Get ready to fall in love with this Chicken & Nduja Bake—a dish that’s both comforting and bold, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. Juicy chicken thighs snuggle up in a creamy, fiery tomato sauce studded with nduja sausage, all crowned with gooey cheese and fresh herbs. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration, but it’s easy enough to toss together on a busy night. Whether you’re new to nduja or already a fan, this bake is going to win you over bite by bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken & Nduja Bake is in how a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients come together for maximum flavor. Each one plays a starring role—bringing color, richness, heat, or a creamy finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, they soak up all the sauce’s goodness and stay moist while baking.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken and soften the onions.
- Red onion: Sliced for a sweet, colorful base that balances out the heat.
- Garlic: Minced for that irresistible savory aroma and punch of flavor.
- Nduja sausage: The spicy, spreadable star of the show—adds depth and a fiery kick.
- Canned cherry or diced tomatoes: Brings juicy brightness and forms the base of the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Enhances savoriness and helps meld all the flavors together.
- Smoked paprika: A hint of smokiness that rounds out the spices and deepens color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out every ingredient’s best.
- Chili flakes (optional): For an extra hit of heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Heavy cream: Swirled in for a velvety, decadent finish that tames the spice.
- Mozzarella or Parmesan: Melts into the top, adding gooey, golden richness.
- Fresh basil or parsley: A pop of green freshness that wakes up the whole dish right before serving.
How to Make Chicken & Nduja Bake
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. While it heats, pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This early seasoning step helps the chicken develop a flavorful crust and ensures every bite is seasoned just right.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they’re golden and lightly crisped on both sides. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through yet—they’ll finish in the oven. Once they’re browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet (don’t wipe out those tasty browned bits!), add the sliced red onion. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and just starting to caramelize. Stir in the minced garlic and nduja sausage, breaking up the nduja as it melts into the onions. Cook for one more minute, letting all those spicy, savory aromas bloom.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the canned tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, and chili flakes if you want extra heat. Use your spoon to scrape up any stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pan—these add loads of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 5 minutes, so the sauce reduces slightly and the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Add Cream and Finish Assembling
Stir in the heavy cream, which will instantly turn your sauce luscious and just a little bit decadent. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the sauce, making sure some of that spicy, creamy mixture is spooned over the top of each piece.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the mozzarella or Parmesan evenly over the chicken and sauce. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the top is bubbling and golden. The Chicken & Nduja Bake will emerge irresistibly fragrant and ready for its finishing touches.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Scatter freshly chopped basil or parsley over the hot bake right before serving. This last flourish adds a burst of color and brings a fresh, herby brightness that balances the rich, spicy sauce. Serve straight from the skillet for maximum coziness.
How to Serve Chicken & Nduja Bake
Garnishes
A generous shower of fresh basil or parsley is the perfect finishing touch for Chicken & Nduja Bake. The herbs cut through the richness of the sauce and cheese, adding a touch of vibrancy and a lovely aroma every time you lift the lid. If you’re feeling extra, add a few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil for even more flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish begs for something to mop up all that luscious sauce—think thick slices of toasted sourdough, creamy polenta, fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta. A crisp green salad on the side is a refreshing counterpoint, or try roasted veggies for a cozy, complete meal. Honestly, anything that helps you scoop up more of that spicy, creamy sauce is a win.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, try serving Chicken & Nduja Bake in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. Or, spoon it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a rustic, family-style feast. For a lighter option, serve over wilted greens or zucchini noodles—the sauce clings beautifully and keeps things gluten-free.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers, you’re in luck—Chicken & Nduja Bake tastes even better the next day as the flavors mingle. Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce will thicken a bit overnight, making for an extra-cozy lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This bake freezes beautifully! Place cooled portions in tightly sealed freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep its flavor for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a nearly instant homemade dinner on hand.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer leftovers to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout—about 15–20 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave for a quick fix, though the oven method preserves the cheese’s gooey texture best. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in this Chicken & Nduja Bake—just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out. You may want to reduce the oven time slightly since breasts cook faster than thighs.
What is nduja, and can I substitute it?
Nduja is a spicy, spreadable Italian sausage made from pork and chili peppers. If you can’t find it, try substituting with spicy chorizo or a mix of crumbled hot Italian sausage and a little smoked paprika for a similar kick.
Is this dish very spicy?
Chicken & Nduja Bake has a pleasant, warming heat from the nduja, but it’s not overwhelming. For more spice, add chili flakes; for less, use a little less nduja or skip the optional chili flakes entirely.
Can I make Chicken & Nduja Bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you’re ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
What are the best cheeses to use on top?
Mozzarella gives you that classic melt and stretch, while Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick. Feel free to mix the two or use what you have on hand—either will make the Chicken & Nduja Bake irresistibly cheesy!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels special but is secretly simple, give this Chicken & Nduja Bake a try. It’s spicy, creamy, and totally unforgettable—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to a cozy night in. Let this become your new go-to comfort meal, and don’t forget to share your version with friends!
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Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken & Nduja Bake is a flavorful and spicy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a creamy tomato sauce enriched with spicy nduja sausage, garlic, and smoked paprika, then baked to perfection with melted mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, served with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Extras
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup nduja sausage
- 1 (14 oz) can cherry or diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to impart a smoky and slightly spicy flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sear them for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken and place on a plate temporarily.
- Cook Aromatics and Nduja: In the same skillet, add the sliced red onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and nduja sausage, cooking for an additional minute to release the nduja’s rich, spicy aroma.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the canned tomatoes, chicken broth, and chili flakes if using. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add Cream and Return Chicken: Stir the heavy cream into the sauce for a rich, creamy texture. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet and spoon some sauce over each piece.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for color and freshness, and serve hot with your preferred side such as crusty bread, pasta, or rice to enjoy the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Serve with crusty bread, pasta, or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- You can swap chicken thighs for boneless chicken breasts if preferred for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of nduja sausage to control the heat level according to your taste.
- Make sure to use an ovenproof skillet to avoid transferring the dish mid-cooking.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated to save time before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
