Chicken & Nduja Bake Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a dinner that tastes like a warm Italian hug but comes together with wildly little effort, look no further than this Chicken & Nduja Bake. Tender chicken, crowned with smoky, spicy nduja, bubbles away with juicy tomatoes and colorful veggies until your kitchen smells like the best trattoria you’ve ever visited. This is more than just a chicken bake—it’s a meal that brings together new flavors alongside the classic comfort of a one-pan supper, perfect for those nights you want something bold and deeply satisfying.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken & Nduja Bake is its simplicity; every ingredient earns its place, contributing either a pop of color, a touch of heat, or a layer of comfort. Gather these core ingredients and you’re halfway to a show-stopping dish that’s anything but ordinary.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy, tender, and hard to overcook—these lovelies soak up all the spicy, savory flavor.
• Olive oil: For searing and keeping everything lusciously smooth.
• Red onion: Adds sweet depth and gorgeous color as it softens.
• Garlic: Must-have Italian oomph and aroma in every bite.
• Red bell pepper: Gives sweetness and a splash of bright red to every spoonful.
• Zucchini: A fresh, mild base that balance the richer flavors.
• Nduja: The star! This fiery, spreadable sausage melts into the sauce, bringing both heat and umami.
• Chopped tomatoes: These keep everything moist and add that classic tangy-sweet backdrop.
• Smoked paprika: A subtle, sultry smokiness that deepens every forkful.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for drawing all the flavors together—season generously but taste as you go!
• Chicken broth: For extra-rich sauce that ties the dish together.
• Fresh basil: Chopped and scattered at the end, this adds freshness that absolutely pops against the spicy backdrop.
• Crusty bread or cooked pasta: Perfect for mopping every last bit of that dreamy sauce. Choose your comfort!

How to Make Chicken & Nduja Bake

Step 1: Sear the Chicken Thighs

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F, then grab your oven-safe skillet and add the olive oil. Sear the chicken thighs for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they take on a golden, flavorful crust. This step allows the chicken to lock in its juices, setting you up for bites that are juicy and full of personality. Don’t worry about cooking them through yet—that’ll happen in the oven.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

Using the same skillet (hello, easy cleanup!), toss in your sliced red onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes. The goal is to soften the vegetables just a touch so that they’ll bake to the perfect texture later. You’ll also catch the sizzle and aroma—promise this step will make you hungry already!

Step 3: Melt in the Nduja

Now for the flavor bomb: stir in the nduja and let it melt for 1 to 2 minutes. As it coats the vegetables, it releases a hit of spice, a whisper of smokiness, and that irresistible orange hue. This is where your Chicken & Nduja Bake gets all its personality!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the chopped tomatoes, smoked paprika, a little salt and black pepper, and the chicken broth. Stir everything together. The sauce will be a shimmering blend of red and gold, flecked with the melted nduja and bright veg—already irresistible, but just wait until it’s baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet, making sure to spoon plenty of that glorious sauce over the top. Slide your skillet into the oven uncovered, and let everything bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling sauce, tender chicken, and a dish that looks downright inviting.

How to Serve Chicken & Nduja Bake

Garnishes

Right before serving, don’t skip the scatter of freshly chopped basil—its herbal freshness is a gorgeous contrast to the spicy, savory sauce. For an extra flourish, try a drizzle of good olive oil, a few shavings of Parmesan, or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like it extra fiery.

Side Dishes

Chicken & Nduja Bake begs for the kind of sides that soak up sauce: think thick slices of crusty bread (hello, rustic Italian dream) or a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta. For something lighter, pair with a simple arugula salad drizzled in balsamic for that peppery, tangy lift.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve straight from the skillet for dramatic, family-style table vibes, or portion onto shallow bowls for a modern touch. For dinner parties, add a few dollops of creamy ricotta or a slick of pesto atop each serving—this delivers pops of fresh flavor and an instantly elevated finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Chicken & Nduja Bake cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors become even more robust, so leftovers are genuinely something to look forward to.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers (skip the basil until serving) and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before you plan to reheat.

Reheating

To rewarm, gently heat single servings in the microwave or pop larger portions back in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened up too much, and don’t forget a fresh sprinkle of basil right before serving.

FAQs

Is Chicken & Nduja Bake very spicy?

Nduja brings a warming heat, but most people find it flavorful instead of overwhelmingly hot. You can reduce the quantity of nduja if you’re spice-shy, or dial it up if you’re a heat seeker.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You certainly can, though thighs remain juicier after baking. If you swap in breasts, just keep a close eye on the baking time to prevent them from drying out.

What if I can’t find nduja?

Nduja is becoming easier to find, but in a pinch, try blending chorizo with a bit of olive oil and chili paste for a similar effect. The flavor won’t be identical, but it’ll still bring plenty of punch to the bake!

Can I make Chicken & Nduja Bake dairy-free?

Absolutely! The recipe as written is dairy-free, but skip any finishing Parmesan or creamy dollops if serving to dairy-free eaters. The dish is still ultra-flavorful, thanks to the nduja.

How do I double the recipe for a crowd?

Simply double all ingredients and bake in a large roasting pan or divide between two skillets. Just make sure the chicken pieces aren’t crowded so they cook evenly and the sauce can bubble and thicken properly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about setting a bubbling, aromatic Chicken & Nduja Bake right in the middle of the table—everyone immediately leans in for that first saucy, spicy bite. Give it a try for your next weeknight, and you’ll see why this one’s become a personal favorite. Can’t wait for you to dig in and share!

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