A Creamy Chicken Risotto is the perfect comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken with a creamy, flavorful rice base, making it an ideal meal for cozy dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep. The key to a perfect risotto is patience and attention to detail, but the result is well worth the effort. The creamy texture comes from slowly adding broth to the rice, allowing the grains to release their starch and create a velvety finish.
Let’s get started with this simple yet decadent chicken risotto recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Risotto:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450g), diced into small pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Arborio rice (the best rice for risotto)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth (preferably low-sodium, kept warm)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Chicken Marinade (optional but recommended):
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme (or any herbs of choice)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Optional)
- Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon olive oil, dried thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss the diced chicken in this marinade and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This adds extra flavor and tenderness to the chicken, but you can skip this step if you’re in a rush.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet or wide, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning.
Step 4: Add the Rice
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2-3 minutes. The rice will become slightly translucent around the edges and begin to smell nutty. This step helps release the rice’s starch, which contributes to the creamy texture of the risotto.
Step 5: Add the Wine (Optional)
- Deglaze with Wine: If using white wine, pour it in now, stirring constantly. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the wine to reduce slightly. The wine adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if you prefer a wine-free risotto.
Step 6: Cook the Risotto
- Add the Chicken Broth: Begin adding the warm chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. After each addition, let the rice absorb the liquid before adding more. This slow cooking method helps the rice release its starch, creating a creamy consistency. Continue adding the broth and stirring for about 18-20 minutes, until the rice is al dente (tender but with a slight bite).
- Tip: Keep the broth warm in a separate pot on the stove. Adding cold liquid to the risotto will slow down the cooking process and may affect the final texture.
Step 7: Finish the Risotto
- Add the Chicken Back In: Once the risotto is nearly done (the rice should be creamy and tender), stir the cooked chicken back into the pan. Let it heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Butter and Cheese: Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese. This will add richness and further creaminess to the risotto. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken risotto onto plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Tips and Variations:
- Flavor Add-ins: You can enhance the flavor of this dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and taste.
- Broth Variations: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken stock or even replace some of the chicken broth with a splash of heavy cream for an even creamier risotto.
- Wine Substitute: If you don’t want to use wine, you can skip this step and increase the amount of chicken broth. Alternatively, you can use a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for acidity to balance the flavors.
- Add More Cheese: You can try using other cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano, for a sharper flavor, or even a bit of mozzarella for creaminess.
- Vegan Version: To make this risotto vegan, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Omit the butter and Parmesan, or use plant-based versions.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Risotto:
This Creamy Chicken Risotto is a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting, perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress your guests. The slow-cooked rice creates a luscious, creamy base, while the tender chicken and savory broth provide a satisfying and flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can easily make a restaurant-quality dish at home. This recipe also makes great leftovers, as the risotto firms up slightly and is just as tasty the next day when reheated with a little extra broth.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting risotto!

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