This Chicken Nduja Bake features juicy, crispy chicken thighs enveloped in a creamy, spicy nduja sauce that is perfectly balanced with the aromatic herbs. The sauce adds a rich depth of flavor, making this dish a comforting yet exciting meal.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also brings an impressive level of flavor to your table. The golden chicken, roasted with thyme and rosemary, becomes tender and juicy as it bakes, while the nduja creates a zesty, spicy sauce that will leave you wanting more. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon to brighten the flavors, and you’ll have a dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Full Recipe:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 150g nduja sausage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, quartered (for serving)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add the sliced red onion and garlic, sautéing until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the nduja sausage, breaking it up as it cooks, for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and chicken stock, stirring to combine, then bring to a simmer. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C/165°F).
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Chicken ‘Nduja Bake recipe is an exciting one-pan dish that combines the rich flavors of roasted chicken, potatoes, and chickpeas with the bold, spicy kick of ‘nduja sausage. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, as it offers a hassle-free, hands-off cooking method and an explosion of flavors that will satisfy any palate. Here’s a more detailed overview of what makes this recipe a standout option for dinner.
The Magic of ‘Nduja
At the heart of this dish is ‘nduja, a spicy and spreadable Italian pork sausage that originates from Calabria, Italy. Made with fatty cuts of pork and infused with fiery red peppers, ‘nduja is known for its deep heat and smoky, rich flavor. It’s versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta sauces to pizzas. For the Chicken ‘Nduja Bake, this sausage is the star ingredient that elevates the flavor profile of the entire dish.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor:
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its minimal prep time. Once everything is prepped and seasoned, the oven does most of the work. There’s no need for flipping, rotating, or constant monitoring. The dish is simple yet packed with complex flavors, thanks to the combination of ‘nduja, crispy chicken thighs, and the tender chickpeas and potatoes.
2. Juicy and Tender Chicken:
Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs is key to this recipe. Unlike chicken breasts, which are prone to drying out, chicken thighs remain tender and juicy throughout the cooking process. The skin crisps up in the oven, adding texture and flavor to each bite. If you prefer, chicken legs or drumsticks are also great alternatives, offering similar flavor and moisture.
3. The Hands-Off Cooking Style:
Once the chicken is placed in the oven, it’s largely hands-off. This is a great feature for busy evenings when you want to prepare something hearty without needing to hover over the stove. The dish cooks in the oven for about 40 minutes, allowing you to focus on other tasks or relax while the flavors meld together.
4. A Customizable Spice Level:
The amount of ‘nduja you use in the recipe can be adjusted to fit your desired spice level. For a mild heat, start with 1 tablespoon of ‘nduja, and for those who enjoy intense spice, feel free to add 4-5 tablespoons for a fiery kick. This makes the recipe adaptable for all spice tolerance levels, from those who enjoy subtle heat to those seeking a fiery experience.
Key Ingredients and Their Role
The combination of ingredients in the Chicken ‘Nduja Bake creates a harmony of flavors and textures. Here’s a look at the main components:
- Chicken Thighs: These provide a juicy, tender protein that stands up well to the richness of the ‘nduja. The skin crisps up beautifully, adding a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- ‘Nduja Sausage: The defining ingredient in this recipe, ‘nduja adds a spicy and smoky flavor that permeates the chicken and vegetables. It’s a key player in making the dish stand out.
- Potatoes: Baby potatoes, whether peeled or unpeeled, provide a starchy base that complements the other ingredients. Their creamy texture contrasts nicely with the crispy chicken skin.
- Chickpeas: These add a nutty flavor and a hearty texture to the dish. Chickpeas absorb the rich juices from the chicken and ‘nduja, enhancing their flavor.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic are sautéed at the beginning to create a fragrant base, building depth of flavor for the sauce.
- Chicken Broth and Tomato Paste: These ingredients deglaze the skillet and help create a savory sauce that ties the whole dish together.
- Parmesan: This adds a touch of savory umami to the dish, enhancing the richness of the chicken and potatoes.
Cooking Process and Techniques
The recipe begins with seasoning the chicken thighs and searing them in a combination of olive oil and butter. Searing the chicken skin-side down first creates a crisp, golden-brown skin while locking in juices. Once the chicken is seared, the pan is deglazed with chicken broth, and ‘nduja sausage and tomato paste are added, infusing the sauce with flavor. Potatoes and chickpeas are stirred in, and the chicken is placed back into the skillet to roast.
This method of cooking not only ensures a tender chicken but also infuses the potatoes and chickpeas with rich, meaty flavor. By the time the dish comes out of the oven, the chicken thighs are perfectly roasted, the potatoes are tender, and the chickpeas are well-seasoned and flavorful.
Variations and Substitutions
While the recipe calls for chicken thighs and ‘nduja, there are several substitutions you can make based on what’s available or your personal preferences:
- Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts can be used, although they will need careful attention to prevent drying out. Chicken drumsticks are also a great choice for their tenderness and flavor.
- Substitutes for ‘Nduja: If you can’t find ‘nduja, other spicy sausages like chorizo or spicy Italian sausage can be used. For a non-pork alternative, you can try pepperoni or even a spicy paste like sambal oelek. Calabrian chili paste is also an excellent substitute.
- Vegetable Options: While the recipe calls for potatoes and chickpeas, you could swap in other vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or zucchini. Beans like cannellini or kidney beans can also work well in place of chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
The Chicken ‘Nduja Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it can be paired with a variety of side dishes to enhance the meal. Some great options include:
- Flatbread: Serve with warm flatbread to scoop up the flavorful sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or greens would complement the dish perfectly.
- Salads: A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or a creamy cucumber salad can provide a cool contrast to the spicy heat of the chicken.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is perfect for making ahead or storing for later. You can prepare the ingredients up to the point of baking, then refrigerate the dish until you’re ready to cook it. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.
If you want to freeze it, allow the dish to cool completely before portioning it into airtight containers. Frozen leftovers can be stored for several months and reheated as needed.
Conclusion
The Chicken ‘Nduja Bake is a flavorful and simple recipe that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. The combination of juicy chicken, hearty potatoes, and the spicy depth of ‘nduja creates a meal that’s both satisfying and exciting. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s an easy recipe that can be customized to suit different spice levels and dietary preferences. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or looking for a new one-pan dinner idea, this recipe is sure to impress and become a staple in your weekly rotation.