Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a meal that’s rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, this Chicken & Mushroom Risotto is the perfect choice. Risotto is an Italian classic known for its creamy texture and ability to soak up rich flavors. In this recipe, we pair tender chicken with earthy mushrooms, creating a balanced dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.

In this guide, we’ll walk through each step of the cooking process, from preparing your ingredients to achieving the perfect risotto consistency. Let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the sliced mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and have released their moisture. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to season the mushrooms, then remove them from the skillet and set aside with the chicken.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Toast the Arborio Rice

Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the butter and onion mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This step helps to develop a nutty flavor in the rice.

Step 5: Deglaze with Wine (Optional)

If you’re using white wine, pour it into the skillet and stir. Cook for about 2 minutes until the wine has mostly evaporated. The wine will add a lovely depth of flavor to the risotto, but you can skip this step if you prefer not to use alcohol.

Step 6: Gradually Add Broth

Begin adding the chicken broth to the rice, one ladleful at a time. Stir constantly and allow the rice to absorb the broth before adding more. Continue this process, adding broth as needed, for about 20-25 minutes. The rice should become tender but still slightly firm in the center, creating a creamy consistency.

Step 7: Add Chicken and Mushrooms Back In

Once the rice is cooked to your desired texture, stir in the cooked chicken and mushrooms. Let them heat through for about 2-3 minutes, allowing their flavors to blend with the creamy risotto.

Step 8: Add Parmesan and Cream

For a luxurious finish, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. The Parmesan will add a savory depth, while the cream will give the risotto an extra smooth and rich texture. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove the risotto from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley and a bit more Parmesan cheese. Serve the Chicken & Mushroom Risotto hot, and enjoy the comforting blend of flavors.

Tips for the Best Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

Choose the Right Rice

The key to a creamy risotto lies in using short-grain rice like Arborio. This type of rice is high in starch, which helps give the dish its signature creaminess.

Keep Stirring

Stirring the rice constantly while adding the broth ensures the starch is released from the grains, which creates that creamy texture everyone loves in a good risotto.

Don’t Rush the Process

Risotto is all about patience. Adding the broth gradually and allowing the rice to slowly absorb the liquid will give you the best result. Don’t be tempted to dump all the broth in at once!

Use Quality Broth

Since broth is a major component of the dish, using a high-quality chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium) will make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Add the Cream and Cheese at the End

For the creamiest risotto, always add the cream and Parmesan toward the end of cooking. This allows the cheese to melt evenly and the cream to incorporate smoothly.

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad

A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the risotto, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture.

With a Glass of White Wine

If you used white wine in the risotto, serve it alongside the meal for a perfect match. A crisp, dry Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay would complement the dish wonderfully.

With Garlic Bread

For a more indulgent meal, serve this risotto with garlic bread or crusty baguette to scoop up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

This Chicken & Mushroom Risotto is a comforting, flavorful dish that is sure to impress at the dinner table. With the earthy taste of mushrooms and the tender chicken mixed into a creamy, cheesy risotto, it’s the perfect meal for cozy nights in or special occasions.

Plus, once you get the hang of making risotto, you can customize it in countless ways to suit your tastes, adding vegetables, seafood, or other proteins. Enjoy this rich and satisfying dish and don’t forget to savor each creamy bite!

FAQs

Can I use other types of mushrooms?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms like shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for varied flavors and textures.

Can I make this risotto without wine?

Absolutely. If you prefer not to use wine, just skip the deglazing step and continue cooking with broth. The risotto will still be flavorful.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra mushrooms or other veggies like spinach or peas for more substance.

What if my risotto is too thick?

If your risotto becomes too thick, simply add a splash of warm broth or water to loosen it up. Keep stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to bring back the creaminess.

Yield: 4

Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe

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If you’re in the mood for a meal that’s rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, this Chicken & Mushroom Risotto is the perfect choice. Risotto is an Italian classic known for its creamy texture and ability to soak up rich flavors. In this recipe, we pair tender chicken with earthy mushrooms, creating a balanced dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, or button)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Mushrooms:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the mushrooms for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside with the cooked chicken.
   
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently.
   
4. Toast the Arborio Rice:
   Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and lightly toast.
   
5. Add Wine (Optional) and Begin Adding Broth:
   If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
   Begin adding the warmed chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow each ladle of broth to absorb into the rice before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and tender, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Finish the Risotto:
   When the rice is nearly cooked, stir in the cooked chicken and mushrooms. Add the dried thyme, butter, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the butter is melted and everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve:
   Remove the risotto from the heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Rice Texture: For the best risotto, make sure to stir continuously and add the broth gradually. This helps the rice release its starch and creates the creamy texture.

Wine Substitution: If you don't want to use wine, simply replace it with an additional 1/2 cup of chicken broth.

Protein Variation: You can substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or omit it for a vegetarian version.

Mushroom Variety: Feel free to mix different types of mushrooms to enhance the flavor.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little extra broth to maintain creaminess.

Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.