Description
This classic Chicken Risotto recipe combines tender chicken breast, arborio rice, and vibrant red bell peppers cooked slowly in warm chicken stock to create a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired dish. Finished with parmesan cheese and black pepper, this risotto is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, boneless, diced
- 2 cups red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the Chicken Stock: In a saucepan, warm the chicken stock over medium heat and keep it hot throughout the cooking process to maintain the risotto’s creamy texture.
- Sauté Onion: In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the pan and cook until the outside is just white, but not fully cooked through.
- Add Bell Pepper: Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peppers have softened slightly.
- Add Rice: Pour in the arborio rice and stir well to coat each grain with the butter and oil mixture.
- Add Stock Gradually: Begin adding the warm chicken stock one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Wait for the liquid to be mostly absorbed before adding more. Continue this process for about 17-25 minutes.
- Cook Until Creamy: Keep adding stock and stirring until the rice is tender but still has a slight bite and the mixture is creamy. You may use all or slightly less stock depending on absorption.
- Finish with Cheese and Pepper: Stir in grated parmesan cheese and black pepper until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated. Serve the risotto hot.
Notes
- Keep the stock warm to help the rice cook evenly and maintain risotto’s creamy texture.
- Stirring frequently prevents the rice from sticking and releasing starches for creaminess.
- Adjust seasoning with salt if needed, as parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for better melting and flavor.
- Arborio rice is essential for creamy risotto because of its high starch content.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for more moistness.
