Sizzling One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and incredible flavor, and this one pan spicy sesame butter chicken delivers both with remarkable ease.

Tender chicken pieces dance in a rich, aromatic sauce that balances heat and depth.

Sesame seeds and vibrant spices create a mouthwatering blend that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a burst of complex flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The magic happens quickly, with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Bold spices mingle with smooth butter, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to each chicken morsel.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in this chicken dish?

The key spices are garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, which create a complex and bold flavor profile that gives the chicken its distinctive taste.

• Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with boneless chicken thighs, turkey, or even firm tofu for a similar cooking method and flavor experience.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The recipe has a moderate heat level due to cayenne pepper and chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the amount of these ingredients according to your preference.

• What makes the sauce creamy and rich?

The combination of yogurt and coconut milk creates a creamy, luxurious sauce that helps tenderize the chicken and adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.

Spicy Sesame Chicken Standouts

• Simplify Cooking: Prepare a delicious meal using just one pan, minimizing cleanup and kitchen mess.
• Flavor Explosion: Blend aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric with creamy coconut milk for a rich, complex taste profile.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust spice levels by controlling cayenne pepper and chili flakes to suit different taste preferences and heat tolerances.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Serve this restaurant-style chicken dish that appeals to both adults and kids, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Sesame Butter Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender and succulent meat that serves as the main protein for this spicy and flavorful dish.

• Yogurt: Creamy base that helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth and warmth to the marinade.

• Garam Masala, Cumin, Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper, Salt: Spice combination that creates a complex and bold flavor profile for the chicken.

• Coconut Milk: Rich and creamy liquid that helps create a smooth and luxurious sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds depth and thickness to the sauce.

• Sesame Seeds: Nutty and crunchy seeds that provide texture and visual appeal.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a bright and herbal finish to the dish.

• Butter, Chili Flakes, Paprika: Spicy and rich butter mixture that adds extra heat and flavor to the final dish.

• Rice, Naan: Traditional side dishes that complement the spicy chicken and sauce.

Sesame Chicken Easy Cooking Steps

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

Grab your chicken and combine it with yogurt, creating a creamy base.

• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Garam masala
• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt

Mix everything thoroughly and let the flavors mingle for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Transfer the marinated chicken into a baking dish.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

Scatter chopped onions over the chicken.

Pour coconut milk and blend in tomato paste until the mixture looks creamy and rich.

Arrange butter slices across the top and sprinkle sesame seeds generously.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly golden.

Step 5: Create Chili Butter

While chicken bakes, melt butter in a small pan.

Add chili flakes and paprika.

Cook until butter turns a beautiful golden brown.

Remove from heat.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the chicken.

Drizzle chili butter on top.

Serve over steaming rice with warm naan bread.

Pro Tips for Sesame Chicken

• Let chicken sit in yogurt and spices for at least 5 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds before baking for a nutty crunch and beautiful golden-brown appearance.
• Brown butter with chili flakes and paprika to create a rich, spicy drizzle that elevates the entire dish.
• Replace coconut milk and yogurt with plant-based alternatives for a lactose-free version without compromising taste.
• Adjust cayenne pepper and chili flakes to customize spice level, making the dish suitable for mild to fiery palates.

Sesame Butter Chicken Variations

• Vegetarian Chickpea Swap: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas, using same spices and cooking method for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Dairy-Free Edition: Substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt and use olive oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Skip rice and serve over cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining rich, spicy flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free naan or serve with cauliflower rice to make the entire dish safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Serving Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken

• Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair this spicy sesame butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce and balance the heat.
• Naan Bread Delight: Serve warm, soft naan bread on the side to scoop up every last drop of the creamy, aromatic sauce and enhance the meal's texture.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro or green onions on top just before serving to add a bright, zesty contrast to the rich, spicy chicken.
• Cool Yogurt Complement: Add a dollop of cool, tangy yogurt or raita alongside the dish to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, spicy flavors.

Spicy Sesame Butter ChickenStorage Guide

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until thoroughly warmed.

One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delectable One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken brings Korean and Indian flavor profiles together in a quick, elegant meal. Perfectly balanced spices and creamy sauce make this dish a satisfying dinner that will transport you straight to culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons garam masala
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 6 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons cold salted butter (sliced)
• 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
• 1 can (14 ounces/414 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• Steamed rice and naan (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in a tantalizing blend of yogurt, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices for maximum flavor infusion, allowing the ingredients to meld for 5 minutes.
2. Heat oven to 400° fahrenheit, preparing for a robust roasting process.
3. Layer marinated chicken in a single baking dish, introducing diced onions for additional depth and complexity.
4. Drizzle coconut milk and swirl tomato paste throughout the dish, creating a rich, creamy sauce that envelops the chicken completely.
5. Strategically place butter slices across the surface, ensuring even distribution and luxurious moisture.
6. Generously sprinkle sesame seeds for a nutty, textural dimension.
7. Roast in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches perfect doneness and sauce transforms into a luscious, bubbling consistency.
8. While chicken bakes, craft a spicy chili butter by melting butter with chili flakes and paprika, allowing the mixture to brown and develop intense flavor.
9. Once cooked, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
10. Serve atop fluffy rice, drizzle with chili butter, and accompany with warm naan bread for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for extra flavor by letting it sit longer in the yogurt mixture, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper taste penetration.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper and chili flakes to suit personal heat tolerance.
• Use Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier marinade that helps tenderize the chicken more effectively.
• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg