Chicken Risotto with Spinach
Description
Creamy, savory, and comforting, this Chicken Risotto with Spinach combines tender bites of chicken breast, Arborio rice, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese for a hearty and nutritious meal. It’s an Italian-inspired dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Main Ingredients
1 cup Arborio rice
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 chicken breasts, diced (approx. 400g)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (warm)
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
3 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish, lemon zest for brightness
Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Step-by-Step
Heat Broth
Warm the chicken broth in a separate pot and keep it on low heat.
Sauté Chicken
In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly browned and cooked through (6–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Cook Aromatics
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion until translucent (3–4 minutes), then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Toast the Rice
Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly translucent. Add the white wine and stir until absorbed (optional).
Add Broth Gradually
Add 1 ladle of warm broth, stirring constantly until absorbed. Repeat this process, adding broth gradually, for about 18–20 minutes or until rice is creamy and al dente.
Add Spinach and Chicken
Stir in cooked chicken and chopped spinach. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts.
Finish the Dish
Turn off the heat. Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Serve
Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, or lemon zest. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~500 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~18g
Fiber: ~3g
Sodium: ~700mg
Sugar: ~2g
Values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of Arborio?
A: You can, but brown rice won’t produce the same creamy texture. If used, increase cook time by 10–15 minutes and expect a chewier result.
Q2: What can I use instead of white wine?
A: You can skip it or substitute with chicken broth mixed with a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar.
Q3: Can this dish be made ahead of time?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can reheat it gently with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q5: How can I make this vegetarian?
A: Replace chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas an
d use vegetable broth.