If you love dishes that combine bold, spicy flavors with comforting, homey vibes, then the Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe is going to become your new favorite weeknight superstar. This dish masterfully blends tender, juicy chicken thighs with the fiery richness of nduja, a soft, spreadable spicy pork sausage, all simmered in a luscious tomato sauce that’s been kissed by smoked paprika and garlic. It’s an explosion of flavor that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this bake promises a deliciously cozy meal that you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be few, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of heat, richness, and freshness in this Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe. From the succulent chicken thighs to the vibrant tomatoes and aromatic herbs, everything works together to build layers of flavor and an unforgettable texture.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, these thighs stay tender during baking and absorb the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing and building the base flavor, adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 small red onion (sliced): Provides sweetness and depth when softened in the pan.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant punch that complements the spicy nduja.
- 1/4 cup nduja: The star ingredient, giving heat and smoky richness that defines this dish.
- 1 (14-ounce) can cherry or chopped tomatoes: Adds acidity and natural sweetness to balance the spice.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and flavorful, perfect for braising.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone that enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper & salt to taste: Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup cooked pasta or crusty bread (for serving): Ideal for soaking up the rich, spicy sauce.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Offers a bright, fresh contrast to the warm spices and creamy sauce.
- Optional: 1/4 cup cream or mascarpone: Stirred in at the end for an indulgently creamy finish.
How to Make Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs lightly with salt and black pepper, then sear them for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. This step locks in juiciness and adds extra flavor to your bake. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside temporarily.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in the sliced red onion and cook it for 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and tender. The onions create a sweet background that perfectly balances the spicy nduja. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute—garlic’s aroma will fill your kitchen and boost the savory notes of the dish.
Step 3: Melt in the Nduja
Now, stir in the nduja and allow it to gently melt, melding its spicy, smoky, and slightly fatty goodness into the softened onions and garlic. This step infuses the entire dish with the nduja’s signature bold flavor, setting the tone for the rest of the bake.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Add the canned tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful flavors. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes so the sauce begins to thicken slightly and the ingredients marry beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce and spooning some on top. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, tender, and juicy. For an extra creamy touch, stir in 1/4 cup cream or mascarpone during the last 5 minutes of baking to enrich the sauce and provide a luscious texture.
How to Serve Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are the perfect final flourish for this dish. They add a burst of color and a fresh, verdant flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich, spicy sauce.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs wonderfully with cooked pasta or a crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the savory sauce. For something lighter, sautéed greens or a simple green salad can balance the richness and add a crisp texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets straight from the oven. You can also turn the leftovers into a hearty pasta sauce or even spoon it over roasted vegetables for an unexpected, delicious upgrade to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to deepen overnight, making for a delicious second-day meal that’s just as satisfying as fresh.
Freezing
This Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help refresh the sauce’s texture and prevent it from drying out during reheating.
FAQs
What is nduja and where can I find it?
Nduja is a spicy, spreadable pork sausage from Southern Italy, known for its smoky heat and rich flavor. You can find it in specialty or Italian grocery stores and sometimes in the deli section of larger supermarkets.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but keep in mind they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster. Thighs are preferred for their juiciness and fullness of flavor in this recipe.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level mainly depends on how much nduja you use. It naturally has a good kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste, making the bake milder or spicier as you like.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, just omit the cream or mascarpone in the final step, or substitute with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream if you want to keep it creamy without dairy.
What can I serve with this bake besides pasta or bread?
Roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even a simple couscous or rice pilaf would complement the Chicken & Nduja Bake nicely and round out the meal.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and full of character. It’s a comforting, smoky, and slightly spicy dish that invites cozy evenings and happy gatherings. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen rotation. Happy cooking!
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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
This Chicken & Nduja Bake combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with spicy, flavorful nduja sausage in a rich tomato sauce. Baked to perfection, this one-pan Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal served with pasta or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken and Meat
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup nduja (soft, spreadable spicy pork sausage)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes
Liquids and Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Optional: 1/4 cup cream or mascarpone for a richer sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
To Serve
- 1/2 cup cooked pasta or crusty bread
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken and sauce later.
- Sear the Chicken: In an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Lightly season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the sliced red onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Nduja and Tomatoes: Stir in the nduja, allowing it to melt and blend with the onion and garlic. Pour in the canned cherry or chopped tomatoes and chicken broth. Season with smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Combine and Bake: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, spooning some sauce over each piece. Place the skillet or baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Optional Creamy Finish: For a richer sauce, stir in 1/4 cup cream or mascarpone during the last 5 minutes of baking. This will add a luscious creaminess to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot with cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Nduja adds spicy heat and depth to the sauce. Adjust the quantity if you prefer a milder or spicier dish.
- Chicken thighs remain juicier than breasts, but you can substitute chicken breasts if desired.
- Leftovers reheat well and make for an excellent next-day meal.
- To keep it gluten-free, avoid serving with bread or use gluten-free pasta.
