This Chicken & Nduja Bake is a comforting, rich, and indulgent dish combining tender chicken thighs with spicy nduja sausage, a creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs. The heat from the nduja is beautifully mellowed by the creamy sauce, making it a perfect dish to enjoy on cozy nights in with family or friends. Pair it with roasted vegetables or a light salad to complete the meal. It’s a great choice for a hearty and flavorful dinner that feels special yet is easy to prepare.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken thighs

• 150g nduja sausage, peeled

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until softened.

3. Cook the Nduja:
   Add the nduja sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked and combined.

4. Prepare the Sauce:
   Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated parmesan. Bring to a simmer and season with fresh thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.

5. Assemble the Dish:
   Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the nduja sauce over the top.

6. Bake:
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbly and golden.

7. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley before serving and enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 4g

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 36g

  • Saturated Fat: 14g

• Cholesterol: 130mg

• Sodium: 600mg

• Potassium: 500mg

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugar: 2g

• Vitamin A: 10% of Daily Value

• Vitamin C: 10% of Daily Value

• Calcium: 15% of Daily Value

• Iron: 8% of Daily Value

This dish is rich in flavor with the creamy, spicy nduja sausage and tender chicken. The heavy cream and cheese make it a satisfying and indulgent meal.

The Star Ingredient: Nduja Sausage

Nduja sausage is the standout ingredient in this dish. Originating from the Calabria region of Italy, nduja is a spreadable, spicy sausage made from pork, fat, and various spices. Its intense heat and rich flavor infuse the creamy sauce, adding both depth and a delightful kick to the dish. The heat from the nduja sausage is tempered by the richness of the heavy cream and the mellow flavor of the parmesan cheese, creating a sauce that is both spicy and creamy at the same time.

What makes nduja so special is its spreadability and texture. When cooked in the skillet, it breaks down easily, allowing the flavors to meld with the other ingredients and create a smooth, savory sauce. The result is a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and savory depth, which elevates the flavor of the chicken and the entire dish.

Tender Chicken Thighs: A Juicy Base

Chicken thighs are the ideal choice for this dish due to their tender, juicy texture and ability to absorb flavor. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out during cooking, chicken thighs remain moist and flavorful, making them a perfect protein base for the rich nduja sauce. They also add a hearty component to the dish, ensuring that each bite is satisfying.

The chicken thighs are seared in olive oil before being topped with the nduja sauce and baked, which helps develop a golden, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the meat moist and juicy on the inside. The result is a perfect balance of textures—tender chicken paired with the creamy, spicy sauce.

Making the Creamy Nduja Sauce

The creamy nduja sauce is where all the magic happens. To start, sautéing the onions and garlic in olive oil creates a fragrant base for the sauce. The onions soften and caramelize, adding sweetness, while the garlic adds aromatic depth. Once the onions and garlic are cooked, the nduja sausage is added, breaking it apart and cooking it until fully incorporated into the mixture.

Next, heavy cream is added, giving the sauce its creamy richness. The chicken broth thins out the cream slightly, creating a sauce that is flavorful but not too thick. Grated parmesan cheese is stirred in to further enrich the sauce, providing a salty, nutty flavor that complements the heat of the nduja sausage. Fresh thyme and parsley are added to brighten up the sauce, while salt and pepper balance the flavors.

Baking the Chicken & Nduja Dish

Once the chicken thighs are placed in the baking dish, the creamy nduja sauce is poured over the top. The dish is then baked in the oven, allowing the chicken to cook through and the sauce to bubble and thicken. The cheese melts and becomes golden, adding a slight crust to the top of the dish. This process ensures that the chicken absorbs all the flavorful sauce while remaining tender and juicy.

Baking the dish also allows the nduja sausage and the creamy sauce to meld together, creating a comforting and indulgent dish that is perfect for any occasion. The end result is a deliciously rich, spicy, and creamy chicken dish with a beautifully golden crust.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Chicken & Nduja Bake is an indulgent dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. For a light and fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce, you can serve it with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing will help balance out the creamy and spicy flavors of the dish.

Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or carrots also make an excellent pairing. The natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables complements the spicy nduja sauce, providing a perfect balance of flavors. For a heartier meal, serve the dish with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce, or a side of pasta for a truly comforting dinner.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Breakdown

Chicken & Nduja Bake is a rich and flavorful dish that provides a balanced mix of macronutrients. Each serving is packed with protein from the chicken thighs and parmesan cheese, making it a filling and satisfying meal. The heavy cream and olive oil contribute healthy fats, while the nduja sausage adds flavor and spice.

While the dish is indulgent, it is still relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following low-carb or keto diets. The vegetables in the sauce, such as onions and garlic, provide some fiber and essential vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin A, while the fresh herbs add antioxidants.

One serving of Chicken & Nduja Bake provides approximately 450 calories, with 28 grams of protein and 36 grams of fat. The dish is also a good source of calcium, iron, and potassium, which are important for bone health, energy production, and muscle function.

Why Chicken & Nduja Bake is Perfect for Any Occasion

Chicken & Nduja Bake is a versatile dish that works well for a variety of occasions. Its rich, comforting flavors make it a perfect choice for a cozy night in, while its hearty nature makes it a great option for feeding a crowd. The dish is easy to prepare, yet feels indulgent enough for a special meal or dinner party.

The combination of tender chicken, spicy nduja sausage, creamy sauce, and fresh herbs makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress your guests. It is also adaptable—you can adjust the level of spice by using more or less nduja sausage, depending on your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, Chicken & Nduja Bake is a flavorful and satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavorful Comfort Food

Chicken & Nduja Bake is a perfect blend of comforting flavors and hearty ingredients. The tender chicken thighs, creamy nduja sauce, and aromatic herbs come together to create a satisfying and indulgent dish that is easy to make yet feels special. Whether you’re preparing a cozy meal for yourself or feeding a group, this dish is sure to become a favorite. It’s a flavorful, filling, and comforting dinner that is perfect for any occasion.