If you’re craving a dish that brings bold flavors right to your dinner table, this Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful harmony of juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich, slightly spicy sauce made vibrant with nduja sausage and fresh vegetables. This bake not only fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma but also delivers a comforting meal with a punch of Italian-inspired zest. Each bite bursts with smoky paprika and the gentle heat of nduja, making it a standout meal that’s both rustic and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation of any great recipe, and this one is no exception. Each component here is simple yet essential, contributing to the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors on your plate.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender throughout baking, making them ideal for this dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that lovely sear on the chicken.
- 1 small red onion (sliced): Brings a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked down.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses a fragrant, savory base flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Adds vibrant color and a delicate crunch.
- 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced): Balances the red pepper with a sweet, mellow taste.
- 1 zucchini (sliced): Offers a tender, fresh component that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons nduja sausage (soft and spreadable): Delivers the signature fiery, smoky heat that makes this bake unforgettable.
- 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes: Creates a luscious, slightly tangy sauce base.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky background note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances every flavor and ties the dish together.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce silky and adds savory depth.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish to brighten each bite.
How to Make Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Lightly season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them in the hot oil for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color which locks in the juices and sets the stage for a deeply flavorful bake.
Step 2: Cooking the Vegetables
Remove the chicken and set it aside briefly. In the same pan, toss in the sliced red onion and minced garlic. Stir them around for 2 minutes until the kitchen starts filling with that incredible aroma. Then add the red and yellow bell peppers along with the zucchini slices. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes, softening slightly while keeping a touch of bite to their texture.
Step 3: Incorporating the Nduja and Sauce
Now comes the magic ingredient: the nduja sausage. Stir it into the vegetables, allowing it to melt and spread its rich, spicy character throughout the pan. Follow this by pouring in the chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chicken broth. Give it a good mix to combine the flavors into a gorgeous, velvety sauce that clings lovingly to every ingredient.
Step 4: Baking the Dish
Nestle your seared chicken thighs back into the sauce, making sure each piece is coated well. Transfer the entire skillet or baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce is bubbling with flavor. When it’s done, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of herby freshness just before serving.
How to Serve Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are perfect finishing touches, offering a pop of vibrant green that complements the rich colors of the bake. You could also add a few shavings of Parmesan if you want an extra cheesy flair. A sprinkle of chili flakes is a smart companion if you crave even more heat.
Side Dishes
This bake is wonderfully versatile with sides. Crusty bread is a must-have for mopping up that luscious sauce. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside fluffy rice or your favorite pasta. A simple green salad or roasted potatoes also make excellent pairing choices to balance the spicy richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
To add a bit of flair, serve the Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe straight from a rustic cast-iron skillet on the table. For a family dinner or casual gathering, you could also scoop portions into individual ramekins for an elegant touch. Layering the bake over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta creates a comforting plate that’s both pretty and satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe keep very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to even deepen, making the next-day meal just as delicious. Just be sure to refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you’re planning to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of broth while reheating will help maintain that incredible saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts, but thighs stay juicier and more tender after baking. Breasts tend to dry out faster, so if you use them, keep an eye on cooking time to avoid overcooking.
What is nduja and where can I find it?
Nduja is a spicy, spreadable pork sausage originating from Italy, packed with flavor and heat. You can usually find it at well-stocked grocery stores, Italian specialty shops, or online.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients used in this Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This dish is centered around chicken and nduja, which is pork-based, so a vegetarian version would require substitutions. Consider using plant-based chicken alternatives and a spicy tomato spread to mimic the nduja’s flavour.
How spicy is this Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the nduja sausage’s spiciness balanced by the sweetness of the peppers and tomatoes. If you prefer milder dishes, reduce the nduja amount or choose a less spicy variety.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s bursting with flavor and easy enough to whip up any night of the week, the Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe is your new best friend. Its combination of tender chicken, smoky-spicy nduja, and fresh veggies creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. I promise once you try it, it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation, perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a delicious, heartwarming meal!
Print
Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 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 cooked with vibrant vegetables, nduja sausage, and a rich tomato sauce. This oven-baked dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner and can be served with crusty bread, rice, or pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken and Meat
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons nduja sausage (soft and spreadable)
Vegetables
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
Liquids and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken broth
Spices and Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and vegetables in one dish.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and zucchini, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add Nduja and Sauce: Stir in the nduja sausage and cook until it melts and blends with the vegetables. Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chicken broth, stirring to combine the sauce evenly.
- Combine and Bake: Return the seared chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce and vegetables. Transfer the entire skillet or dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot alongside your choice of crusty bread, rice, or pasta.
Notes
- Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used as a leaner option.
- Serve this dish with crusty bread, rice, or over pasta to make it a complete meal.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of nduja used.
