Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time. The combination of warm spices and that luscious buttery coconut sauce makes every bite flavorful without being overly complicated. Whenever I need a weeknight winner or want to impress guests with minimal fuss, this recipe is my go-to.

You’ll find that this recipe works wonderfully for busy evenings since it’s mostly hands-off in the oven and easy to prep. Plus, the flavors deepen beautifully while baking, so the chicken stays juicy and tender. If you’ve been hunting for a simple way to bring bold Indian-inspired flair home, this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is absolutely worth trying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together to create that rich, spicy, and buttery sauce you crave. Each spice adds a layer of warmth, and the coconut milk keeps everything silky smooth. I always recommend using fresh garlic and ginger if you can—it really makes a difference in the depth of flavor.

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier but breasts work just fine; use whatever you prefer.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds creaminess to the marinade.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped for that pungent kick, indispensable in this recipe.
• Fresh grated ginger: Adds a zesty warmth and pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Garam masala: The star spice blend that brings all the Indian flavors together.
• Cumin: Earthy and slightly smoky, complements the garam masala perfectly.
• Turmeric: Adds earthy notes and that gorgeous golden color.
• Cayenne pepper: Adjust to taste for your preferred level of heat.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
• Salted butter: Layered on top for richness and nuttiness.
• Yellow onion: Chopped to build sweetness and heartiness in the bake.
• Full-fat coconut milk: Provides creaminess and a subtle tropical hint.
• Tomato paste: Deepens the sauce with a mild acidity and richness.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted on top to bring crunch and that wonderful nutty flavor.
• Fresh cilantro: For a vibrant, fresh finish at the end.
• Chili flakes and paprika: Used in the chili butter for an extra layered heat and smoky backdrop.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is — you can adjust it easily depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs. Mixing things up keeps it interesting and lets you make the dish your own.

• Variation: I’ve swapped chicken thighs for boneless skinless legs for extra juiciness when I wanted a richer bite.
• Dairy-free tweak: Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a fully dairy-free version that’s just as creamy.
• Milder version: Cut down the cayenne and chili flakes and your kids will still enjoy it without the intense heat.
• Extra veggies: Adding chopped bell peppers or spinach into the bake is a great way to sneak in some greens without extra effort.

How to Make Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken with Spices

Start by tossing the chicken pieces in Greek yogurt, chopped garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. I like to do this in a baking dish to keep cleanup minimal. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes—this brief marination helps the spices meld with the chicken, infusing flavor and tenderizing the meat. If you have more time, an hour or two in the refrigerator only amps up the deliciousness.

Step 2: Combine the Sauce Ingredients and Prep for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Add the chopped onion directly on top of the spiced chicken, then pour over the full-fat coconut milk and stir in the tomato paste until everything looks smooth and creamy. I try to spread the butter slices evenly over the top before sprinkling sesame seeds for that toasty finish. Watching the butter melt into the sauce while baking is always a comforting moment.

Step 3: Bake Until Tender and Bubbly

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, depending on your chicken cut thickness. You’re looking for the chicken to be fully cooked through and the sauce to be bubbling and aromatic around the edges. An easy trick I learned is to check for a nice golden brown edge on the butter spots and make sure the internal chicken temperature hits 165°F to be safe. Then, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top just before serving to brighten it up.

Step 4: Make the Chili Butter

While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a small pan and stir in chili flakes and paprika. Cook until the butter starts to brown slightly — this step deepens the flavor and adds a lovely smokiness that pairs perfectly with the spicy sesame chicken. I love drizzling this chili butter over my serving bowls of rice for a luxurious touch.

How to Serve Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped cilantro is my absolute favorite finishing touch—its bright, herbaceous aroma cuts through the rich sauce beautifully. I also love to sprinkle a few extra toasted sesame seeds on top for crunch. Sometimes, a squeeze of fresh lime over the dish before serving adds an unexpected zing that livens it right up.

Side Dishes

Steamed basmati rice is a classic and your best bet to soak up all that spicy, buttery sauce. I also serve this with warm naan bread—perfect for scooping. If you want a vegetable side, lightly sautéed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad complement the heat and richness wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this chicken family style in a large colorful casserole dish with scattered fresh cilantro and sesame seeds on top. Setting out small bowls of chili butter, lime wedges, and extra naan lets guests customize their plates. The vibrant colors and steamy aroma always make the table feel warm and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens beautifully overnight, and the flavors even deepen! Just give it a gentle stir when reheating to recombine everything.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well too. I portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and label them with the date. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. The texture holds up nicely thanks to the coconut milk and yogurt base.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm evenly. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little water or coconut milk to loosen it back up. Microwaving is convenient but I find stovetop reheating preserves the texture better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe a try—it’s genuinely one of those recipes that brightens up any night with minimal effort. I still remember the first time I made it and how quickly my whole family asked for seconds! It hits that perfect sweet spot between cozy comfort food and exciting flavor adventure. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want this dish on repeat for all your weeknight dinners and special meals alike.

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