Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors yet simple to prepare, the Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe blends a perfect combination of spicy heat, nutty sesame, and rich buttery goodness, all baked to tender perfection. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or wanting something exciting for dinner, this dish promises juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and fuss-free: The entire recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple cooking methods, making it perfect for busy days.
• Flavor-packed: Every bite bursts with balanced spicy, buttery, and sesame notes that keep you coming back for more.
• Healthy homemade ingredients: You control the quality and freshness by making it from scratch, avoiding preservatives and additives.
• Versatile meal option: Great for dinner parties or your weekly meal prep, the dish adapts beautifully to different sides and serving styles.
• Family-friendly heat: Spicy without being overwhelming, it’s easy to adjust the spice level to suit everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one adds its unique flavor or texture, creating a harmonious, well-rounded dish.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they soak up flavors much better than breasts, enhancing the dish’s moistness.
• Butter: Provides a rich, luscious base that helps meld the spices and sesame oil perfectly.
• Sesame oil: Adds a deep, nutty aroma and flavor crucial to making this recipe authentically delicious.
• Sriracha or chili paste: Delivers the kick of heat, adjustable to your taste preferences for spice intensity.
• Soy sauce: Brings a savory, umami depth that balances out the sweetness and spice.
• Garlic and ginger: Essential aromatics that add warmth and complexity to the marinade.
• Honey or brown sugar: Offers a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the spice and enrich the glaze.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted on top for crunch and extra sesame flavor.
• Green onions: Fresh garnish adding a mild onion bite and vibrant color.

Variations for Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt to your tastes, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative with these variations!

• Use chicken breasts: Swap thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be mindful to not overbake to keep it juicy.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute tofu or tempeh marinated the same way for a delicious plant-based twist.
• Add veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for some color and crunch baked alongside the chicken.
• Adjust the heat: Use milder chili sauce, reduce sriracha, or add extra honey for a sweeter version.
• Gluten-free option: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

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How to Make Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger until smooth and well combined. This marinade captures the heart of the flavor, perfectly balancing spicy, sweet, and savory notes.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is completely coated. For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours to soak in maximum flavor.

Step 3: Preheat and Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange marinated chicken thighs evenly, skin side up, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Place the tray in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the skin is golden and slightly crispy. Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with remaining marinade for added moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions across the top for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

• Use bone-in thighs: For extra moistness and better flavor retention during baking.
• Don’t skip marinating: Even a short marination enhances the dish’s depth significantly.
• Toast sesame seeds: Toast them lightly in a dry pan to intensify their nuttiness before sprinkling.
• Adjust baking time: Depending on your oven and chicken size, check early to avoid drying out.
• Rest before serving: Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes post-baking to redistribute juices evenly.

How to Serve Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Finish with freshly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and optionally a drizzle of extra sesame oil or a squeeze of lime for brightness that balances the rich sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, garlic sautéed greens, or even crispy roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s both comforting and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it over a bed of noodles tossed in soy or sesame dressing, or slice and add to crunchy Asian slaw for a refreshing twist on presentation. You can also plate it family-style on a large platter for casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before sealing to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Portion it before freezing for easy thaw-and-heat convenience.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave on medium power covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture without drying the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Skinless chicken will still work, though skin-on is preferable for extra flavor and crispiness when baked.

Is there a non-spicy version of this recipe?

Yes, simply reduce or omit the sriracha and use a mild chili sauce or paprika for color without the heat.

What can I substitute for sesame oil if I don’t have any?

You can use toasted walnut or peanut oil for a different but complementary nutty flavor if sesame oil isn’t available.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes is great, but for best results, marinate for 1-2 hours to deepen the flavors.

Can I grill this chicken instead of baking?

Yes, grilling adds wonderful char flavors and can shorten cook time—just baste frequently with marinade to keep moistness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe strikes a wonderful balance of bold and comforting flavors with very little effort. It’s flavorful, flexible, and fits perfectly into any weeknight dinner plan. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!

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