Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Mushroom Risotto 😍
This Chicken and Mushroom Risotto dish is all about balance: tender chicken thighs, nutty Parmesan, and fragrant dill, perfectly complemented by juicy mushrooms and green peas. The best part? Arborio rice delivers that irresistible creamy texture risottos are famous for, with minimal effort. Here’s why I keep coming back to this recipe:
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—everyone loves a warm, cheesy bowl of risotto!
- It uses budget-friendly ingredients (yay, $20 dinners!).
- You only need one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to kick back. 🛋️
How to Pick the Best Ingredients for the Ultimate Flavour
The secret to a spectacular Chicken and Mushroom Risotto lies in using high-quality ingredients. Here’s how to level up your dish:
- Go for fresh mushrooms. If possible, grab some Swiss brown or shiitake mushrooms. They’re loaded with umami, which gives the risotto an extra depth of flavour.
- Invest in Arborio rice. Not just any rice will do—Arborio is starchy, which helps create that signature creamy texture without needing extra cream.
- Use homemade chicken stock if you can. Store-bought is fine, but a homemade broth will infuse the risotto with even richer flavour.
- Lemon zest and juice are non-negotiable. They cut through the creaminess and elevate the entire dish, so don’t skip these! 🍋
- Parmesan: Go the extra mile. Choose a block of Parmesan instead of pre-grated cheese. Grating it fresh makes a noticeable difference in flavour and meltability.
Top Tips for the Best Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
- Use chicken thighs over breasts. Thighs are juicier, more flavourful, and hold up beautifully when simmered with the risotto.
- Don’t drown the rice in stock. Add the chicken stock slowly as the rice cooks, letting each ladle absorb fully before adding more. This technique will give you that signature creamy texture without overcooking.
- Good-quality Parmesan makes a difference. Aged Parmesan adds depth and richness that pre-grated cheese can’t match.
- Lemon zest is your secret weapon. It lifts the whole dish with its citrusy zing, perfectly balancing the creamy elements. 🍋✨
Serving Suggestions and Pairing Ideas 🍷
This Chicken and Mushroom Risotto is a meal in itself, but a few thoughtful sides will elevate it even more. Try pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in olive oil and balsamic, or roasted asparagus for a pop of colour. 🍃 If you’re hosting, pour a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc—their acidity will complement the richness of the risotto beautifully.
Feeling indulgent? Top your risotto with a soft poached egg 🥚 or a drizzle of truffle oil for that extra wow factor. Your guests will think you’ve just opened a fancy Italian trattoria!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers (unlikely, but hey, it happens), don’t worry—this Chicken and Mushroom Risotto dish stores well!
- In the fridge: Store any remaining risotto in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: While risotto is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or water to bring back that creamy consistency. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving—it can turn the rice gummy.
Other Recipes to Try 🍝
Can’t get enough creamy comfort food like this Chicken and Mushroom Risotto? Check out these delicious recipes:
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Mushroom Risotto is guaranteed to become one of your go-to meals. It’s got everything—comfort, elegance, and that dreamy, creamy texture that makes risotto so irresistible. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a dinner party, this dish is a winner every time.
When you make it, be sure to snap a pic and tag me @steph_cooks_stuff I’d love to see your delicious creation and share it with the community! 📸🍽
Happy cooking, and remember—risotto waits for no one! 🥂
Chicken and mushroom risotto
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey food lovers! 🍽✨Day 4 of $20 Dinners and we are diving into the comforting world of creamy risottos with my delicious Chicken and Mushroom Risotto. Perfect for those cozy nights in or when you want to impress your dinner guests! 🍚🍗🍄
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pan fry those chicken thighs until they’re beautifully golden. Once done, set them aside for a moment.
- In the same pan, toss in the mushrooms and garlic. Cook until those mushrooms begin to feel the groove and soften up.
- Now, sprinkle in the Arborio rice, pour in the chicken stock, and add that lovely lemon zest. Pop that chicken back in and let it all simmer and mingle for around 15 to 20 mins. You’re looking for that rice to get soft and absorb all the flavours. Give it a quick stir every 5 minutes or so. You don’t have to stir it the whole time.
- As the grand finale, pop in the peas, butter, dill, tangy lemon juice, and the star of the show – Parmesan.
- Give it a hearty stir, ensuring the peas are warmed through and everything’s mixed well.
Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful of this creamy dream! 🥄💛
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but thighs are recommended because they remain juicy and tender throughout cooking. If using chicken breast, be careful not to overcook it—sauté quickly, then add back towards the end.
Button mushrooms are a solid choice, but Swiss brown or Portobello mushrooms add deeper flavour. Feel free to mix and match!
Nope! Although traditional risotto recipes call for continuous stirring, you can stir every 5 minutes or so and still get excellent results. Just keep an eye on the liquid levels.