Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sipped on a fragrant chai, the enticing aroma of spices wafted through my kitchen, transporting me straight to the heart of India. This One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken is my go-to dish when I crave a comforting meal with a flavorful punch. The combination of tender chicken thighs, smooth coconut milk, and a delightful mix of spices will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey, all while keeping your cleanup minimal. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or trying to impress guests with an effortless feast, this recipe is your answer! It’s not only quick to prepare, but it also comes together in just one pan, making it a hassle-free way to enjoy rich, homemade comfort food. Curious to see how this delectable dish comes together? Let’s dive in! Why is One Pan Cooking So Appealing? Simplicity at Its Best: This One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken minimizes cleanup, letting you focus on enjoying a delightful meal. Flavor Explosion: Each bite bursts with rich Indian spices and creamy coconut delight, making it a true comfort food experience. Time-Saving Delight: Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, satisfying dinner. Customizable Goodness: Adjust the spice levels or swap chicken for tofu, offering a crowd-pleasing dish that caters to various dietary preferences. Nourishing and Wholesome: With nutritious ingredients like Greek yogurt and fresh ginger, it’s packed with flavor and health benefits, just like my Homemade Butter Chicken! One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Ingredients For the Marinade Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs) – The star of the dish, offering tender and juicy bites, but can be swapped for chicken breasts if careful not to overcook. Plain Greek Yogurt – Moistens and tenderizes the chicken while adding a tangy depth; can be exchanged for dairy-free yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free option. Garlic (6 cloves, chopped) – Enhances the dish with aromatic flavors; always opt for fresh to maximize taste. Fresh Grated Ginger (2 tablespoons) – Infuses warmth and spice, elevating the overall flavor profile. Garam Masala (2 tablespoons) – Essential for that authentic Indian flair; while there’s no direct substitute, curry powder can work in a pinch. Cumin (2 teaspoons) – Adds earthy undertones; adjust the amount according to personal preferences. Turmeric (1 teaspoon) – Brings vibrant color and health benefits; if unavailable, more cumin or curry powder can be utilized. Cayenne Pepper (1-2 teaspoons) – Provides the kick; modify the amount to suit your spice tolerance. Salt and Black Pepper – Vital for tasting; feel free to adjust to your liking. For the Sauce Salted Butter (4 tablespoons) – Contributes a rich, luscious sauce; can be swapped with olive oil for a lighter option. Yellow Onion (1 large, chopped) – Introduces sweetness and depth to the dish. Coconut Milk (14 oz can, full-fat) – Creates a creamy, dreamy sauce; use light coconut milk for a lower-calorie alternative. Tomato Paste (1/2 cup) – Thickens the sauce and balances acidity; avoid versions with added sugars for the healthiest choice. For the Topping Sesame Seeds (2 tablespoons) – A delightful finishing touch that adds crunch and richness; feel free to omit if not on hand. Fresh Cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped) – Adds a burst of freshness as a garnish; if cilantro isn’t your thing, parsley makes a nice substitute. Serving Suggestions Steamed Rice and Naan – Perfect companions to soak up that luscious sauce, rounding out this comforting meal perfectly! This One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken is your new go-to hearty meal, blending ease and deliciousness with every savory bite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Step 1: Prepare Chicken In a large baking dish, combine the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with plain Greek yogurt, chopped garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well, ensuring each piece of chicken is coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 5 minutes for the flavors to meld beautifully. Step 2: Preheat Oven While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). This temperature allows for optimal cooking of the chicken thighs while ensuring that the flavors of the One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken develop fully. Step 3: Add Vegetables & Sauce Once marinated, layer the chopped yellow onion evenly over the chicken in the baking dish. Next, pour the can of full-fat coconut milk over the top and add the tomato paste. Gently stir everything together, creating a creamy sauce that envelops the chicken and vegetables for that rich flavor you’re craving. Step 4: Bake Dot the top of the chicken with pats of salted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds generously across the dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown. The sauce should bubble invitingly, making your kitchen smell heavenly. Step 5: Make Chili Butter While the chicken bakes, melt a couple of tablespoons of butter in a small pan over low heat. Add some chili flakes and paprika to the melted butter, allowing it to infuse with flavor for about 2 minutes. This chili butter will add an extra touch of heat and richness when drizzled over your One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken. Step 6: Serve Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice or alongside warm naan. Generously drizzle the chili butter over the top and finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and vibrant color. Expert Tips for One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Marinate for Extra Flavor: Allow the chicken to sit in the yogurt mixture for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion. Oven Temperature Matters: Preheat your oven thoroughly to 400°F (204°C) to ensure even cooking of the chicken and a beautifully bubble sauce. Watch Cooking Time: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts; check for doneness at 30 minutes with a meat thermometer reading 165°F (74°C) to avoid dryness. Customize the Spice: Adjust cayenne pepper according to your taste buds, starting with less if you’re unsure, as it can pack a nice heat in this dish. Don’t Skip the Chili Butter: This finishing touch adds richness and a delightful kick; it’s an easy yet impactful way to elevate your One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken. What to Serve with One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken This delightful dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments that will enhance your dining experience and create a full, comforting meal. Steamed Rice: A classic companion that absorbs the rich, creamy sauce, making every bite a comforting bite. Warm Naan: This soft, pillowy bread is perfect for scooping up the chicken and sauce. It adds a wonderful texture contrast. Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables like carrots and bell peppers in olive oil, salt, and pepper, roast until tender for a balanced, colorful side. For a bit of freshness, consider a simple salad. A light cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with lemon and cilantro complements the dish effectively. Cilantro Lime Quinoa: This fluffy, zesty quinoa brings a protein-rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices in the chicken. To quench your thirst, a crisp Riesling or a refreshing mint lemonade would do wonders, balancing the spice with sweetness and tartness. One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Variations Feel free to experiment with these delightful twists to make this comforting dish your own! Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a satisfying plant-based version that’s just as creamy and flavorful. Curry Twist: Use curry powder in place of garam masala for a different flavor vibe; it’ll still deliver on comfort but with a unique twist. Heat Level: Add extra cayenne or fresh chili peppers for those who crave more spice in their meal—you can always serve with a side of cooling yogurt too! Coconut-Free: Replace coconut milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for a different creamy texture while still keeping it light. Additional Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the baking dish for more color, nutrition, and enhanced flavors in every bite. Slow Cooker Delight: Mix all ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work for 3-4 hours on high; it’ll be a beautifully tender meal waiting for you! Nut-Free: Skip the sesame seeds if allergies are a concern, or substitute with pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch without the nuts. Saucy Addition: For a tangy kick, add a splash of lime or lemon juice before serving, enhancing the overall flavor profile as seen in my Honey Butter Chicken. Feel inspired? I can almost hear the aromas wafting through your kitchen as you explore these exciting variations! Make Ahead Options This One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken is perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can marinate the chicken in yogurt and spices up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to penetrate and enhance tenderness. Additionally, you can chop the onions and prepare the coconut milk sauce (without the butter) up to 3 days ahead; simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, combine everything in the baking dish and bake as directed. This method ensures that your chicken will be just as delicious and satisfying, transforming a hectic dinner into a seamless culinary delight! How to Store and Freeze One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors of the One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken will continue to develop, making it even tastier upon reheating. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Make sure to leave some space for expansion as the sauce freezes. Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring to maintain the creamy texture. Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Simply follow the instructions up to the baking step and bake when ready to serve. One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use? For this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended as they remain tender and juicy. If you prefer chicken breasts, just be cautious not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily. How should I store leftover One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it on the stove or in the microwave to maintain its creamy texture. Can I freeze this dish? Absolutely! You can freeze portions of the One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just ensure there’s enough space for expansion as the sauce freezes, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. What if the sauce is too thick after baking? If your sauce turns out thicker than expected, simply stir in a little bit of warm water or chicken broth until you achieve your desired consistency. This will help restore that luscious, creamy texture. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free yogurt and ensuring that your tomato paste contains no gluten. It’s also easy to adjust for dairy-free diets by substituting plain Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative. Always check labels for any allergens, especially if serving to guests. How can I customize the spice level? To adjust the heat level in this One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken, start with 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can always add more to taste, but it’s best to start low and adjust gradually. This way, you ensure a comforting meal suitable for all palates! One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken for Quick Comfort One Pan Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken combines tender chicken thighs, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic spices for a quick, comforting meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsMarinating Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: IndianCalories: 560 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Marinade1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be swapped for chicken breasts1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option6 cloves Garlic, chopped opt for fresh for maximum taste2 tablespoons Fresh Grated Ginger2 tablespoons Garam Masala curry powder can work in a pinch2 teaspoons Cumin adjust according to personal preferences1 teaspoon Turmeric can substitute with more cumin or curry powder1-2 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper modify to suit your spice toleranceSalt adjust to tasteBlack Pepper adjust to tasteFor the Sauce4 tablespoons Salted Butter can swap with olive oil for lighter option1 large Yellow Onion, chopped14 oz Coconut Milk, full-fat use light coconut milk for lower-calorie alternative1/2 cup Tomato Paste avoid versions with added sugarsFor the Topping2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds optional1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped parsley makes a nice substituteServing SuggestionsSteamed Rice perfect companion to soak up the sauceNaan great for rounding out the meal Equipment large baking dishOvensmall pan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare Chicken: In a large baking dish, combine the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with plain Greek yogurt, chopped garlic, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and marinate for at least 5 minutes.Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).Add Vegetables & Sauce: Layer chopped yellow onion over the chicken, pour coconut milk on top, and add tomato paste. Stir to create a creamy sauce.Bake: Dot the chicken with pats of salted butter, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and cooked through.Make Chili Butter: Melt butter in a small pan, add chili flakes and paprika, and let infuse for 2 minutes.Serve: Let the dish sit for a few minutes, serve over steamed rice or warm naan, drizzle chili butter on top, and garnish with cilantro. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 3mg NotesMarinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for better flavor. Preheat the oven well for even cooking. 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