Luscious Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe For Dinner

Mastering the art of creamy chicken and mushroom risotto requires patience and a dash of culinary magic.

Slow-cooking arborio rice creates a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Authentic italian techniques blend perfectly with tender chicken and earthy mushrooms.

Rich, velvety layers of flavor develop as each ingredient mingles in the pan.

Comfort meets elegance in this sophisticated yet approachable dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Stirring continuously allows the rice to release its natural starches, creating an incredibly smooth consistency.

You’ll find this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience that impresses without overwhelming.

Let’s unlock the secrets to making a risotto that celebrates simplicity and depth of flavor.

Why Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Feels Fancy Yet Simple

• Craft a Comforting Meal: This risotto transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, creamy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for satisfying hunger and warming hearts.
• Master Restaurant-Quality Cooking: Learn professional cooking techniques by slowly stirring rice and developing deep flavors, transforming basic ingredients into a sophisticated meal without complicated skills.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily swap chicken for other proteins like shrimp or tofu, adjust mushroom varieties, or add seasonal vegetables to make the recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Ideal for family gatherings, date nights, or casual dinner parties, this risotto impresses guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied.

Everything You Need for Chicken Mushroom Risotto

• Chicken Fillet: A lean and tender protein that adds substantial flavor and nutrition to the risotto.
• Risotto Rice: A special short-grain rice with high starch content that creates the signature creamy texture of the dish.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and flavorful fungi that provide a rich, umami depth to the risotto.

• Onion, Garlic: A classic flavor foundation that builds a robust and fragrant base for the risotto.

• Salt, Pepper, Dried Oregano: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Cream: A luxurious ingredient that contributes to the silky and rich consistency of the risotto.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that adds complexity and a creamy finish to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for sautéing and developing initial flavors.
• Water: The primary liquid for cooking the rice and creating the signature risotto texture.

Easy Steps to Make Creamy Chicken Risotto

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and crushed garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant.

Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they caramelize and release their delicious juices.

Step 2: Prepare the Protein

Introduce cubed chicken to the pan, sprinkling with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.

Cook the chicken thoroughly until it develops a golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through.

Step 3: Introduce the Rice

Fold risotto rice into the pan, ensuring each grain gets coated with the flavorful oils and cooking juices.

Allow the rice to toast slightly, becoming translucent and absorbing the surrounding flavors.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Foundation

Slowly pour in water, stirring continuously and allowing the rice to absorb liquid before adding more.

Once water is fully incorporated, pour in cream and continue cooking, stirring consistently until the risotto reaches a luxuriously smooth consistency.

Step 5: Elevate with Cheese

Remove pan from heat and fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich and velvety texture.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Transfer to serving plates and garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a light dusting of oregano for an elegant finish.

Tips to Get Risotto Creamy and Flavorful

• Use Arborio or carnaroli rice for the perfect creamy risotto texture, as these varieties release more starch during cooking.
• Stir the rice constantly to prevent sticking and achieve a smooth, velvety consistency without burning the bottom of the pan.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with low-fat milk or chicken broth to reduce calories while maintaining rich flavor.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley at the end for an extra burst of freshness and aromatic depth.
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing any potential foodborne illness while keeping meat tender and juicy.

Ingredient Swaps for Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with a mix of shrimp, scallops, and calamari for a luxurious ocean-inspired risotto that brings coastal flavors to your plate.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken with roasted butternut squash, asparagus, and spinach, creating a hearty plant-based version packed with nutrients and colorful vegetables.
• Spicy Mediterranean Blend: Add chorizo sausage, roasted red peppers, and a touch of smoked paprika to transform the classic risotto into a bold, zesty Mediterranean-style dish.
• Wild Mushroom Magic: Incorporate a variety of wild mushrooms like porcini, shiitake, and chanterelle to elevate the earthy mushroom profile and create a rich, woodsy flavor experience.

Great Sides for Chicken Mushroom Risotto

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio that complements the creamy risotto's rich texture and cuts through its heaviness, enhancing the mushroom and chicken flavors.
• Create Fresh Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the risotto's richness, adding a zesty and refreshing counterpoint to the creamy dish.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Starter: Serve roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil as a preliminary course, providing a caramelized vegetable element that harmonizes with the risotto's earthy mushroom notes.

Best Way to Store Chicken Risotto

• Refrigerate: Store leftover risotto in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum.
• Freeze: Pour cooled risotto into freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheat: Place risotto in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until thoroughly warm.
• Stovetop Reheat: Pour risotto into a pan, add splash of water or broth. Warm over low-medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and restore creamy texture. Add extra cheese if needed for enhanced flavor.

FAQs for Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

• Why is constant stirring important in risotto?

Constant stirring releases the rice’s starches, creating a creamy texture without adding extra cream. This technique helps the rice cook evenly and develop its signature smooth consistency.

• Can I use any type of rice for risotto?

No, you need specific short-grain risotto rice like Arborio or Carnaroli. These rice varieties have high starch content that creates the classic creamy risotto texture and absorbs liquid slowly during cooking.

• How do I know when the risotto is perfectly cooked?

The risotto is ready when the rice is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente) and the mixture flows softly when you tilt the pan. The consistency should be creamy and not too thick or runny.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Italian Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto delivers comfort with each luxurious spoonful. Silky arborio rice, tender chicken, and earthy mushrooms blend into a classic Mediterranean masterpiece you’ll savor slowly.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) chicken fillet, cubed
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) risotto rice
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) raw mushrooms, sliced

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) hard Parmesan cheese, grated
• 200 milliliters (6.8 fluid ounces) cream
• 400 milliliters (13.5 fluid ounces) water

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics in olive oil over medium heat until onions turn translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet essence. Add mushrooms and cook until they caramelize and release their natural moisture.
2. Introduce chicken pieces to the pan, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Sear until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, ensuring no pink remains.
3. Incorporate risotto rice into the pan, coating each grain with the flavorful oil and pan juices. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes until edges become slightly translucent and emit a nutty aroma.
4. Begin liquid integration by adding water in small increments, stirring continuously. Allow each addition to be fully absorbed before introducing the next, creating a gradual and creamy texture.
5. Pour in cream and continue stirring, maintaining gentle heat. Cook until rice reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency with a slight resistance when bitten.
6. Remove from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese, creating a silky, rich finish. The cheese will melt and bind the risotto with a luxurious, creamy embrace.
7. Perform final seasoning adjustments, tasting carefully. Plate immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and a delicate sprinkle of oregano for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Select arborio rice specifically for its high starch content, which creates the signature creamy texture in risotto without requiring excessive cream.
• Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavors and prevent mushiness, developing a stronger foundation for the dish.
• Use room temperature stock or water when adding to rice, preventing temperature shock that could interrupt smooth cooking process and ensuring consistent risotto texture.
• Consider substituting chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein alternatives for vegetarian version, maintaining similar cooking techniques and flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg