If you are craving a cozy, vibrant meal bursting with bold flavors, the Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the spicy, smoky depth of nduja, a rich Italian spreadable salami, all slow-cooked in a luscious tomato and cream sauce. The result is comfort on a plate—a stunning blend that’s both rustic and luxurious, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without any fuss. You’ll fall in love with how the spices meld and intensify, making every bite utterly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the key to nailing this dish. Each component not only packs a punch in flavor but brings balance to the texture and color, creating an enticing, aromatic bake you’ll want to make again and again.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): Choose thighs for juiciness and flavor; breasts work if you prefer leaner cuts.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken and building the base flavor.
- 1 small onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and texture to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): For that irresistible depth and aroma.
- 2 tablespoons nduja: The star ingredient, this spicy spreadable salami infuses the dish with bold heat and richness.
- 1 can (14 oz) cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes: Bring bright acidity and vibrant color to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps develop a rich sauce.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: For a silky, luscious finish that tames the spice gently.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances smokiness and complexity.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to highlight all flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of green beauty when serving.
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan: Sprinkled on top for a gooey, golden crust.
How to Make Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to build a flavor foundation. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy. This step locks in juices and creates a beautiful color. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you create the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the nduja, letting it melt beautifully into the onions, releasing its spicy, smoky magic. Add the canned cherry tomatoes and pour in the chicken broth, scraping the pan bottom to lift all those tasty browned bits. This deglazing step deepens the sauce’s flavor. Finish the sauce by stirring in the heavy cream and letting everything simmer gently to marry the flavors.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfect
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it comfortably in the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken thighs to keep them moist as they bake. Transfer the entire skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling invitingly. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last 5 minutes of baking so it melts into a golden crust.
How to Serve Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving adds a burst of color and freshness that beautifully contrasts the rich, spicy sauce. It elevates the presentation and brightens the overall taste, making every forkful feel lively and well-rounded.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty bread to soak up the sauce, fluffy rice to provide a neutral base, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome, colorful plate. Each side complements the hearty chicken and spicy nduja sauce without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the leftovers tossed with penne or rigatoni pasta for a sumptuous Italian-style pasta bake. Or layer it in a baking dish topped with polenta or mashed potatoes for a hearty casserole that’s perfect for family dinners. Presentation-wise, a rustic wooden board with garlic bread and a fresh green salad creates an inviting feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing the flavors to sharpen even more with time, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, a gentle microwave option works well for a quick lunch or dinner. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine though they are leaner and can dry out faster. Keep an eye during baking and consider slightly reducing cooking time to retain juiciness.
What if I can’t find nduja? Is there a substitute?
Nduja has a very specific spicy, smoky flavor, but you can substitute with a mix of spicy chorizo and a bit of smoked paprika. It won’t be exactly the same but will still deliver heat and depth.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and avoid serving with bread containing gluten, the Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe relies heavily on chicken and nduja, which is a pork salami product. For a vegetarian version, consider substituting the chicken for hearty vegetables like eggplants or mushrooms, and replace nduja with a spicy tomato paste or harissa.
How spicy is the Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted by the amount of nduja you use. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat and increase to taste. The cream also helps balance the heat with its richness.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe, you’ll see why it’s a beloved dish full of personality and comfort. The way the spicy nduja melds with tender chicken and creamy tomato sauce makes it a truly exceptional meal that feels both decadent and effortless. So grab your skillet, whip up this easy bake, and enjoy the cozy, flavorful experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and spicy Italian-inspired chicken bake featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich sauce made with nduja, tomatoes, and cream, finished with a golden cheesy topping for a comforting meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons nduja (soft spicy spreadable salami)
- 1 can (14 oz) cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Toppings & Garnish
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or shallow casserole over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Aromatics and Nduja: Using the same pan, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the nduja and cook for an additional minute to allow it to melt into the onions and release its spices.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the canned cherry or chopped tomatoes and chicken broth, scraping the pan’s bottom to deglaze and capture all the flavorful bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Bake Chicken: Return the seared chicken to the pan, spooning some sauce over the top. Place the pan uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking to melt and brown slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of nduja to suit your preferred spice level.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Leftover sauce pairs excellently with pasta like rigatoni or penne for a tasty second meal.
- To keep the dish gluten-free, ensure the chicken broth used is gluten-free and avoid serving with bread unless it is gluten-free as well.
