This one-pot chicken with chorizo and Nduja bake make such a beautiful family meal. Delicious and quick to make, perfect for the end of a long exhausting day. One of those days when you come home and you just want to have a delish comfort meal. A meal that is ready in no time and takes little prep to get to the table. I am always up for such dishes and I am sure you are too.
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❓What is Nduja sauce or paste?
Nduja (pronounced en-DOO-ya) is a Calabrian ( the toe of Italy's boot) specialty. The origins of this specialty are a little shadowy. It is believed it arrived in the area when Napoleon conquered Naples, to the north, in 1806, and since, it was a poor man's version of andouille sausage. Some were making this paste with pork fat and some odd animal bits like, ground lungs spiced very well with the local fiery chilies, making it into a sausage which was then aged or smoked.
Truthfully, the original recipe, whatever that was, is no longer followed and this is mainly I believe because the nduja paste was super spicy. The recipe nowadays varies from kitchen to kitchen. It is very good to find a good source for a nice and tasty nduja paste to use.
In the US, for example, Iowa's La Quercia makes its nduja paste a bit unconventionally, with prosciutto, speck, coppa, and chilies. Chicago's 'Nduja Artisans make their nduja from fatback, and pork shoulder and add chilies, a lot less than Calabrians do, so it is not so spicy.
🥘 Ingredients
- chicken legs cleaned and trimmed of all visible fat
- creme fraîche or heavy cream
- potato - small salad potatoes are the best otion to keep them whole and look nice
- mushrooms - I prefer chestnut or cremini for extra flavor
- chorizo - good quality is important
- chicken stock - ideally unsalted
- Nduja paste - a good quality one
- onion or leek
- garlic cloves
- fresh thyme
- salt and black pepper
🔪 How to make one-pot chicken and nduja
I started off cooking this on the stove and finished it in the oven to reduce the juices nicely and cook the chicken and the potatoes to perfection. It can, however, be made just on the stove or just in the oven, whatever you prefer.
I chose to make it using both means because I had time but if the time it's not on your side, place it all in one pot and allow it to bake for approximately 45 min at 190°C or 375°F.
Step 1
Pre-heat the oven
Place the skillet on medium fire
Step 2
Cook the chicken legs on both sides, add the cubed/sliced chorizo. Remove the excess fat (see tips).
Add the potatoes (skin on), mushrooms, garlic, onion or leek.
Add the chicken stock mixed with the Nduja sauce or paste, the heavy cream (creme fraiche) and some of the thyme leaves.
Step 3
Place the skillet in the oven, cook a little more and the best part.... Serve!
💭 FAQs
Well, it really depends on where you are in the world. Look in the local shops, supermarkets, or some local artisan shops, especially the Italian ones, which most likely will have this.
Here in London, UK, we can find it in any supermarket, some brands make it, but I find that the best are the ones made by some Italian artisan shops (I have found a really good one in Hampstead) that have a very good and delicious Nduja paste. The best one I have tasted so far.
1) The Nduja paste and chicken combination works really well together. Nduja adds that spicy, smoky quality taste and flavor to the dish;
2) The creamy sauce adds that perfect creaminess and richness;
3) It takes under 60 minutes to make, meaning this could be that perfect weeknight meal;
4) It is a one-pot meal which means less washing up :).
One-pot meals, in general, are wonders, such as time savers and fuss-free cooking. This one-pot chicken, chorizo, and nduja bake is the perfect meal for any time of the year, particularly great for the cold season.
I have used chorizo not only for a nice flavor but also for a really nice deep red color.
🤹♂️Variations
Chorizo is a really nice ingredient to add to this dish. It gives a great flavor as well as color but if you do not like it or cannot eat chorizo, replace it with andouille or any opened sausage like this mici recipe if you like. You may want to add some paprika to achieve that nice deep red color.
Or why not try this Thai-style roast chicken, absolutely delicious too.
Other chorizo dishes you may like to try: Easy Prawn and Chorizo Pasta, Low Carb Prawn, Chorizo And Cauliflower Couscous, or side dishes that are to die for Sweet Potato With Mushrooms, Green Beans, And Green Leaves
🍽 How to serve this one-pot chicken dish?
This one-pot chicken, chorizo, and nduja bake dish is great served with couscous, coconut rice, or a nice crusty homemade flatbread. Absolutely delicious and what comfort food should be all about.
It is also delicious and served with nicely al-dente cooked pasta like fettuccine, fusilli, rigatoni, spaghetti, linguini (my favorite), pasta penne or orzo (kids' favorite).
Serve it with a slice of nice rustic bread, with bulgur or couscous, and with some nice boiled green beans, broccoli, asparagus, or whatever greens you like or fancy. Enjoy!
📍Tips
- Add some Cajun seasoning, fresh red chili, or dry flakes for more spice.
- Brown the chorizo first helps to add a rich flavor and color to the dish. Skip this if you are in a hurry, but I highly recommend doing it for the best color and flavor.
- Remove excess fat released from cooking the chicken and the chorizo with one or two paper towels. It can be a little too oily otherwise.
- Use a cast iron skillet to make this dish but if you don't have a skillet you may use any tray or ovenproof dish the size you desire. I love cooking in cast iron dishes as the food tastes clearly different and that's a lot better.
🍗 More chicken dishes you may really enjoy:
- Easy BBQ Chicken Kebabs45 Minutes
- Easiest Chicken Thighs Recipe With Broccoli Salad30 Minutes
- Easy Baked Chicken Parmesan40 Minutes
- Teriyaki Chicken Egg Fried Rice With Vegetables45 Minutes
Let's get cooking folks, apron on, chopping board out, spirits high, and get all the fun started.
One pot chicken, chorizo and nduja bake
Equipment
- skillet
- chopping board
- knife
- spatula
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs cleaned and trimmed of excess fat
- 100 ml creme fraîche or heavy cream (3.38 floz)
- 400 g potato (2 cups) small salad potatoes
- 250 g mushrooms (2.5 cups)
- 200 g chorizo ( 7 oz) diced into small cubes
- 200 ml chicken stock ( 6.7 floz)
- 2-3 tablespoon Nduja sauce or paste mixed into the chicken stock *
- 1 onion or leek roughly chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves
- 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅓ tsp black Pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven at 190°C or 375°F.
- Place the skillet on medium fire and brown the chicken legs on both sides for about three minutes on each side. Add the chorizo, sliced or cubed. Cook, stirring occasionally for approximately 2-3 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove the excess fat (see tips above).
- Add the thoroughly washed potatoes (leave the skin on), and the sliced mushrooms and cook covered for about 5 minutes occasionally tossing these around.
- Add the garlic, onion, or leek and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. You should have some oil from the chicken but the chorizo will also release some which you can reduce by absorbing some with a paper towel. See recipe notes.
- Add the chicken stock mixed with the Nduja sauce or paste, the heavy cream (creme fraiche), and some of the thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Leave some thyme sprigs for garnishing.
- Place the skillet in the oven and allow the stock to reduce for about 30-35 min.
- When juices are reduced to the desired level, take them out of the oven and get ready to serve. See the serving suggestions above for more ideas.
Notes
- Potatoes - If you are using chunkier potatoes parboil them for a few minutes so they cook beautifully. You may even cut them into halves or quarters if you wish.
- Chicken - I keep the skin on the chicken for better aspect and moisture, but I trim all the visible excess fat.
- Excess Fat - Another way of doing it is to cook the chicken and collect all the released fat by tilting the skillet to one side and absorbing all excess fat into kitchen towels, helping yourself with a tong or a wooden spoon.
Amanda says
This is such a great way to cook chicken! The chorizo added a wonderful depth of flavor too. Delicious recipe!
Loreto and Nicoletta says
This is my kind of one pot meal. The nduja is such a wonderful thing to spice things up. This dish screams irresistable and spectacular flavors. Take that chicken to that fall off the bone point and I am all in and now have to wipe the drool from my lips! Great recipe!😋🥰❤
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
Oh my word does this looks amazing! This sounds like a perfect cool weather supper for sure! Adding the ingredients to my shopping list!
Cathleen says
This looks like the best comfort food!! I am definitely going to give this a go tomorrow, thank you so much for the recipe 😉
Ksenia Prints says
This is so rich and savory, I am loving it for this cold weather. I used Nduja paste and it was just perfect.
Thomas Adrian says
A great dish
Flavours are great
Thomas
Ramona says
Thank you so much Thomas Adrian, I am so glad you also liked this dish.
Addie says
These flavors are amazing! Yum!
Oscar says
This recipe looks amazing. Can’t wait to make this.
Toni says
This is so good and delicious!! Perfect meal for weeknights!
Swathi says
This One pot chicken chorizo looks delicious. I love this meal.
Pam Greer says
Love this one pot dinner!
Anna says
Delicious recipe, easy and quick to make, everyone loved it!
Lindsay says
Omg I love big skillet dinners like this and this one is just a dream. Fabulous recipe!
Jeri says
What a great way to prepare chicken legs! Delicious!
Deanna says
Anytime we can find a flavourful one-pot meal is a win in this house. Love the combination of flavours in this one. Thank you!
Maren says
I made this for my family and it was such a hit. Super tasty!
Priya Maha says
This definitely looks yummy!
Kylie says
Perfect weeknight dinner!
Katie says
Oh man! N'duja is one of my absolute favourites so this is right up my street! Pinning for later.
Katie xoxo
Ramona says
Thank you Katie! Enjoy it.
Jacqueline Debono says
Love all the flavours in this one pot chicken bake. We use a lot of nduja here in Italy. It's one of my favourite ways to add a bit of spice to a number of dishes! Good on pizza too!! Pinning for later!
Emily says
I'm all about the one pot meals these days, it makes life so much easier! I love the delicious combo of chicken and chorizo... such flavor!
Kari Heron says
Made this one pot dish for Sunday dinner and I cannot for tomorrow so I can tuck into the leftovers. Amazing recipe!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
What a great one pot meal! This chicken was so tasty and came together perfectly. I would make it again!
Lesli Schwartz says
Always looking for a good skillet chicken dish! This recipe looks delicious and love the flavor combos!
Chef Dennis says
My family loved your chicken and chorizo bake! They've requested I make it again next week!
Leslie says
I will definitely be on the hunt for Nduja paste. This recipe looks like one I don't want to miss out on!
Stine Mari says
I love this one-pot chicken bake! It is aaamazing, the nduja and chorizo really make a big difference, it is perfectly spicy.
Amy Liu Dong says
Such a mouthwatering dish to make for our Valentine's Day dinner and I am sure everyone will love it. Thank you!
David Henderson says
You are a genius. I love all your recipes.
Thank you so much for sharing them freely on your web pages.
Ramona says
Thank you so much David, you're most kind indeed! I have to say, your comment has made my day!
Thank you so much! I cannot tell you how happy I am you like my recipes! Easy home cooking 😉
Natalie says
What a lovely family dinner option. Looks fantastic and flavors sound amazing. I love that you added chorizo. Will definitely make this soon.
Ramona says
Thank you dear Natalie xx
Sharon says
I love smoky dishes and once I saw a one-pot meal I was in! Thanks for the introduction to a new ingredient with the Nduja sauce.
Kathryn Donangelo says
This recipe is so comforting and flavor packed! We loved it and can't wait to remake soon!
Amanda says
This chicken recipe is fabulous! The skin, which is my favorite part, was perfect, and the chorizo adds such an amazing flavor boost.
Choclette says
I'm absolutely up for a meal that is ready in no time and takes little prep to get to the table. This looks so good and the warm colours look particularly appealing. Love your photography.
Ramona says
Thank you Choclette, you are so kind. I am so happy you like my recipe and my pictures 😉
Swathi says
I didn't know much about nduja sauce. this sounds delicious, creamy chicken recipe with tons of flavor.
Fred Nonterah says
This is new to me I'm sure my wife and son will love to try it. I might have to wait till the lockdown is lifted I don't think would find Ndjuka in the regular supermarkets. Thanks for sharing Ramona!
Ramona says
Thank you so much Fred. I’m sure you guys will like this dish. Yes, Nduja paste it’s not a regular ingredient but it really depends where you are in the world. Let me know if you make it, how you guys liked it ?
Alena says
Wow, this sounds so incredibly flavorful! I've never had nduja sauce but I can only imagine how delicious it is.
Ramona says
Thanks, Alena - Nduja paste is very nice indeed, I do recommend trying it if you get to find it.
Jere Cassidy says
This chicken looks amazing with that great sauce. Not sure where to find Nduja, it there an alternative?
Ramona says
Hi Jere,
Thank you so much for your kind comment and yes, you can try and make a paste from chorizo/sausage with a chilli paste or chilli oil and to get the smoky flavour try and chargrill some chilis. Where about are you, I know Nduja paste is the new thing that has suddenly become very popular in the US. Let me know if you have managed to find it or tried making it yourself.
Jere Cassidy says
Everything you make looks amazing in flavor. I am not familiar with Nduja paste, but our International market will probably have it. If so, I am making this dish.
mydeliciousmeals says
This looks so yummy and colorful, I'm already trying to find this Nduja sauce here in the US. Is it really spice? I wonder if kids would eat this dish 🙂 Or is it possible to substitute? Thanks for help 😉
Ramona says
Hi Alena,
I’m sure you’ll be able to find the Nduja paste over there in the US. It’s only picante but I assume it really depends where you buy it. It’s not meant to be too spicy but it has a nice kick. Nduja spread is an Italian speciality from Calabria and I would say it’s like a spreadable salumi that’s made from pork fat, herbs and spices, and Calabrian peppers. The peppers give nduja its iconic red color and its nice kick.
My kids both 12 and 14 are eating it since quite young. I suggest you try a little at first to see what quantity you would add to the dish, all depending on what the spice threshold is. Enjoy ? and would be lovely to find out how you found it and if you liked it ?
Alex Ryder says
There are some of my favourite flavours and I love chicken legs so will definitely bookmark this recipe to make in the future.
Jacque Hastert says
Winner winner chicken dinner! I love an easy one-pot dinner like this. Especially on busy nights like tonight which it is on the menu for.
Mikayla says
Delicious! I love really saucy chicken and this was packed full of flavor, my family loved it and I loved how easy it was to make!
Alena says
I love that this can be made in just one pot. Such a warm hearty dish for these chilly winter days!
Emily says
This combo is so unique and satisfying! The leeks bring such great flavor depth!
Joyce says
This recipe look soooo flavourful! I love the combination of chicken and chorizo in dishes! Great Flavours! Thanks for sharing
Jacqui Debono says
This looks gorgeous and is my perfect type of dish! Rich and tasty and done in one pot! I grew leeks last year and love using them in dishes to add that extra depth of flavour!
Amy Dong says
It looks amazing! I wanna try this dish for my family!
Ramona says
Thank you Amy.I am sure your family will enjoy this lovely chicken dish!
Stine Mari says
A quick and easy comforting meal that looks absolutely bursting of flavor and super delicious. Pinning for later, thanks!
Ramona says
Thank you dear Stine, it is indeed a full of beautiful flavours chicken dish. I am so happy you will give it a try.
Lesli Schwartz says
Love the combo of flavors in this dish! And that sauce, so yummy! A cast iron pan is truly magic! Can't wait to try this!
Ramona says
Thanks Lesly, I do love cooking in my cast iron dishes, they are magic indeed. I am sure you will greatly enjoy this dish.