This rich and creamy Chicken Risotto tastes better than any restaurant’s.
A few years ago, on a trip back to my hometown, Miami, my cousin decided to cook everyone dinner one evening. What ensued was a creamy, mildly nutty, and rich risotto that I would become unreasonably preoccupied with on the plane ride back to Texas. She kindly shared the recipe with me, and so there I went. Confidently. In the direction of my dreams or something.
A little too confidently, I’d say. Because whatever I ended up stirring together in my kitchen the next day, a risotto it was not. Aside from a hand cramp, my ambitious experiment also managed to result in a somehow undercooked and charred soupy mess. Resigned, I poured myself a glass of the same dry white wine that I had used for that recipe.
At some point, I must have made a small mistake, and I just didn’t have enough risotto knowledge to fall back and recover that poor Arborio rice. But, in the years since, I’ve dusted myself off and given risotto another go. And despite my previous blunder, I was pleasantly surprised to see it go off without a hitch. It’s not as complicated as some may think!
So, try this recipe. It will get you to the end without any fuss, sweat, or confusion. It’s the kind of chicken risotto that tastes ultra-luxe but doesn’t take hours. That is my kind of meal.
Is This Chicken Risotto Healthy?
While I consider this to be more of a comfort food dish, it does have a few healthy qualities. Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein that is also rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, while olive oil is high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Arborio rice also contains some protein and iron.
One thing worth noting is that chicken broth can be high in sodium, so if you are watching your salt intake, consider using a reduced-sodium option.
Why Arborio Rice Is Necessary
You may be tempted to sub in another kind of rice if you don’t have Arborio, an Italian short-grain rice. The truth is that the dish requires this special kind of rice. You simply won’t achieve the same creamy texture if you omit this ingredient.
Arborio rice maintains its shape while cooking and releases starches, resulting in a dish that is thick and creamy. This is why it’s perfect in risottos, stews, soups, and rice puddings, as well as other starchy desserts. Carnaroli rice is another variety commonly used in risotto, but in this recipe, Arborio rice is what I recommend.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store this chicken risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also store it in the freezer in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re looking for the perfect dishes to serve alongside this chicken risotto, look no further than this Roasted Eggplant and this Kale Salad With Cranberries. It makes for the perfect elegant dinner. I’m also a big fan of this Sautéed Squash And Zucchini, which is versatile enough to pair well with any main dish. For a dessert to end the night well, you really can’t go wrong with these Eggless Chocolate Chip Cookies or a Crème Brûlée Cheesecake for something more decadent.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless, diced
- 1.5 cups Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the chicken stock in a saucepan and keep it warm over low heat.
- In another large saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add diced chicken to the saucepan and cook until it's just white. Stir in the Arborio rice and cook until the rice is well-coated with the oil and butter mixture.
- Pour in the white wine and stir until it has been absorbed by the rice. Begin adding the warm chicken stock, one ladle at a time, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more; about 25 minutes.
- Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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