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Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe

Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe
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This Easy Baked Spicy Sesame Butter Chicken Recipe combines tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs with a rich and creamy butter sauce infused with nutty toasted sesame, spicy chili flakes, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. Perfectly baked to lock in juiciness and topped with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions, this flavorful dish is ideal for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering bold flavors with minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Sauce

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1–2 tsp chili flakes or 1 fresh chili, minced (adjust to taste)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or rice vinegar

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better and to encourage browning during baking.
  2. Make the spicy sesame butter sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, chili flakes, honey, and lemon juice or rice vinegar until combined and fragrant.
  3. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or ziplock bag and pour the sauce over them. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor penetration.
  4. Bake the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish, pouring any extra sauce over the top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cooked through and slightly caramelized on the edges.
  5. Toast sesame seeds and garnish: While the chicken bakes, toast sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden and fragrant. Once out of the oven, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chicken before serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in thighs for more flavor and juiciness if preferred.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; allow space between chicken pieces for better caramelization.
  • Marinate the chicken overnight for more intense flavor.
  • Adjust spice levels by varying amount or type of chili used.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken, spicy chicken, sesame chicken, butter chicken, easy dinner, gluten-free dinner, one-pan meal

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/easy-baked-spicy-sesame-butter-chicken-recipe/