Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe with you! It’s one of those meals that just hits every craving spot — creamy, spicy, buttery, and with a touch of crunch from the sesame seeds. Whenever I make this, my family goes crazy for it. Plus, it’s super straightforward, perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want something cozy but impressive.

What makes this recipe stand out is how all those bold flavors come together in one dish that practically makes itself in the oven. You’ll find that the garlic and ginger paired with garam masala and cayenne give it this amazing warmth, while the coconut milk and butter keep it luscious and comforting. If you like meals that are flavorful but low-fuss, this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe will quickly become a favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe plays a role in building that rich, aromatic flavor we love. When shopping, try to grab fresh garlic and ginger, and if you can, opt for a good-quality garam masala — it really makes a difference.

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well too if you keep an eye on cooking time.
• Plain Greek yogurt: This tenderizes the chicken and adds tanginess to the marinade.
• Garlic: Fresh is best here for that vibrant punch.
• Fresh ginger: Compliments the garlic and adds warmth.
• Garam masala: The heart of the flavor profile with its aromatic spices.
• Cumin: Adds earthiness to balance the heat.
• Turmeric: A subtle depth and gorgeous color.
• Cayenne pepper: Adjust this to control how spicy the dish is!
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Salted butter: Adds richness; using salted butter helps with seasoning precision.
• Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and texture.
• Full-fat coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle tropical undertone.
• Tomato paste: Offers tang and depth.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted on top for that nutty crunch.
• Fresh cilantro: Brightens and freshens the dish before serving.
• Steamed rice and naan: Perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
• Chili flakes & paprika (for chili butter): They give a smoky, spicy kick that ties the whole meal together.

Variations

I love how flexible this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is. You can easily tweak the spices or swap ingredients to make it your own — that’s part of the fun. Feel free to get creative!

• Milder Version: When I want to keep things tame for my kids, I cut the cayenne in half and skip the chili butter sauce — still full of flavor but gentler on little palates.
• Extra Veggies: You can toss in sliced bell peppers or snap peas before baking for a veggie boost and color pop.
• Different Protein: I’ve swapped chicken for firm tofu to make a vegetarian-friendly version; just adjust baking time accordingly.
• Spicy Level Up: Once, I went full-on spicy by adding fresh chopped bird’s eye chilies along with cayenne — definitely for heat seekers!

How to Make Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken with Bold Spices

Start by tossing your chicken with Greek yogurt, chopped garlic, freshly grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and a teaspoon of salt right in your baking dish. This quick mix is magic — the yogurt tenderizes and the spices start infusing immediately. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes; I’ve sometimes let it go for 30 minutes if time allows, and the flavor just gets deeper.

Step 2: Build the Sauce and Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). To the marinated chicken, add the chopped onion, then pour over the full-fat coconut milk and stir in the tomato paste until everything’s creamy and well combined. This sauce is going to keep the chicken juicy and give you those luscious, rich flavors.

Before baking, arrange slices of cold salted butter evenly over the chicken – the butter melts into the sauce and adds that irresistible richness. Then sprinkle the sesame seeds on top for a nutty finish. Pop it in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are bubbling.

Step 3: Make the Chili Butter for the Final Touch

While the chicken is baking, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add chili flakes and paprika, stirring gently until the butter starts to brown slightly – this transforms it into a fragrant, spicy drizzle. Once done, remove from the heat and set aside. This chili butter is a game-changer and makes the whole dish pop with flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once your chicken is out of the oven, sprinkle over plenty of fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with steamed rice and warm naan bread, then drizzle the spicy chili butter on top for that extra layer of indulgence. I promise you, this finishing touch never fails to wow guests or family.

How to Serve Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this chicken with fresh chopped cilantro for a bright, herby contrast to the creamy sauce. Toasted sesame seeds add wonderful texture and nuttiness, and if you like a little extra crunch, sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions too. These simple garnishes really bring the dish to life.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is my go-to because it soaks up every bit of the spicy buttery sauce. Warm naan or roti is great for scooping up the chicken and sauce too — trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop. Sometimes, I add a simple cucumber salad on the side to cool down the spice and add a fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe in individual shallow bowls layered with fragrant rice and drizzle each plate with the chili butter in a pretty swirl. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens adds a fun pop of color, making it feel restaurant-worthy but still very home-cooked and cozy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens up a bit, but just give it a gentle stir before reheating, and you’re good to go.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and it keeps well for up to 2 months. When I’m ready for a quick meal, I just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.

Reheating

To keep the chicken moist when reheating, I warm it slowly on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce seems too thick. Microwave works in a pinch, but stirring halfway through helps avoid dry spots. Reheat just until warm to prevent drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe comes together — it’s flavorful without being intimidating and makes the kitchen smell amazing as it bakes. When I first tried it, I hesitated to mix so many spices, but the result blew me away. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a go-to in your meal rotation. So next time you want something comforting, spicy, and rich in flavor, give this recipe a spin — you won’t regret it!

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