Chicken Risotto
Creamy chicken risotto combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic basil with creamy cheddar cheese for a comforting, flavorful dish. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, it offers a rich, satisfying taste with a delightful blend of textures and savory notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter.
- Add chicken and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until pieces are browned, about 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add remaining butter, rice, and garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add sliced mushrooms and chopped green onions.
- Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until mushrooms are tender, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth and basil.
- Bring to a boil; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Gently stir in the cooked chicken.
- Continue simmering until chicken is heated through and rice is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Top with shredded Cheddar cheese and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier risotto, consider adding a splash of white wine after browning the garlic and rice. If you’d like to incorporate more vegetables, peas or spinach can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. For a twist, substitute the chicken with shrimp or use a mix of mushrooms for added flavor. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken Risotto hot, garnished with extra shredded Cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a delightful variation, try serving it alongside Italian Baked Chicken for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the risotto in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through. This will help maintain the creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Risotto contains roughly 514 calories, with 11g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 490mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth quantity and cooking time to ensure the rice is fully cooked and tender.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or even water in a pinch. However, using broth will enhance the overall taste of the risotto, so opt for a good-quality low-sodium broth if possible.
Can I make this risotto ahead of time?
While risotto is best enjoyed freshly made, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat with some additional broth to restore its creamy consistency before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).