Chicken Nduja Butter Bean: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken nduja butter bean stew is about to become your new weeknight obsession! Imagine tender chicken simmered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce, studded with creamy butter beans and infused with the fiery kick of nduja. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience, a culinary hug that warms you from the inside out.

Nduja, that spreadable, spicy pork salumi from Calabria, Italy, has been captivating food lovers for years. Its vibrant flavor and unique texture add a depth and complexity that’s hard to resist. While traditionally enjoyed on bread or pizza, nduja’s versatility shines in dishes like this chicken nduja butter bean stew, where it melts into the sauce, creating a symphony of flavors.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of comfort and excitement. The creamy butter beans provide a comforting base, while the nduja adds a thrilling burst of heat. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it simmers in the flavorful sauce. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress your friends, this chicken nduja butter bean stew is guaranteed to be a winner. Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet sensational recipe!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Nduja Butter Bean Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 ounces nduja sausage, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional Garnishes:
• Crusty bread, for serving
• Red pepper flakes, for extra heat
• A drizzle of olive oil

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated.
4. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.

Making the Nduja Butter Bean Sauce:

1. While the chicken is marinating, we can start on the delicious nduja butter bean sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped nduja sausage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it renders its fat and becomes slightly crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The aroma will be amazing!
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Now, add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the skillet. Stir to combine with the nduja, onion, and garlic.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and white wine (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that nduja can be quite salty, so taste before adding more salt.
9. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken breasts to the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Spoon the nduja butter bean sauce onto plates or bowls.
2. Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
3. Garnish with extra chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes (if desired), and a drizzle of olive oil.
4. Serve immediately with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level. If you’re sensitive to spice, omit it altogether.
• Bean Variations: Feel free to substitute other types of beans, such as cannellini beans or chickpeas, for the butter beans.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with halloumi cheese or grilled vegetables.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would pair well with this dish.
• Make Ahead: The nduja butter bean sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.
• Nduja Substitute: If you can’t find nduja sausage, you can substitute it with chorizo or sobrasada, although the flavor will be slightly different.
• Creamy Sauce: For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish is also delicious served over pasta or rice.

Enjoy!

This Chicken Nduja Butter Bean recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of the spicy nduja sausage, creamy butter beans, and tender chicken is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Nduja Butter Bean recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The creamy butter beans, infused with the spicy, smoky depth of nduja, create a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. The tender chicken perfectly complements the richness of the beans, making each bite a delightful journey for your taste buds. I truly believe this dish is a must-try because it’s incredibly easy to prepare, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your own home. It’s the kind of meal that will impress your family and friends without requiring hours in the kitchen.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Serve it as is for a hearty and satisfying one-pot meal. For a more elegant presentation, consider plating it over a bed of creamy polenta or fluffy couscous. The polenta will soak up all that delicious sauce, while the couscous provides a light and airy counterpoint to the richness of the beans and chicken. Alternatively, you could serve it with crusty bread for dipping – trust me, you won’t want to leave any of that flavorful sauce behind!

Looking for variations? Feel free to experiment with different types of beans. Cannellini beans would work beautifully in place of butter beans, offering a slightly firmer texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a handful of chopped kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of nutrients and a pop of color. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. The nduja will still provide plenty of flavor and depth. You could even add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for extra creaminess.

And if you’re a spice lover like me, don’t be afraid to add an extra pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to really kick things up a notch. Just remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s easily adaptable to your own preferences.

I’ve poured my heart into creating this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing dinner party dish, or even a comforting lunch. The possibilities are endless!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I’m so excited for you to try this Chicken Nduja Butter Bean recipe and experience the magic for yourself.

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories with me on social media using #MyChickenNdujaButterBean. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback! Happy cooking!

---