Description
This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe delivers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy heat and rich buttery flavor enhanced by the nutty aroma of sesame. It is quick to prepare, uses common pantry staples, and is baked for a healthier, fuss-free meal ideal for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Marinade
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 to 2 tbsp sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
Garnish
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- Fresh scallions or cilantro, chopped
Optional Add-ins
- Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas (for baking with chicken)
- Fresh jalapeños or cayenne powder (for increased spice)
- Coconut oil (as dairy-free butter substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine melted butter, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, sesame oil, and brown sugar or honey. Whisk together until smooth and well blended.
- Marinate the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Turn to coat evenly, then let it sit for at least 20 minutes or longer if time allows to soak up the flavors.
- Preheat the oven and prep for baking: Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the baking dish, avoiding crowding to ensure even cooking.
- Bake the chicken: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly caramelized on top. Baste with leftover marinade halfway through baking for extra flavor.
- Toast the sesame seeds: While the chicken bakes, toast sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds generously over the chicken. Add chopped scallions or cilantro for freshness and color before plating.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juicy results.
- Don’t skip marinating; even a short marinate boosts flavor significantly.
- Keep the marinade for basting during baking and as a sauce drizzle.
- Check for internal temperature 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
- Toast sesame seeds fresh for maximum aroma and crunch.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (including marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 oz chicken with sauce)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: baked chicken, spicy chicken, sesame chicken, sesame butter chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken, oven baked chicken