Indulge in the delicious fusion of flavors with this irresistible lemon chicken risotto recipe.
Picture succulent pieces of tender chicken enveloped in creamy arborio rice infused with zesty lemon essence.
This dish combines the richness of creamy risotto with the refreshing brightness of lemon.
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Crafting this lemon chicken risotto is a breeze, making it an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned cooks alike.
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you'll find yourself effortlessly whipping up this gourmet delight in no time.
This simple lemon chicken risotto is perfect for weeknights and weekends alike. And it’s even great it you are looking for an easy dish to make to impress your guests.
The creamy texture of the risotto paired with the tangy zest of lemon creates a harmony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.
Top this risotto recipe with fresh basil leaves to make lemon basil chicken risotto.
What is risotto?
Risotto, a classic Italian dish, is a creamy rice preparation renowned for its versatility and rich flavors.
Varieties like risotto al limone (lemon risotto), risotto zafferano (saffron risotto), and risotto ai funghi (mushroom risotto) showcase its adaptability to different ingredients.
Whether you're cooking risotto for one or preparing a tomato and mascarpone risotto for a crowd, its hallmark is the process of slowly adding broth to rice until it reaches a creamy consistency.
This method yields a comforting, satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion.
What rice is best for risotto?
Arborio rice, known for its high starch content, is the classic choice.
Its ability to absorb liquid while maintaining a firm texture creates the creamy consistency essential to risotto.
Carnaroli rice offers a similar texture but has a slightly longer grain, providing a more al dente finish.
Vialone Nano rice, with its smaller grains, absorbs liquid more slowly, resulting in a creamier yet slightly less dense risotto.
Tips For Making Creamy Risotto
To make the best tasting risotto that is both rich and creamy, here are some helpful tips:
- Choose rice with a higher starch content, such as arborio or carnaroli, to create a creamy texture.
- Take your time when adding the stock to the rice, stirring gently and constantly to release the starch slowly. Make sure you add stock that is slightly heated.
- Don't rush the process - risotto requires a bit of patience, but the end result is well worth it.
- To ensure that the rice cooks evenly and doesn't stick while making risotto, it is best to use a wider saucepan. Although you don't have to stir the rice all the time, you still need to stir it enough to ensure even cooking and avoid sticking.
- It's important to remember that risotto tastes best when served immediately and that if it's kept for too long, the creaminess may be lost.
- Leftover risotto can be used to make arancini balls.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This lemon chicken risotto recipe is easy to make.
- Perfect for weeknights and lazy weekends.
- Make this chicken risotto recipe to impress your guests at dinner parties, potlucks, or special occasions like Christmas or Easter.
Cost To Make
Estimated cost = $11.25 or $2.81 a serve
Ingredients
Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.
- Butter
- Chicken: You can use chicken breast or boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut your chicken into small pieces and lightly season with salt.
- Lemon Juice
- Brown Onion
- Arborio Rice
- White Wine
- Stock: Chicken stock or vegetable stock
- Parmesan Cheese
- Lemon Zest
- Salt and Pepper
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Optional, to garnish.
Instructions
This recipe for lemon chicken risotto serves 4. The ingredient quantises can easily be adjusted to suit how many serves you need to make.
Step One: In a wide medium sized saucepan, saute 2 tablespoons of butter, cut chicken pieces, half of the lemon juice, and the chopped onion over medium heat, until the onions are lightly browned and soft, and the chicken has cooked.
Step Two: Add the arborio rice and saute until lightly golden brown.
Step Three: Next, add the white wine and cook until almost all the liquid is gone from the saucepan.
Step Four: Reduce the heat to low medium and add about ½ cup (125 ml) of stock to the rice mixture. Gently stir the rice through the mixture constantly until almost all the liquid has absorbed.
Step Five: Repeat until all the stock has been used up and the rice is soft and tender.
Step Six: Remove rice from heat, mix through the grated parmesan cheese, remaining lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining butter, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step Seven: Allow the rice to sit for 1 to 2 minutes with a lid on, then serve. Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or chives if desired.
Substitutions / Variations
- Mix through some fresh herbs like chopped parsley.
- Mix through some mushrooms when cooking the chicken and cook until the mushrooms have reduced and are tender.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Top with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the flavors.
- Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
- Present in individual serving bowls for an elegant presentation at dinner parties.
- Accompany with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every last bit of the creamy risotto.
Storage
This lemon chicken risotto recipe can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days.
FAQ
Patience, attention, warm broth, and quality ingredients create creamy texture and rich flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, diced into small pieces for even cooking and distribution.
Yes, stirring releases starch for creaminess, ensures even cooking, and prevents sticking.
What rice is used for what?
Ever wondered which might be the best rice to use for a dish you’re about to make.
Or maybe you’re just curious and want to know more about rice in general.
Why not check out our pages on what is basmati rice and what is jasmine rice.
Helpful Rice Cooking Tips
Want to know how to cook rice or just need a little refresher?
Check out how to easily cook basmati rice, sushi rice, and jasmine rice on the stovetop.
Or, why not check out our recipes on how to make basmati rice, jasmine rice, and sushi rice in the Instant Pot.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below! We'd love to hear how it turned out.
Recipe
Lemon Chicken Risotto Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams, 1.58 ounces) butter
- 350 grams (12.35 ounces) chicken, breast or boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces and lightly seasoned with salt
- 5 tablespoons of lemon juice or to taste
- 1 small (120 grams, 4.23 ounces) brown onion finely chopped
- 1 cup (195 grams, 6.88 ounces) arborio rice
- ½ cup (125 ml/grams, 4.41 ounces) white wine
- 3 cups (750ml/grams, 26.45 ounces) chicken stock (or vegetable broth) slightly heated
- 3 tablespoons (20 grams, 0.71 ounces) parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon of lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves to garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a wide medium sized saucepan, saute 2 tablespoons of butter, cut chicken pieces, half of the lemon juice, and the chopped onion over medium heat, until the onions are lightly browned and soft, and the chicken has cooked.
- Add the arborio rice and saute until lightly golden brown.
- Next, add the white wine and cook until almost all the liquid is gone from the saucepan.
- Reduce the heat to low medium and add about ½ cup (125 ml) of stock to the rice mixture. Gently stir the rice through the mixture constantly until almost all the liquid has absorbed.
- Repeat until all the stock has been used up and the rice is soft and tender.
- Remove rice from heat, mix through the grated parmesan cheese, remaining lemon juice, lemon zest, remaining butter, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow the rice to sit for 1 to 2 minutes with a lid on, then serve. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, chives, or parsley if desired.
John says
Yum this was so good! My partner loved this when I made it for her. Thanks for the recipe.