Garlic Parmesan Risotto with Chicken

Garlic Parmesan Risotto with Chicken is a family favorite! This recipe brings together the comforting flavors of creamy risotto, fragrant garlic, and savory Parmesan cheese, with juicy chicken to make it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

For more family favorite Italian recipes, consider my juicy Garlic Butter Chicken in Air Fryer, flavor packed Pepperoncini Chicken, or comforting Creamy Tuscan Shrimp (Keto) that leaves everyone requesting seconds.

What is Risotto?

Risotto is a classic Italian dish that is made from a short-grain rice, typically Arborio. The advantage of a short-grain rice is the high starch content, resulting in it becoming creamy when cooked. By initially sautéing the rice in butter or oil, you can enhance the flavor before slowly simmering with wine or broth. Stirring frequently allows the rice to release its starches, which is the key to success. One of my favorite characteristics about Risotto is it can be flavored with a variety of ingredients based on preference or dietary need. From lemon to mushrooms, parmesan or seafood, you will quickly learn that risotto is a very versatile dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite! This risotto recipe will be a cherished staple at your dinner table. The creamy, comforting texture and rich flavors are sure to please everyone. Even the picky eaters!
• Easy risotto recipe: To be honest, risotto can seem intimidating. I simplify the traditional method, making this recipe preferred by even novice cooks. Get a restaurant-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Balanced meal: Packed with wholesome ingredients, including a healthy portion of lean protein, this risotto provides a balanced combo of nutrients for a satisfying lunch or dinner meal. Pair with a side of veggies to contribute essential nutrients.
• Amazing flavors! All I have to say is prepare yourself for an incredible range of flavors. Each bite is a blend of aromatic herbs, rich butter, a touch of parmesan cheese and savory chicken, making it a standout dish.

Ingredients

• Chicken: We use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to boost the overall flavor of the dish but you could use boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts if desired.
• Butter: Olive oil can be used as an alternative.
• Fresh thyme & rosemary: I prefer fresh herbs for cooking because I love how the flavor is elevated. Did you know that fresh herbs like thyme have aromatic compounds that release their full intensity when added towards the end of cooking?
• Salt 
• Onion 
• Garlic: Substitute fresh with jarred minced garlic if needed.
• Olive oil
• Risotto
• White wine: To keep a rich flavor, I recommend white wine, but you may use broth if preferred.
• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese: Fresh is best when it comes to Risotto recipes. The brick of real parmesan cheese will make a world of difference so steer away from the jar of powdered parm for garlic parmesan risotto.

How To Bake Juicy Chicken

STEP ONE: Prep the chicken thighs. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Blend 4 tablespoons of butter with the thyme, rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Place the chicken thighs into a baking dish, pat dry with paper toweling – this step is essential for getting crispy skin while the chicken bakes. Once dry, generously spread the butter mixture onto the chicken, coating the skin and meat to lock in moisture and flavor.

STEP TWO: Bake the chicken. Once the chicken thighs are prepped and coated in the herb butter, bake the chicken thighs for 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken, without touching the bone, to temp and prevent overcooking. Broil for 3-4 minutes at the end of cooking time to make them golden brown and add a final layer of crispiness.

How To Make Risotto

STEP THREE: Make the risotto. Add the olive oil to a saucepan. Then, add the onions and cook until softened. Stir in the garlic, cooking for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add the risotto and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Add the white wine (or chicken broth) and cook until reduced. At this stage, add the remaining chicken broth and continue to simmer, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed. Once all the liquid is absorbed, stir in the salt, 2 tablespoons of butter, the lemon juice, and the shredded parmesan cheese.

STEP FOUR: Serve. Add the baked chicken thighs to the risotto and serve hot garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Tips and Recipes Notes

• You can swap the wine for chicken or vegetable broth – use 1 cup of broth to replace the 1 cup of wine as desired.
• Use warm broth for best results. This helps to maintain a consistent cooking temperature and allows the rice to absorb the liquid evenly. The flavor may be altered if cold broth is used.
• Bake the chicken first before adding or serving it to the risotto. This will prevent it from overcooking and drying out, while also keeping the risotto creamy.
• For a burst of flavor, add fresh squeezed lemon juice to the risotto right before serving.
• Consider adding sauteed mushrooms, peas, broccoli or spinach to the risotto once fully cooked.
• Introduce a pop of color by roasting cherry tomatoes with olive oil and garlic then stirring into the final dish or using as a garnish.

What To Serve With Risotto

This dish is ideal if seeking a balanced meal as you will get a serving of carbohydrates from the risotto and protein from the baked chicken. It is filling all on its own! But, if you want to sneak in a extra nutrients, consider serving with a few sides.

• Grilled, roasted or sauteed vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, zucchini or Brussels sprouts add a nice contrast with their crisp texture.
• Leafy green salad: You can also opt for a salad with ingredients such as arugula, spinach or mixed greens topped with shaved fennel, radishes and carrots drizzled with a light vinaigrette.
• Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy garlic parmesan risotto with chicken.

Creamy Risotto with Chicken FAQs

Storage Instructions

Leftover garlic parmesan risotto with chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You can store the chicken and risotto together. I don’t recommend freezing risotto dishes.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water to restore the creaminess. You can also quickly place in the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals, sitting between, until warm.

How To Make Dairy-Free Risotto

Instead of butter, use olive oil for sauteing the rice and aromatics (onion and garlic). To replace the traditional Parmesan, stir in a dairy-free alternative or add nutritional yeast after risotto is fully cooked.

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