If you’re craving something wonderfully bold and packed with flavor, this Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe is going to become your new go-to weeknight winner. This dish perfectly marries tender chicken thighs with the fiery, spreadable spirit of nduja sausage, all simmered with vibrant vegetables and simmering tomatoes. It’s a glorious one-pan meal that delivers comfort and spice in every bite, making it irresistibly good for those who love a little excitement on their plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet carefully selected ingredients come together to create the magic in this Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe. Each element plays an essential role—whether it’s the juicy chicken thighs that soak up all the vibrant flavors or the nduja sausage that adds a spicy, smoky kick, every component brings something special to the party.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The perfect cut to stay juicy and tender throughout baking.
- 2 tablespoons nduja sausage: This spicy, spreadable pork sausage infuses a smoky heat that’s the star of the dish.
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the spice beautifully.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic’s aromatic punch enhances the savory profile.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Bright, sweet, and colorful for that eye-catching appeal and crunch.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Brings a mild sweetness and cheerful yellow color to the dish.
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons: Adds tender texture and fresh flavor.
- 1 can (14 oz) cherry or chopped tomatoes: Creates the luscious sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For that silky cooking base and to help everything caramelize nicely.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smoky depth complementing the nduja.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and heighten all the flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A fragrant, fresh finish that brightens the plate.
How to Make Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), so it’s ready to give your bake a perfect golden finish. Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish over medium heat to create the base for sautéing. Toss in the thinly sliced red onion and cook until it softens, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step unlocks the onion’s sweetness and forms a flavorful foundation.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook just for about a minute until fragrant—it’s a small step that produces a big flavor payoff. Add in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the zucchini half-moons. Cook these for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally so they soften slightly but keep their vibrant colors and crunch, contributing fresh texture.
Step 3: Spice It Up and Add Tomatoes
Now for the magic: sprinkle over the smoked paprika and stir in the nduja sausage, breaking it up so it melds into the vegetable mixture. Pour in the canned tomatoes, which will turn into a luscious sauce as it bakes, soaking up all those bold flavors. Give everything a good stir, then season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Bake
Nestle the chicken thighs right into the simmering saucy veggies, making sure each piece gets some sauce spooned on top. The chicken will absorb these spices and cook up beautifully tender. Transfer your skillet or baking dish straight into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling enticingly on the edges.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When you pull your bake out of the oven, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top if you like a pop of bright herbal freshness. This final touch lifts the experience and adds an inviting aroma that will have everyone at the table eager to dig in.
How to Serve Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley are wonderful garnishes here; they cut through the richness with a burst of color and fragrant freshness. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also add a lovely richness and depth to your presentation.
Side Dishes
This Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe shines paired with simple sides that soak up the delicious sauce. Crusty bread is a classic choice for mopping up every last bit. Alternatively, fluffy white rice or a vibrant green salad balances the spicy richness perfectly, adding crispness and lightness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this bake over creamy polenta or alongside garlic roasted potatoes. You can also portion it into shallow bowls and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for texture or a few drops of chili oil if you want to amplify the heat even more. Presentation is all about playing with contrasts and embracing the rustic charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent meal for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for later, this bake freezes well too. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy that spicy comfort whenever you fancy.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge. Warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot all the way through, or microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. This approach helps maintain the tender texture of the chicken and the integrity of the sauce.
FAQs
What is nduja and can I substitute it?
Nduja is a spicy, spreadable pork sausage originating from Calabria, Italy, known for its smoky heat and rich flavor. If you can’t find nduja, try substituting it with spicy chorizo or a combination of spicy sausage and smoked paprika to mimic the flavor profile.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can use chicken breasts, but they tend to dry out more easily during baking. Cooking time might need adjustment, and keeping them moist might require basting with sauce or slightly lowering the oven temperature.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses fresh ingredients without any gluten-containing additives. Just double-check canned tomatoes for any additives if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
How spicy is this dish and can I adjust it?
The spice level comes mainly from the nduja, which can be quite fiery. You can adjust the amount used to suit your heat preference, adding less for mild or more if you love a strong kick. Roasting the vegetables beforehand also mellows the spice slightly.
What can I serve this bake with for a low-carb option?
Consider pairing the bake with cauliflower rice, steamed greens, or a crisp green salad to keep it low-carb while still enjoying the rich sauce and succulent chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy Italian kitchen where bold flavors and heartfelt cooking reign. Don’t hesitate to try it out—you’ll find the perfect balance of spice, freshness, and comfort rolled into one satisfying bake. It’s a recipe that’s destined to become a beloved classic in your home, promising delicious moments every time.
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
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken & Nduja Bake is a flavorful Italian dish featuring tender boneless chicken thighs cooked in a spicy, aromatic sauce made with nduja sausage, bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes. Oven-baked to perfection, the dish combines smoky paprika and garlic with fresh vegetables, resulting in a comforting, gluten-free one-pan meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sausage
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons nduja sausage
Vegetables
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 can (14 oz) cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Sauté the onion: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Cook vegetables: Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the zucchini half-moons to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add seasonings and sauces: Stir in the smoked paprika, nduja sausage, and canned tomatoes. Mix well to combine all ingredients and bring out the flavors. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Prepare chicken: Nestle the boneless chicken thighs into the vegetable and sauce mixture, spooning some sauce over the top of the chicken to keep it moist during baking.
- Bake the dish: Transfer the entire skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot, ideally with crusty bread, rice, or a green salad.
Notes
- Nduja is a spicy, spreadable pork sausage from Calabria, Italy. Adjust the amount used based on your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, steamed rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
