Description
Spicy chicken & nduja bake promises a flavor explosion that ignites Mediterranean passion on your dinner plate. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a rustic Italian-inspired dish you’ll crave after just one bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 150 grams (5.3 ounces) nduja sausage, peeled
Dairy and Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven, heating it to 375°F (190°C) to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat, then gently sweat onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
- Introduce nduja sausage to the skillet, methodically breaking it down with a wooden spoon, allowing it to render and develop deep flavor for 3-4 minutes.
- Create a rich sauce by incorporating cream, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until ingredients meld together smoothly.
- Season the sauce with thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, allowing the aromatics to infuse and enhance the overall taste profile.
- Transfer chicken thighs into a baking dish, carefully coating them with the prepared nduja sauce to ensure even coverage.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches full doneness and sauce develops a golden, bubbling crust.
- Remove from oven and finish by scattering fresh parsley across the top for a bright, herbaceous garnish before serving.
Notes
- Spice Selection: Choose a high-quality nduja sausage with rich, smoky flavor for maximum depth in your sauce.
- Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally without overcooking.
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free and lower-carb version that maintains creamy texture.
- Meal Prep Hack: Prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, refrigerate separately, and bake just before serving to enhance flavor infusion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 660
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 51g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 180mg