chicken (breasts or thighs): Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and adds slight tang to balance spices.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic provides that essential aromatic punch.
• Fresh Grated Ginger: Offers a warm, zesty brightness that’s key to the flavor.
• Garam Masala: This spice blend is the heart of the recipe – buy fresh or make your own for best results.
• Cumin: Earthy and nutty, it complements the garam masala beautifully.
• Turmeric: Adds color and a subtle, bittersweet depth.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the heat to your taste – start small and add more if you like it fiery.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that luscious sauce texture.
• Yellow Onion: Chopped onion melds into the sauce and sweetens as it bakes.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Imparts creaminess and subtle coconut flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Balances creaminess with a little acidity and depth of flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted on top for a nutty crunch and eye-catching garnish.
• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens the dish.
• Steamed Rice and Naan: Perfect for soaking up that spicy buttery sauce.
• Chili Butter (butter, chili flakes, paprika): Optional but highly recommended for an extra kick and smoky depth.

Variations

I love playing around with this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe depending on what I have on hand or how spicy I’m feeling. Feel free to customize it to your personal taste—there’s a lot of room for creativity here!

• Variation: Using chicken thighs instead of breasts makes the dish even more succulent; my family swears by it for weeknight dinners.
• Variation: For a dairy-free version, swap out the butter for coconut oil—still rich and flavorful, just different.
• Variation: Add freshly chopped green chilis or extra cayenne if you want a serious spicy kick; I discovered this trick hosting friends who love heat!
• Variation: Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist that still soaks up that amazing sauce.

How to Make Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by combining your chicken pieces with plain Greek yogurt, freshly chopped garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and a teaspoon of salt directly in a baking dish. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. This marinade gives the chicken a rich flavor and tender texture. I usually let it sit for about 5 minutes while I preheat the oven, but if you have extra time, letting it marinate longer amps up the taste even more.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Coconut-Tomato Sauce

Next, add the chopped yellow onion to the chicken mixture, pour in the full-fat coconut milk, then dollop in the tomato paste. Stir everything gently until it becomes a creamy, unified sauce. This combination creates the signature buttery, spicy base that clings beautifully to every bite.

Step 3: Add Butter and Sesame Seeds for That Special Touch

Slice some cold salted butter and arrange the slices evenly on top of the chicken. Then sprinkle sesame seeds over everything. The butter melts slowly while baking, enriching the sauce, and the sesame seeds add a lovely nutty crunch and aroma. This step is key to nailing the authentic flavor and texture!

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Pop the baking dish into a 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes. You want to make sure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy—internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The sauce will thicken up slightly, and the butter and sesame seeds will develop a beautiful golden look. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top when it’s out of the oven for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 5: Make the Chili Butter

While the chicken bakes, melt salted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add chili flakes and paprika, then cook until the butter starts browning and smells nutty—be careful not to burn it! This chili butter brings an extra smoky spiciness that I like to drizzle over the rice and chicken right before serving. It’s a game-changer and highly recommended.

Step 6: Serve It Up with Rice and Naan

Serve the chicken hot over bowls of steamed rice with plenty of that chili butter drizzled on top, accompanied by warm naan bread. The naan is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the luscious sauce. This simple plating always gets rave reviews from my family – it feels indulgent yet wholesome.

How to Serve Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this chicken with freshly chopped cilantro—it brightens every bite with a bit of herbal freshness. Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness that complements the spicy butter sauce perfectly. Sometimes I squeeze a little fresh lime over the top for a zesty twist that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this with fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice because the sauce soaks right in. For a little extra, serving warm naan or garlic naan alongside is a must—it’s perfect for dipping or wrapping. Roasted or sautéed greens like spinach or bok choy also make a great balance to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken in individual mini cocottes or ramekins with a sprinkle of extra chili flakes and whole cilantro sprigs for a pop of color. You can also plate it on banana leaves (for an exotic touch) and add a side of pickled vegetables to create a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit overnight, so just add a splash of water or coconut milk when reheating to loosen it back up. This recipe tastes just as good the next day, sometimes even better since the flavors have melded.

Freezing

If I plan ahead, I freeze portions of the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the texture remains great if you reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. The chili butter is best made fresh, though, so I keep that aside until serving time.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the chicken and sauce slowly in a skillet over low heat, adding a little coconut milk or water if it’s too thick. This approach keeps the chicken tender and the sauce creamy without drying out. Reheating in the microwave works too, but stirring halfway through helps ensure even warmth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my cooking routine because it effortlessly combines depth of flavor with simplicity. I always feel like I’m treating my loved ones to something special without hours in the kitchen. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, I bet you’ll come back to it again and again for those cozy, flavor-packed meals.

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