Experience the comfort of a warm, hearty meal with this mushroom and chicken risotto. Packed with succulent chicken pieces and earthy mushrooms, all bathed in a creamy, rich risotto, this dish is a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
The star of this recipe is arborio rice, a short-grain Italian rice known for its high starch content, which gives the risotto its characteristic creamy texture. It’s commonly found in most supermarkets, but if it's not available, you can substitute it with other short-grain rice varieties. Likewise, try to choose a flavorful dry white wine which helps to accentuate the flavors of the dish.
Ingredients for Mushroom and Chicken Risotto
Butter: Helps in sautéing the mushrooms and chicken, and adds a rich and creamy texture.
Mushrooms: Provides an earthy flavor that complements the chicken and rice.
Chicken breast: Lean protein that adds a substantial bite to the risotto.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Black pepper: Gives a slight heat and spiciness.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the risotto, imparting a savory taste.
Cooking oil: Used to sauté the onions and rice.
Onion: Provides a sweet and tangy flavor.
Arborio rice: Key ingredient that gives risotto its unique creamy consistency.
Dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and adds acidity.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and creates a creamy finish.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh taste.
One reader, Hector Devine says:
This mushroom and chicken risotto recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and creamy risotto is simply divine. The flavors are rich and comforting, and the dish is surprisingly easy to make. It's now a family favorite in our household!
Key Techniques for Perfecting Mushroom and Chicken Risotto
How to sauté mushrooms and chicken: Sauté the mushrooms and chicken in a large pot with butter until browned and cooked through.
How to cook risotto: In a separate pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. In a large pot, cook the onions, then add the rice and wine. Gradually add the simmering broth to the rice, allowing it to absorb before adding more. Cook until the rice is tender, about 25 to 30 minutes.
How to finish the risotto: Stir in the cooked chicken and mushrooms, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Heat through and serve with additional parmesan.
How to serve with wine: Pair the dish with a light red burgundy wine to complement the flavors of the mushrooms and parmesan.
How To Make Mushroom and Chicken Risotto
Mixed with mushrooms, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, this chicken risotto is a filing dish that brims with the flavor of wine and broth.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspbutter
- ½lbmushrooms
- lbchicken breast,boneless
- 1tspsalt
- ¼tspfresh ground black pepper
- 5½cupschicken broth,or homemade stock, canned, low sodium
- 1tbspcooking oil
- ½cuponion,chopped
- 1½cupsArborio rice
- ½cupdry white wine
- ½cupParmesan cheese,grated
- 2tbspfresh parsley,chopped
Instructions
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In a large pot, heat the butter over moderate heat. Add the mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mushrooms are browned.
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Add the chicken, ¼ teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is just done.
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Remove the mixture from the pan. In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a simmer.
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In the large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
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Add the rice and stir for about 2 minutes until it begins to turn opaque.
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Add the wine and the remaining ¾ teaspoon salt to the rice. Cook, stirring frequently until all of the wine has been absorbed.
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Add about ½ cup of the simmering broth and cook, stirring frequently, until it has been absorbed. The rice and broth should bubble gently; adjust the heat as needed.
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Continue cooking the rice, adding broth ½ cup at a time and allowing the rice to absorb it before adding the next ½ cup. Cook the rice in this way until tender, 25 to 30 minutes in all.
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The broth that hasn’t been absorbed should be thickened by the starch from the rice. Adjust the broth or water as needed.
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Stir in the chicken and mushrooms, the Parmesan and the parsley and heat through. Serve the risotto with additional Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Calories: 587.73kcal
- Fat: 18.64g
- Saturated Fat: 8.16g
- Trans Fat: 0.25g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.21g
- Carbohydrates: 76.33g
- Fiber: 3.12g
- Sugar: 7.64g
- Protein: 21.96g
- Cholesterol: 37.81mg
- Sodium: 1261.27mg
- Calcium: 246.64mg
- Potassium: 665.73mg
- Iron: 4.56mg
- Vitamin A: 98.39µg
- Vitamin C: 5.86mg
Pro Tip for Achieving Creamy Risotto Consistency
When making risotto, it's crucial to add the broth gradually. Adding too much at once can result in a soup-like consistency, while adding too little can make the rice dry and undercooked. The key is to add just enough broth to keep the rice slightly submerged, stirring constantly to ensure even cooking and to help release the starches from the rice. This process, known as the absorption method, is what gives risotto its signature creamy texture. Remember, patience is key when making risotto, as rushing the process can compromise the final result.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Risotto
Prep ahead: Chop the mushrooms and chicken in advance to cut down on prep time when you're ready to cook.
Use store-bought broth: Save time by using pre-made chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.
Multi-task: While the risotto is cooking, prep the ingredients for the next steps to make the process more efficient.
Organize ingredients: Measure and organize all the ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Keep stirring: Stir the risotto constantly to ensure it cooks evenly and prevents sticking, but consider using a non-stick pan to save time and effort.
Substitute Ingredients For Mushroom and Chicken Risotto Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich flavor and can be a healthier alternative to butter.
mushrooms - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can provide a similar texture and absorb flavors well, making it a great alternative to mushrooms.
chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be marinated and cooked to mimic the texture and flavor of chicken, making it a suitable vegetarian alternative.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor similar to salt and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a milder, slightly different flavor compared to black pepper, but still adds a nice kick to the dish.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor and can be used as a vegetarian alternative to chicken broth.
cooking oil - Substitute with ghee: Ghee can add a rich, nutty flavor to the dish and has a higher smoke point, making it suitable for sautéing and adding depth to the risotto.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle complexity to the dish.
arborio rice - Substitute with carnaroli rice: Carnaroli rice has a similar creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors, making it a suitable alternative for risotto.
dry white wine - Substitute with vegetable broth with a splash of white wine vinegar: This combination can mimic the acidity and depth of flavor that white wine adds to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino cheese: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to Parmesan and can be used as an alternative in the risotto.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can add a fragrant, herbaceous flavor to the risotto, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
Plating Ideas for a Stunning Risotto Dish
Elevate the plating: When presenting the mushroom and chicken risotto, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use a ring mold to shape the risotto into a neat round, and carefully arrange the chicken and mushroom mixture on top to create an elegant presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the finished dish with a generous amount of freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. The vibrant green hue will contrast beautifully with the creamy risotto and add a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crispy element to the dish, such as a delicate parmesan crisp or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs. This will introduce a textural contrast to the creamy risotto and elevate the overall dining experience.
Focus on precision: Pay attention to the placement of each component on the plate. Aim for clean lines and carefully arranged elements to showcase your attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Highlight the ingredients: Emphasize the key components of the dish by showcasing the plump, perfectly cooked chicken pieces and the earthy, caramelized mushrooms. Let the quality of the ingredients take center stage in the presentation.
Consider the plate selection: Choose a pristine, white plate to serve the risotto. The clean backdrop will allow the colors and textures of the dish to stand out, creating a visually striking presentation.
Add a finishing touch of parmesan: Before serving, delicately shave a few curls of high-quality parmesan over the risotto. This final flourish adds a touch of luxury and elegance to the dish, signaling to the diners that they are about to enjoy a truly exceptional culinary experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Risotto
Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the risotto and ensuring there is enough space for the rice to absorb the broth.
Medium saucepan: A medium saucepan is used to simmer the chicken broth before adding it to the risotto.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for stirring the risotto and ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the risotto as it won't scratch the pot and allows for gentle stirring.
Chef's knife: A chef's knife is needed for slicing the mushrooms and chicken breast.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Grater: A grater is used to grate the parmesan cheese, adding a rich and savory flavor to the risotto.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurately measuring the ingredients, especially the arborio rice and seasonings.
Large mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl can be used for tossing the chicken and mushrooms with salt and pepper before cooking.
Ladle: A ladle is helpful for adding the simmering chicken broth to the risotto in controlled amounts.
Wine glass: A wine glass is recommended for enjoying a glass of dry white wine while preparing the risotto.
Storing and Freezing Risotto: What You Need to Know
To store leftover mushroom and chicken risotto, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the risotto for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating refrigerated risotto, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the rice and restore its creamy texture. Heat the risotto over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it's warmed through and the liquid is absorbed.
To freeze risotto, portion it into individual servings or a large freezer-safe container. Allow the risotto to cool completely before sealing the container tightly. Freeze the risotto for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy frozen risotto, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the thawed risotto in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of chicken broth or water to help restore its creamy consistency.
If you plan to freeze the risotto, consider undercooking the rice slightly (about 5 minutes less than the recommended cooking time) before adding the chicken and mushrooms. This will help prevent the rice from becoming too mushy when reheated.
When freezing risotto, you may notice that the texture changes slightly due to the parmesan cheese and the starch in the rice. While it may not be as creamy as freshly made risotto, it will still be delicious and satisfying.
How To Reheat Risotto Leftovers
Reheat the risotto in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. If the risotto seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up and achieve the desired consistency.
For a quick and easy reheating method, place the leftover risotto in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the risotto is heated through and steaming.
To add a crispy texture to your leftover risotto, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the risotto and press it down into an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. Stir the risotto and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Transform your leftover risotto into delicious arancini (Italian rice balls). Scoop the cold risotto into small balls, stuff each ball with a cube of mozzarella cheese, and roll them in breadcrumbs. Fry the arancini in hot oil until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and warm and gooey on the inside.
For a low-fat reheating option, place the leftover risotto in a baking dish and sprinkle it with a little grated parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the risotto is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Interesting Trivia About Risotto
The chicken and mushroom risotto is a classic Italian dish that originated in the northern regions of Italy. It is believed that the dish was first created in Milan, where the abundance of rice in the region led to its incorporation into various dishes. The creamy texture of the risotto is achieved through the slow cooking process, which allows the rice to release its starches, creating a rich and velvety consistency. This dish is a perfect example of the Italian philosophy of using simple, high-quality ingredients to create a delicious and comforting meal.
Is Making Risotto at Home Cost-Effective?
This mushroom and chicken risotto recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The key ingredients, such as mushrooms, chicken, and arborio rice, are relatively affordable and widely available. However, the use of parmesan cheese and dry white wine may slightly elevate the overall cost. Considering the quantity and quality of the dish, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30. The rich flavors and satisfying nature of this dish earn it a solid 8/10 rating, making it a worthwhile investment for a delightful family meal.
Is Mushroom and Chicken Risotto Healthy or Unhealthy?
The mushroom and chicken risotto recipe is a relatively healthy dish, but it does have some aspects that could be improved:
- The recipe includes butter and oil, which are high in saturated fats
- White wine is used, adding extra calories and alcohol content
- Parmesan cheese is high in saturated fats and sodium
- White arborio rice is a refined grain, lacking fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives
On the positive side:
- Chicken breast is a lean protein source
- Mushrooms are low in calories and provide various vitamins and minerals
- Onion and parsley add flavor and some nutrients without significant calorie impact
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace butter with a healthier oil like olive oil, and reduce the amount used
- Opt for a low-sodium chicken broth to reduce overall sodium content
- Use whole grain rice or quinoa instead of white arborio rice for added fiber and nutrients
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese used, or choose a low-fat alternative
- Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish, such as adding spinach or bell peppers
- Use a smaller amount of white wine, or replace it with additional chicken broth for flavor without the alcohol and extra calories
By making these adjustments, you can create a more nutrient-dense and well-balanced meal that still retains the delicious flavors of a classic risotto.
Editor's Opinion: Why This Risotto Recipe Stands Out
The combination of earthy mushrooms, tender chicken, and creamy risotto creates a harmonious and comforting dish. The cooking method is traditional and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The addition of white wine and parmesan adds depth and richness to the dish, while the fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness. The recommended wine pairing complements the flavors perfectly. Overall, this mushroom and chicken risotto recipe is a delightful and satisfying dish that showcases the beauty of simple, quality ingredients and classic cooking techniques.
Enhance Your Mushroom and Chicken Risotto Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Risotto
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Risotto
Why trust this Mushroom and Chicken Risotto Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience, with fresh mushrooms and tender chicken creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The arborio rice is carefully cooked to perfection, ensuring a creamy and luxurious texture. The addition of dry white wine infuses a subtle complexity, while parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevate the dish to a new level of indulgence. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, as it promises a satisfying and memorable culinary experience for all who savor it.
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