One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Let me tell you, this One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for a weeknight dinner that looks—and tastes—so much more complicated than it really is. What I love most is that everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal (and maybe a glass of wine). The spicy, buttery, and slightly nutty flavors come together in this creamy coconut-tomato sauce that your kitchen will smell like paradise.

If you’re someone who loves a little kick without going full fire-breathing dragon, this recipe strikes just the right balance. The sesame seeds and chili butter add that unique, savory crunch that makes each bite exciting. Trust me, once you try this One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish comes from the perfect mix of spices, creamy coconut milk, and butter that bring the chicken to life. Grab your fresh and pantry staples smartly to get the best flavors.

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs; they stay juicy and tender but breasts work well too.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds creaminess to the marinade.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped for a pungent, aromatic kick.
• Fresh grated ginger: Gives a bright, slightly spicy warmth.
• Garam masala: This aromatic spice blend is essential for that authentic flavor profile.
• Cumin: Adds earthiness and depth to the sauce.
• Turmeric: Gives a beautiful golden color and subtle warmth.
• Cayenne pepper: Adjust to your spice tolerance; start with less if you’re unsure.
• Salt and black pepper: For seasoning balance.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and silky texture.
• Yellow onion: Sliced and sweet when baked into the sauce.
• Full-fat coconut milk: Creamy base that softens the heat and adds tropical flavor.
• Tomato paste: Brings a subtle tang and depth.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted on top for a nutty crunch.
• Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh bright note at the end.
• Steamed rice and naan: Served alongside to soak up that heavenly sauce.
• For Chili Butter: Salted butter, chili flakes, and paprika create a spicy buttery drizzle that’s pure magic.

Variations

I love playing around with this recipe depending on season or what I have on hand—you should definitely feel free to make it your own. Trust me, it can handle a little creativity without losing its soul.

• Vegetable Boost: Adding bell peppers or spinach near the end amps up nutrition and texture—my family doesn’t even notice!
• Heat Adjustments: If you love spicier food, a pinch more cayenne or even a diced fresh chili works wonders.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Using coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt keeps it creamy but 100% dairy-free.
• Protein Alternatives: This sauce is great over tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist I’ve tried and loved.

How to Make One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by tossing your chicken pieces in Greek yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. I like to mix everything right in a baking dish to keep it simple. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes so those flavors really start working their magic. If you have more time, 30 minutes is even better, but I’ve made this on a whim with just 5 and it still turns out fantastic.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce & Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Add the chopped onion on top of the marinated chicken, then pour the full-fat coconut milk and spoon in the tomato paste. I like to give everything a gentle stir right in the pan so the sauce is creamy and evenly mixed—no whisk required. Then, lay thin slices of cold salted butter across the dish and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.

Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the sauce is bubbling beautifully. I always check at 30 minutes and poke the biggest piece with a fork to make sure it’s done—no pink means you’re good! The butter slices melt into the sauce, making it silky and rich.

Step 4: Make the Chili Butter Drizzle

While the chicken bakes, melt your salted butter in a small saucepan. Add in chili flakes and paprika, cooking until the butter just starts to brown slightly. This bit of chili butter is the unexpected star—it adds such a warm, smoky heat that ties everything together. Set it aside until serving.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When your chicken’s done, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top. Serve the chicken with steamed rice and naan on the side, then drizzle the chili butter over everything. I promise, each bite feels like a little celebration at your dinner table.

How to Serve One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with fresh chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds—it adds such a fresh, vibrant touch and a little crunch. Sometimes I toss on a few thinly sliced green onions too, especially when I want a mild oniony pop that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is my go-to because it soaks up that gorgeous sauce perfectly. Warm naan bread is also a must for me—nothing beats tearing off a piece and mopping up every last bit on the plate. If you want veggies, I’ll sometimes serve roasted cauliflower or a simple cucumber salad to lighten things up.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve hosted dinner parties, I serve this in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of chili butter artistically spread over the top. Adding a wedge of lime on the side gives your guests the option to brighten up each bite. For a cozy family meal, I just serve it straight from the pan at the table—comfort food doesn’t need fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container, then keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit overnight, but it tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Just freeze in portion-sized containers without the chili butter (make that fresh when reheating). When it thaws, the texture stays great and the flavors hold up well, which is perfect for batch cooking.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. Then, drizzle fresh chili butter on top right before serving so it tastes as fresh and vibrant as the day you made it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe really feels like a special meal that’s surprisingly easy to pull together. It’s a dish I turn to when I want comfort food with a little excitement and layers of flavor that my family always asks for seconds on. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for a fuss-free recipe that tastes impressive, I hope you give this a try soon—you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious it is!

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