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Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 80 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/chicken-and-nduja-bake-recipe/