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.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 1–2 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
- 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.
- Coat the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Let rest for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking to add nutty crunch and flavor.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3-4 oz chicken)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: baked chicken, spicy chicken, sesame butter chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten free chicken, flavorful chicken