Sizzling Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

Craving a bold twist on classic butter chicken with sesame’s fiery embrace?

Aromas of warm spices will dance through your kitchen, promising an unforgettable meal.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a vibrant blend that combines traditional Indian flavors with nutty sesame undertones.

Each bite delivers a complex layering of heat and richness that surprises the palate.

Fragrant ginger and garlic create depth while sesame adds unexpected complexity to this beloved dish.

Cooking this recipe means transforming ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Jump in and let your taste buds explore a sensational new way to enjoy butter chicken.

Ingredients For Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken

• Chicken: The star protein that absorbs the rich and aromatic spices.

• Yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy texture.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provide deep, authentic flavor and aromatic base.
• Garam Masala, Cumin, Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper, Salt: Create a complex and spicy seasoning blend.

• Coconut Milk: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Enhances the depth of flavor and thickens the sauce.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a luxurious texture.
• Sesame Seeds: Adds nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Cilantro: Offers fresh, bright garnish with herbal notes.

• Butter, Chili Flakes, Paprika: Creates a spicy, flavorful drizzle for extra heat.

• Rice, Naan: Classic sides that complement the spicy chicken dish.

Step-By-Step Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken

Step 1: Marinate Chicken Thoroughly

Grab your chicken and coat it generously with yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt.

Allow the flavors to meld together for a quick 5-minute rest.

Step 2: Prepare Oven Temperature

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Build Creamy Chicken Base

Introduce diced onions into the marinated chicken.

Pour in velvety coconut milk and swirl in rich tomato paste.

Mix everything until the sauce looks smooth and inviting.

Strategically place butter slices across the top and sprinkle sesame seeds generously.

Bake for 30-40 minutes until chicken reaches perfect doneness.

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.

Step 4: Craft Spicy Chili Butter

In a separate pan, melt butter with fiery chili flakes and smoky paprika.

Cook until butter turns a beautiful golden brown, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the aromatic chicken over fluffy rice.

Drizzle the spicy chili butter on top.

Accompany with warm naan bread for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Tips For Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken

• Let the chicken sit in the yogurt and spices for at least 5 minutes to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, creating a more tender and delicious dish.
• Sprinkle sesame seeds generously before baking to add a nutty crunch and beautiful texture to the chicken's surface.
• Brown the butter with chili flakes carefully to develop a rich, spicy drizzle that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Swap coconut milk and yogurt with plant-based alternatives like almond yogurt and coconut cream to make the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
• Choose long-grain basmati rice to complement the spicy and creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced.

Flavor Variations For Sesame Butter Chicken

• Vegan Sesame Buddha Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, use coconut yogurt, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a plant-based version of the dish.
• Low-Carb Sesame Chicken Skillet: Skip rice, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reduce onions for fewer carbohydrates, and maintain original spice profile.
• Gluten-Free Sesame Chicken Bake: Use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, ensure all spices are certified gluten-free, and serve with gluten-free naan or rice.

Serving Suggestions For Sesame Butter Chicken

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair this spicy sesame butter chicken with fluffy basmati rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and balance the heat.
• Restaurant-Style Presentation: Garnish with extra fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili butter for a stunning, Instagram-worthy plate.
• Cooling Companion Sides: Serve alongside cucumber raita or a crisp yogurt-based salad to counteract the dish's intense spiciness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Warm naan bread is perfect for scooping up every last drop of the luxurious sauce, ensuring no delicious flavor goes to waste.

Storage Advice For Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken

• Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Is garam masala necessary for this recipe?

Garam masala adds authentic Indian flavor complexity, but if unavailable, you can substitute with a mix of ground coriander, cumin, and black pepper.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Certainly! Bone-in chicken thighs or boneless chicken breasts work well. Just ensure the meat is cooked to the correct internal temperature.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has moderate heat from cayenne and chili flakes. You can reduce cayenne or omit chili flakes to lower spice level, or add more for extra kick.

• What makes the butter sauce special?

The chili butter with browning butter, chili flakes, and paprika creates a rich, nutty, and slightly spicy sauce that elevates the chicken’s flavor profile.

Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Delight

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold, vibrant flavors from garam masala, cayenne, and chili flakes that transform an ordinary chicken dish into a taste adventure.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple mixing and baking, making it perfect for home cooks who want delicious results without complex cooking techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty one-dish meal that combines creamy coconut milk, tender chicken, and aromatic spices, guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick adjustments like reducing spice levels or swapping ingredients to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken delivers a flavor explosion from Indian culinary traditions. Rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken create a memorable dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 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

Marinade and Base 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
• 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)

Serving Suggestions:

• Steamed rice
• Naan

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and salt for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Heat oven to 400°F, preparing for roasting.
3. Integrate chopped onions into marinated chicken mixture, then pour coconut milk and tomato paste, stirring until achieving a creamy, uniform consistency.
4. Distribute butter slices across chicken surface, generously sprinkle sesame seeds for added texture and nutty flavor.
5. Roast in preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches complete doneness and develops golden-brown edges.
6. While chicken bakes, craft a spicy chili butter by melting butter with chili flakes and paprika, cooking until butter transforms to a rich, amber hue.
7. Once cooked, garnish chicken with fresh cilantro for brightness and aromatic complexity.
8. Present the dish over steamed rice, drizzle with prepared chili butter, and accompany with warm naan bread for a complete, tantalizing meal experience.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum taste penetration.
• Swap dairy yogurt with coconut or plant-based yogurt to create a dairy-free version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier results and richer flavor profile compared to boneless chicken breasts.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spice level, allowing customization for different heat tolerances without compromising the dish’s authentic taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 434 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg