Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you crave meals that bring that perfect cozy warmth but don’t require hours slaving over the stove. That’s exactly why this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer in my kitchen. It’s bursting with bold, fragrant spices paired with luscious creamy coconut milk and a buttery kick that feels indulgent yet totally doable on a weeknight.

What makes this recipe so special, in my opinion, is how it balances spicy heat with comforting creaminess—and the sesame seeds add this subtle nuttiness you don’t expect but absolutely love. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends without fuss, this baked chicken dish is reliably satisfying and super simple to pull together, even if you’re new to spicing things up in the kitchen.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe lies in how these ingredients play off each other. From the fragrant spices to the creamy coconut milk, you’ll want to grab good quality fresh ginger and freshly grated garlic if you can—they’re little flavor bombs that really elevate the dish.

• Chicken (boneless breasts or thighs): Thighs offer extra juiciness, but breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.
• Plain Greek yogurt: This helps tenderize the chicken and adds a slight tang, enhancing the spice mix.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped gives that raw pungency that builds as it bakes, way better than powder here.
• Fresh grated ginger: Adds a warm, sharp note that brightens the dish naturally.
• Garam masala: This fragrant Indian spice blend is key for authentic aroma and depth.
• Cumin: Earthy and nutty, it pairs beautifully with turmeric and garam masala.
• Turmeric: Not just for color—this adds subtle warmth and health benefits.
• Cayenne pepper: Adjust this based on your spice tolerance—it’s what makes the heat pop!
• Salt and black pepper: Basic but essential to season and balance flavors.
• Salted butter: Provides richness and helps caramelize the onions and spices during baking.
• Yellow onion: Sweetens as it cooks, adding layers of mellow flavor.
• Full-fat coconut milk: This creamy base carries the spices and adds natural sweetness.
• Tomato paste: Gives body and a subtle tang that complements the spices and coconut.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted on top, these add a lovely crunch and nutty aroma.
• Fresh cilantro: A bright, fresh garnish that cuts through the richness nicely.
• Chili flakes & paprika (for chili butter): Infuse the butter with smoky heat to drizzle on top for extra oomph.
• Steamed rice and naan: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe depending on the mood. Sometimes I dial up the cayenne for a fiery kick, other times I add a splash of lime juice right before serving for a bright twist. Feel free to experiment and make it your own—this recipe is forgiving and versatile.

• Variation: Once, I swapped coconut milk for heavy cream and it gave a richer, silkier sauce—super indulgent but a bit heavier.
• Vegetarian Swap: Use tofu or cauliflower for a plant-based version that still soaks up those spices like a dream.
• Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and chili flakes to suit your family’s heat tolerance; kids might prefer less or none.
• Additional Veggies: Throw in some chopped bell peppers or spinach before baking to sneak in extra nutrients.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Like a Pro

Start by tossing the chicken in Greek yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, salt, and pepper right in your baking dish. I usually let it sit for about 5 minutes—not too long, just enough to meld those flavors without adding extra prep time. Trust me, this quick marinate packs a punch and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce

Preheat your oven to 400°F, then add the chopped onion on top of your marinated chicken. Pour over the coconut milk, stir in tomato paste gently to get a creamy, uniform sauce. Arrange cold butter slices across the chicken—you’ll want these melting down as it bakes to add richness. Sprinkle those sesame seeds last so they toast in the oven.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pop your dish into the hot oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye that the chicken is fully cooked and tender—juices should run clear. The sauce will thicken and bubble, and the sesame seeds will toast to a lovely golden color, which I always find so comforting.

Step 4: Make the Chili Butter

While your chicken is baking, melt the salted butter in a small pan, stir in chili flakes and paprika. Cook until the butter just starts to brown and smell nutty—this step adds such a wonderful depth and the gentle heat really lifts the whole dish.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Once baked, top your chicken with fresh cilantro for brightness, then drizzle with that fragrant chili butter. Serve everything piping hot over steamed rice with naan on the side. I promise—this combination is pure joy on a plate.

How to Serve Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish the dish with a generous sprinkling of fresh cilantro. Its herbaceous brightness cuts through the richness perfectly. Plus, those toasted sesame seeds on top add a little nutty crunch that I wouldn’t skip for anything. For extra flair, sometimes I dash a little lime juice or extra chili flakes right at serving time.

Side Dishes

Steamed basmati rice and warm naan bread are my go-to sides here. The rice soaks up all that luscious sauce, and the naan is perfect for mopping up every bite. If I’m feeling extra, I’ll throw together a simple cucumber raita or a quick cucumber salad on the side to add a cooling contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I love serving this chicken in individual cast iron skillets—it looks rustic and special. You can also layer slices of lemon or lime on top to brighten the plating. Adding a drizzle of extra chili butter just before serving always wows my guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays tender and the sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to mingle. Just make sure to cool it before refrigerating to keep that fresh texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers (without the fresh cilantro topping), and it’ll keep up to 3 months. When thawed, the sauce might separate slightly—just stir it back together gently while reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming the chicken gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or coconut milk to restore creaminess. You can also microwave it covered, but stirring halfway through helps maintain texture. Add fresh cilantro after reheating to keep that bright, fresh finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my weekly rotation because it hits that perfect sweet spot: seriously flavorful yet wonderfully simple. I love that it feels like a restaurant-worthy meal that anyone can make at home without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. If you’re looking for a dinner that’ll impress your taste buds and bring smiles around the table, I can’t recommend this enough—give it a go, and you’ll be hooked just like I am!

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