If you’re on the lookout for a meal that’s bold, comforting, and deeply flavorful, you can’t beat this Chicken & Nduja Bake. Tender chicken thighs are nestled in a spicy, creamy tomato sauce spiked with fiery nduja—a spreadable Italian sausage that brings smoldering heat and incredible depth. This dish is a true weeknight hero, ready in under an hour and guaranteed to make everyone at the table reach for seconds. Whether spooned over pillowy pasta or mopped up with good bread, this Chicken & Nduja Bake promises rich, saucy satisfaction every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for Chicken & Nduja Bake couldn’t be easier, and each element plays a key role. Expect vibrant color from tomatoes, a warming kick from nduja, and a melty, creamy finish thanks to heavy cream and Parmesan—each component has its moment to shine in this deliciously layered meal.
- Chicken thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs—super juicy and perfect for absorbing flavor.
- Olive oil: Use a good quality oil for searing the chicken and building the sauce base.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the bold flavors.
- Red onion: Adds sweetness and color, rounding out the spicy tomato sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with deep, aromatic warmth.
- Nduja: This spreadable spicy pork sausage is the soul of the bake, lending smoky heat and complexity.
- Canned cherry or diced tomatoes: A quick and convenient base for a rich, tangy sauce.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances the dish’s smokiness and adds a subtle earthy depth.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Crank up the spice if you’re craving extra heat.
- Heavy cream: Adds silkiness, taming the spice and making the sauce luscious.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melds into the sauce, providing salty, nutty undertones.
- Fresh basil or parsley: A sprinkle of herbs brings a pop of freshness that brightens every bite.
- Crusty bread or pasta (optional): Perfect for scooping and soaking up every last drop of that crave-worthy sauce.
How to Make Chicken & Nduja Bake
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear each side for 3 to 4 minutes until beautifully golden—this step locks in flavor and creates a delicious foundation for your Chicken & Nduja Bake. Set the chicken aside for a moment.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Base
In the same pan, toss in the sliced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and sweet. Now it’s time for the star: add the nduja. Cook for about a minute, using your spoon to melt and break it up. Its robust spice will instantly fill your kitchen with the most incredible aroma.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the canned tomatoes, smoked paprika, and (if you love heat) a dash of red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer away for about 5 minutes—this allows the sauce to thicken slightly, and the flavors to meld together in a perfect balance of spicy, smoky, and tangy.
Step 4: Enrich with Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. The sauce will transform, becoming rich, velvety, and absolutely irresistible. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the pan, spooning some sauce over the top to coat them.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temp of 165°F. You’ll notice the sauce bubbling around the edges and the chicken looking golden and inviting.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the bake from the oven and shower it with a generous handful of chopped basil or parsley. This adds a fresh finish that cuts through the richness and wakes up all those deep flavors. Now it’s time to gather everyone around and dish up your Chicken & Nduja Bake while it’s piping hot!
How to Serve Chicken & Nduja Bake
Garnishes
A final flurry of fresh herbs—whether basil or parsley—brings color, aroma, and a bright zing to contrast the hearty sauce. For an extra pop, add a light dusting of extra Parmesan or even a squeeze of lemon right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is begging for something to mop up the creamy, spicy sauce. Crusty bread is classic, but you can’t go wrong serving Chicken & Nduja Bake over al dente pasta, creamy polenta, or a simple bed of fluffy rice. If you crave freshness, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a lovely, refreshing companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making individual portions in small baking dishes for a dinner party twist, or use the Chicken & Nduja Bake as a centerpiece for sharing, family-style. Sprinkle over toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts for a contrasting crunch, or swirl in extra cream before serving for a decadent restaurant-worthy look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken & Nduja Bake keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Pack any leftovers into an airtight container, making sure to scoop in plenty of sauce to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen! Let the Chicken & Nduja Bake cool completely, then portion into containers or freezer bags. It’ll keep its magic for up to three months—an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights or impromptu guests.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the bake gently in a covered skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened too much, and heat until piping hot throughout. The flavors only deepen over time—your leftovers will be just as delightful as when freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier in the oven, chicken breasts work well too. Just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying them out—pull them from the oven as soon as they reach 165°F.
Is there a substitute for nduja if I can’t find it?
If nduja is tricky to source, you can swap in finely chopped spicy chorizo or add smoked paprika and a dash of chili flakes to ground Italian sausage. While it won’t replicate nduja’s exact flavor, you’ll still capture the spirit and spice of the Chicken & Nduja Bake.
How spicy is Chicken & Nduja Bake?
The heat level really depends on your nduja and whether you add extra red pepper flakes. It’s pleasantly spicy, not blow-your-head-off! If you’re sensitive to spice, use less nduja or skip the optional chili flakes.
Can I make this ahead for entertaining?
Chicken & Nduja Bake is perfect for making ahead! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes since it’ll be starting from cold.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers are fabulous! Reheat gently and spoon over more pasta, polenta, or even stuff into a toasted sandwich with melty cheese. Chicken & Nduja Bake is endlessly versatile and somehow even tastier the next day.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a one-pan wonder that packs a bold punch, Chicken & Nduja Bake is the dish to try. The spicy-silky sauce, tender chicken, and irresistible flavors come together for a meal that’ll become an instant favorite. Round up your ingredients and bring a little fiery comfort to your kitchen—there’s no better way to spice up dinner time!
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Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken & Nduja Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken thighs with spicy nduja sausage and a creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week!
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce & Garnish:
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup nduja (spreadable spicy pork sausage)
- 1 (14 oz) can cherry tomatoes or diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Crusty bread or pasta for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sear the chicken until golden. Set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic, add nduja and cook. Add tomatoes, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan. Return chicken to skillet and bake.
- Garnish with basil or parsley. Serve hot with bread or pasta.
Notes
- Nduja adds a smoky, spicy richness—adjust the quantity for heat level.
- This dish also works well with bone-in chicken or Italian sausage.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
