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Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken

Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken

Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken is a flavorful, quick-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a spicy, buttery glaze and a crunchy toasted sesame seed finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe delivers bold spice, rich buttery flavor, and a delicious nutty crunch with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Marinade and Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 12 teaspoons chili flakes or chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
  • Optional: chopped cilantro or Thai basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and honey. Whisk until smooth and well blended to form a spicy glaze.
  2. Coat the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Let rest for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors.
  3. Arrange in a baking dish: Lay the chicken pieces in a single layer in a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking dish for easy cleanup and even cooking.
  4. Bake to perfection: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until cooked through and glaze is caramelized.
  5. Add toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking to add nutty crunch and flavor.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with sliced green onions or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for more even marinade absorption and juicier results.
  • Toast sesame seeds carefully until golden brown to achieve the perfect nutty flavor.
  • Marinate chicken briefly (10-15 minutes) to save prep time while enhancing flavor.
  • Avoid overcrowding the baking dish to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
  • Use high-quality real butter for the best sauce texture and richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken, spicy chicken, sesame butter chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free chicken, flavorful chicken