Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

I absolutely love this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe because it hits that perfect balance between rich, buttery comfort and a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds. The way the coconut milk and tomato paste create a luscious sauce, combined with the warm spices, makes this dish feel both exotic and familiar. Whenever I need a dinner that’s impressive but not complicated, this recipe is my go-to.

You’ll find that this recipe works wonderfully for weeknight meals or when friends come over for a casual dinner. The baking method means you don’t have to hover over a stove, and the flavors really develop as it cooks. Trust me, once you try this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe, it’ll become a frequent request at your table.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together to give you that creamy, spicy, buttery flavor that makes this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe stand out. I recommend shopping for fresh ginger and good-quality garam masala because they really boost the aroma and depth of flavor.

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier but breasts work well too; choose what you prefer.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken for extra juiciness.
• Garlic: Fresh and chopped—don’t skip it; it adds essential flavor layers.
• Fresh grated ginger: Gives a warm, zingy freshness that cuts through the richness.
• Garam masala: The soul of this recipe—warm, spiced, and aromatic.
• Cumin: Earthy undertones that blend beautifully with garam masala.
• Turmeric: For that lovely golden color and subtle bitterness.
• Cayenne pepper: Use according to your heat tolerance; this is the spicy kick.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
• Salted butter: Butter is a game-changer here, enriching every bite.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture when baked with the chicken.
• Full-fat coconut milk: Creates the creamy sauce base everyone loves.
• Tomato paste: Gives a slight tang and deepness to the sauce.
• Cold butter slices: Added on top before baking for buttery pockets of flavor.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted in the oven, they add crunch and a toasty note.
• Fresh cilantro: Brightens the finished dish with a refreshing pop.
• Steamed rice and naan: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Chili flakes: For the chili butter that’s drizzled over at the end.
• Paprika: Adds smoky depth to the chili butter.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on what I have on hand or craving—this recipe is forgiving and easy to personalize. Feel free to experiment with spice levels or add veggies to the bake for an all-in-one meal.

• Spicy Level: When I want it milder for the kids, I reduce the cayenne and chili flakes; for a party, I crank it up and maybe add a dash of hot sauce.
• Protein Swap: I’ve tried this with tofu for a vegetarian twist—it soaks up the sauce nicely and is great baked the same way.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or baby spinach before baking to sneak in some greens.
• Butter Swap: Using ghee instead of butter adds a nutty flavor that’s delicious if you want a slight twist.

How to Make Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the chicken

Start by tossing your chicken pieces in a mixture of Greek yogurt, chopped garlic, fresh grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. I like to mix everything thoroughly so the chicken gets a good coating of those beautiful spices. Let it sit for about 5 minutes—this short marinate really perks up the flavor and tenderizes the chicken nicely without needing hours in the fridge.

Step 2: Prep the baking dish and sauce

Preheat your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Next, add the chopped yellow onion right on top of the marinated chicken in your baking dish. Pour the full-fat coconut milk and then add the tomato paste right over everything. I like to stir gently, just enough to make a creamy, well-mixed sauce that hugs every bite of chicken. Arrange slices of cold salted butter all over before sprinkling sesame seeds on top.

Step 3: Bake and prepare chili butter

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You want the chicken cooked through but still juicy inside—watch for that lovely golden bubbling sauce. While that’s baking, melt the butter in a small pan and toss in the chili flakes and paprika. Cook until the butter just starts to brown and smell nutty, then remove from heat; this chili butter adds an extra dimension when drizzled over the finished chicken.

Step 4: Finish and serve

Once the chicken is out of the oven, sprinkle the fresh chopped cilantro on top for a bright contrast. Serve it hot over bowls of steamed rice with warm naan on the side, and drizzle some of that chili butter all over each serving. I promise you’ll love the way the spicy, buttery, and nutty flavors come together—it’s utterly comforting and a little luxurious at the same time.

How to Serve Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my chicken with freshly chopped cilantro because it adds that vibrant, fresh note that cuts through the richness and spices. Toasted sesame seeds sprinkled over at the end offer a lovely crunch and nutty aroma that I really adore. Sometimes I add a few thin slices of green chili if I want an extra heat boost.

Side Dishes

This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is perfect with fluffy steamed basmati rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. Warm, soft naan bread is my favorite to scoop up every last bit—you can never have enough naan! For a balanced meal, I’ll also serve a simple cucumber raita or refreshing salad on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve this dish family-style on a large platter, scattering fresh cilantro and sesame seeds on top for visual appeal. Lining the platter with lemon wedges adds a pop of color and a fresh option for guests to squeeze over their chicken. If it feels festive, serving the chili butter in a small dish on the side adds an interactive element people enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken keeps really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store the chicken along with the sauce to preserve moisture and flavor. Just give it a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this chicken a couple of times with good results—pack it tightly into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When defrosted, the texture and flavors hold up very well, making it a convenient ready-to-go meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out, stirring occasionally. If microwaving, cover the dish loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe has become one of my favorite dishes to make when I want something impressive but easy. The combination of spice, creaminess, and butter is just irresistible, and it always brings smiles around my dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll see it’s the kind of dish you’ll turn to again and again when you want a cozy, flavorful meal without the fuss.

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