Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

I’ve got to tell you about this gem I discovered recently — the Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe. It’s honestly one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together without any fuss. The combination of warm spices, creamy coconut milk, and just the right kick of heat makes this perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

What I love most about this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is how the flavors meld while baking — the chicken stays juicy, the sauce gets luxuriously rich, and those toasted sesame seeds on top add this lovely subtle crunch. Plus, you don’t need to babysit it, which means more time to enjoy a drink or catch up on your favorite show while the oven does the work.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll notice this recipe calls for a nice balance of spices and creamy ingredients that bring out nutty, buttery, and spicy notes all at once. Picking fresh garlic and ginger really amplifies the flavor, so don’t skip that part!

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work great, too.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped is best for that punchy aroma.
• Fresh grated ginger: The secret weapon for warmth and zing.
• Garam masala: A fantastic spice blend that ties the dish together.
• Cumin: Adds earthy depth to the flavor profile.
• Turmeric: For vibrant color and subtle earthiness.
• Cayenne pepper: Control the heat here — start with less if you’re sensitive!
• Salt and black pepper: Season for balance and flavor enhancement.
• Salted butter: This makes the sauce rich and silky.
• Yellow onion: Gives sweetness and body to the sauce.
• Full-fat coconut milk: Creamy, dreamy, and the perfect dairy-free texture.
• Tomato paste: Adds a tangy depth and thickens the sauce pleasantly.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted for that irresistible nutty crunch.
• Fresh cilantro: Brightens and freshens the final dish.
• Steamed rice and naan: Essential for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Chili flakes and paprika (for chili butter): Adds a smoky, spicy drizzle to finish.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on the mood and what’s in my kitchen. This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is super adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Swap chicken cuts: Tried it with bone-in thighs for extra flavor and it was a hit, just add a few more minutes to baking time.
• Dairy-free tweak: Skip the butter and yogurt or use a plant-based butter to keep it vegan-friendly without losing creaminess.
• Heat level: Dial up the cayenne or chili flakes if you love it hotter — my husband swears by doubling it!
• Add veggies: Toss in sliced bell peppers or spinach for a colorful, nutritious boost.

How to Make Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken with Spices

Start by tossing your chicken pieces in a bowl with Greek yogurt, freshly chopped garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. I let it sit for 5 minutes — even that little time helps the spices soak in and tenderizes the chicken beautifully. If you’re pressed for time, don’t worry; even a quick marination gives great flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, spread the marinated chicken evenly, then scatter the chopped yellow onion on top. Pour the full-fat coconut milk over everything, then stir in the tomato paste until you get a creamy, uniform sauce. I find this stirring step crucial — it ensures every bite has that luscious spiced coconut goodness.

Step 3: Add Butter and Sesame Seeds Before Baking

Lay out the butter slices on top of the chicken — this slow melting butter is what gives the dish its silky texture and rich flavor. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously across the top for that toasty crunch that I promise you’ll love. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear and the sauce bubbles invitingly.

Step 4: Make the Chili Butter

While the chicken is baking, melt salted butter in a small saucepan with chili flakes and paprika. Cook until the butter starts to brown slightly, giving it a nutty aroma and deeper flavor — just watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. This chili butter drizzle adds a smoky, spicy finish that turns the dish from delicious to unforgettable.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once your chicken is baked, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it over bowls of steamed rice with warm naan bread on the side. Drizzle the chili butter over the chicken or even the rice to get the full flavor experience. Trust me, your family or guests will be asking for seconds!

How to Serve Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this with a generous handful of fresh chopped cilantro — it adds a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness wonderfully. Sometimes, I sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top right before serving for that satisfying crunch and eye appeal.

Side Dishes

Steamed basmati rice is my go-to for soaking up the luscious sauce, but naan bread on the side is a must-have in my book. I’ve also served this with simple sautéed greens like spinach or kale, which provide a nice balance to the creamy spiciness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in small ramekins or an elegant casserole dish, sprinkled with extra cilantro and sesame seeds. It pairs beautifully with wine or a cold beer, turning any dinner into a celebration. You could even plate it over fragrant saffron rice for an extra luxe touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day! Just make sure to keep the chili butter separate if possible to preserve its texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken successfully in portions for up to 2 months. When freezing, skip the chili butter drizzle and add it fresh after reheating to keep that vibrant kick. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce feels thick. Then, finish with a fresh drizzle of your homemade chili butter for maximum flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe quickly became one of my household staples because it hits all the right notes—creamy, spicy, buttery, and comforting. I love how effortless it is, especially when you want a home-cooked meal that feels special without a lot of stress. Once you try it, I’m pretty sure you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever you want to impress or just treat yourself to something delicious and cozy.

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