Description
This Chicken & Nduja Bake is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a creamy, spicy nduja tomato sauce. The rich blend of spicy pork sausage, smoky paprika, and Parmesan cheese creates a deliciously comforting meal that’s perfect for a hearty dinner. Serve with crusty bread or pasta to soak up the luscious sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Components
- 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
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty bread or pasta for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season the chicken thighs evenly with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Sear Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a lightly golden crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Nduja: Using the same skillet, add the sliced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens. Add the nduja, breaking it up as it melts into the onion mixture, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the canned tomatoes, then add smoked paprika and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly, creating a rich sauce base.
- Combine and Bake: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or over pasta to enjoy every bit of the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- Nduja provides a smoky and spicy depth; adjust the amount used to control heat level according to preference.
- This recipe can be adapted with bone-in chicken or Italian sausage for variation.
- Leftovers reheat well and the flavors tend to deepen, making it a great make-ahead meal.
