Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something that feels fancy but is actually super simple, you’re going to love this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how the flavors come together—the creamy coconut milk and yogurt create the perfect tender base for the chicken, while the aromatic spices add a punch that’s just right on the heat scale. It’s one of those dishes you can throw together on a weeknight yet still impress anyone at your dinner table.

This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household because it’s so forgiving and versatile. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, you’ll find that the spicy sesame butter drizzle on top adds that little extra something that makes every bite unforgettable. Plus, baking everything in one dish means easy cleanup too—win-win!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything here is easy to find and works together to balance creamy richness, warming spices, and spicy heat. I always recommend using fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor lift, and don’t skip the chili butter—it’s the secret star of this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe.

• Chicken (boneless breasts or thighs): Thighs are juicier, but breasts work great if you prefer lean meat.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and tenderizes the chicken wonderfully.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh is ideal; minced garlic boosts that punchy aroma.
• Fresh grated ginger: Provides a warm, zesty note that balances the heat.
• Garam masala: Key spice blend giving depth and earthiness.
• Cumin: Adds smokiness to the flavor profile.
• Turmeric: For subtle bitterness and gorgeous golden color.
• Cayenne pepper: Adjustable spice – smaller amount for gentle heat, more for fiery kick.
• Salt and black pepper: To season and enhance flavors.
• Salted butter: For richness in the sauce and the chili butter topping.
• Yellow onion: Diced to bring sweetness and texture.
• Full-fat coconut milk: Creates creamy, velvety sauce.
• Tomato paste: Adds umami and balances richness with acidity.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted on top for a lovely nutty crunch.
• Fresh cilantro: Bright, fresh herbaceous finish.
• Chili flakes & paprika: Combined in melted butter to drizzle over for a spicy, smoky kick.
• Steamed rice and naan: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce.

Variations

I love tweaking this Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or what my family’s craving. Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit — small tweaks can yield delicious results and keep the recipe fresh in your weekly rotation.

• Switch the protein: I’ve made this with shrimp and it’s amazing, too – just reduce baking time so shrimp don’t overcook.
• Dairy-free version: Use coconut yogurt in place of Greek yogurt, and swap salted butter for ghee or coconut oil.
• Mild version: Use less cayenne and chili flakes if you prefer gentle warmth rather than heat.
• Extra vegetables: Add bell peppers or spinach halfway through baking for some extra color and nutrition.

How to Make Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Begin by tossing the chicken pieces in a mixture of Greek yogurt, chopped garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt. Let the chicken sit for at least 5 minutes—if you have more time, an hour or two will deepen the flavor. The yogurt not only adds tang but tenderizes the meat beautifully, ensuring your chicken comes out juicy and bursting with spice harmony.

Step 2: Layer Onions, Coconut Milk & Tomato Paste

Preheat your oven to 400°F while you prep. In your baking dish, add the chopped onion on top of the marinated chicken, then pour over the creamy coconut milk before spooning in the tomato paste. Stir everything gently until it’s evenly combined. The tomato paste adds a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the coconut milk, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Add Butter Slices and Sesame Seeds Before Baking

Scatter sliced salted butter over the top of the chicken mixture and sprinkle liberally with sesame seeds. This little surprise of butter melts into the sauce as it bakes, creating a luscious finish, while the sesame seeds toast and add a nutty crunch. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling gently.

Step 4: Prepare the Chili Butter Drizzle

While the chicken bakes, melt salted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add chili flakes and paprika, cooking until the butter starts to brown slightly and becomes deeply fragrant. This spicy butter will be drizzled over the finished dish to give an added smoky chili kick that your taste buds will adore.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When your chicken is perfectly baked, top it with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright contrast before serving. Spoon the chicken and sauce over bowls of steamed rice, drizzle with the warm chili butter, and don’t forget the naan for dipping. This meal always feels so special but comes together with ease—I know you’ll get hooked just like my family did!

How to Serve Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my finished chicken with plenty of fresh cilantro because it brightens every bite and balances the richness. Toasted sesame seeds on top add that satisfying crunch and subtle nutty flavor. If you like a bit more heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes right before serving never hurts!

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the luscious sauce and is my go-to base. I also love serving this with warm naan bread—it’s perfect for sopping up the bites of spicy butter sauce. For a lighter touch, simple cucumber or carrot salad tossed in lemon juice complements the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I’ve plated the chicken over colorful turmeric rice sprinkled with pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs—trust me, it looks beautiful and tastes incredible. You can also serve it in small bowls as a casual buffet style, letting guests add their own chili butter drizzle for a fun interactive meal experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I find this chicken keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The sauce thickens but reheats beautifully, although I sometimes add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen it when warming up.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, though I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the chili butter for best freshness. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, I like warming leftovers on low heat in a skillet with a splash of coconut milk to keep things creamy. Add the chili butter last minute so it’s fresh and aromatic. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is one of those kitchen wins that just never gets old. I love how it’s packed with flavor but still so approachable for any cook, beginner or experienced. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a comforting, spiced dinner that feels indulgent without a ton of work. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation like I do!

Print