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

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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.