Risotto is one of my all-time favorite foods. I feel like I say that about many recipes, but I really mean it. Really!!
Risotto is an Italian dish in which the rice is cooked in chicken broth.
This recipe isn’t a “traditional” risotto, although it is similar, made of delicious rice mixed with flavorful vegetables and topped with grilled chicken. It’s DELICIOUS!
I love risotto. When thinking of easy weeknight meals, it isn’t always the top of our list, but this Chicken Risotto really should be!
I don’t make risotto as often as I want to because it’s carb heavy and I lack self control.
And it’s just so easy to eat. When I say “easy to eat”, I mean that literally because it’s the type of food that I classify as great Couch Food.
Being food you can eat with a spoon without taking your eyes off the TV screen.
Risotto is really easy to make, and you do not have to stir constantly and add hot broth gradually.
But there are a few simple tips that make all the difference, as well as busting a few myths!
However, in order to make a risotto without stirring constantly, you need to use a larger pot or skillet.
What can you put in a risotto?
Also, you can easily adapt this recipe to what you have on hand.
Have some asparagus and mushrooms instead of peppers and onions? Use those!
Be flexible and find the flavors you love.
What do you eat with chicken risotto? This is a great and filling main dish, so pair it with something light. Or a delicious dessert!
Store: You should store your risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Since we are topping this with chicken we recommend storing the risotto separately.
This way each component lasts longer, or you can even enjoy them separately.
Reheat: To reheat your risotto you need to take it out of the fridge and add a little bit of water/broth and then reheat it in the microwave.
Make sure to stir the risotto so that it keeps the creaminess while it’s reheating.
Can you overcook risotto?
Yes, you can. Risotto needs to be creamy but the rice grains need to be able to keep their shape and not be broken. This will result in a grainy, floury texture. If your risotto is overcooked, don’t despair.
Is risotto gluten-free?
Risotto rice contains rice gluten, which is not the same as gluten that causes intolerance.
Rice gluten is what gives risotto its creaminess. If you are gluten intolerant, make sure the risotto rice you buy is gluten-free as many factories process and package rice along with gluten-containing grains and wheat, causing cross-contamination.
This dish also reheats great in a microwave for work meal-prep!
Give this one a try, you’re gonna love it!
If you love this, be sure to check out my other recipes! It is such a fun and versatile dish, you’ll love trying different flavors!
Easy Chicken Risotto Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes30
minutes432
kcalIngredients
4 ½ cups canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock (more if needed)
2 tablespoons butter
1 big onion, sliced
1 ½ cups arborio rice
2 bell peppers (red and yellow), sliced into long strips
2 skinless chicken breasts
Directions
- Bring the stock just to the boil in a larger pot or skillet. Reduce heat and hold at a gentle simmer and add rice. Let it boil for 10 minutes and stirring frequently until all of the broth has been absorbed.
- Add 1 tablespoon butter to the frying pan, and heat until melted. Add the sliced onion and cook for 5 minutes and then add bell peppers (sliced). Add salt and pepper (to taste) and cook for 10-15 minutes on medium heat. Stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized and the peppers are tender and slightly browned. Add the rice and cook and stir for 2 minutes or until the rice is lightly browned.
- Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red paprika or chili. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a Non-Stick Grill Pan. Once hot, add the chicken and cook on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool for 3-5 minutes and slice into pieces.
- Add cooked rice in the same Non-Stick Grill Pan and cook stirring frequently for 5 minutes on low heat.
- Serve on plates and decorate it with fresh parsley if you want. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories432
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
7.8g
12%
- Saturated Fat 4.5g 23%
- Cholesterol 45mg 15%
- Sodium 824mg 35%
- Potassium 222mg 7%
- Total Carbohydrate
67.2g
23%
- Dietary Fiber 3.5g 15%
- Sugars 4.6g
- Protein 21.3g 43%
- Calcium 23%
- Iron 2%
- Vitamin D 4%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
