The Best Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe You’ll Love

Crafting a delectable chicken and mushroom risotto can transport you to the rustic kitchens of northern Italy.

Creamy grains shimmer with golden butter and aromatic herbs.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle among earthy mushrooms, creating a harmony of flavors.

Rich parmesan cheese melts into each tender grain, adding depth and complexity.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet experiences with this simple yet elegant dish.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal ingredients.

You'll find comfort in every spoonful of this classic Italian comfort food.

Let's uncover the secrets to making an unforgettable risotto that will impress everyone at the table.

Why Hairy Bikers Chicken And Mushroom Risotto Is A Go-To Dish

• Craft a Comforting Meal: Dive into a creamy, luxurious risotto that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen.
• Master Cooking Techniques: Learn the art of risotto-making by gradually adding stock and stirring, developing rich flavors and perfect rice texture.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for other proteins or use different mushrooms to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for adapting to what's in your pantry.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: A hearty, satisfying meal that appeals to both adults and kids, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.

What You’ll Need For Hairy Bikers Chicken And Mushroom Risotto

• Chicken: A protein-packed ingredient that adds a hearty and savory flavor to the risotto.
• Arborio Rice: A special short-grain rice that creates the creamy and rich texture of traditional risotto.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and flavorful fungi that provide depth and umami to the dish.

• Onion: A foundational ingredient that builds a rich base flavor for the risotto.
• Thyme: A fragrant herb that adds a subtle, earthy note to the overall dish.

• Chicken Stock: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse the dish with savory depth.
• White Wine, Lemon Juice: Adds acidity and brightness to balance the rich flavors of the risotto.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty and nutty cheese that provides a creamy finish and extra depth of flavor.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Create a rich base for sautéing and add a smooth, luxurious texture to the risotto.

How To Make Hairy Bikers Chicken And Mushroom Risotto

Step 1: Warm Up the Broth

Get your chicken or vegetable stock simmering gently in a separate pot. Keep it warm and ready to use throughout the cooking process.

Step 2: Sizzle Onions

Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan. Toss in finely chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Add Arborio rice and fresh thyme to the onion mixture. Stir and toast the rice for a few minutes until it becomes slightly golden and gives off a nutty fragrance.

Step 4: Splash of Wine

Pour in white wine or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Let the liquid sizzle and absorb into the rice, creating a rich base of flavor.

Step 5: Creamy Risotto Building

Gradually add warm stock to the rice, one ladle at a time. Stir constantly and allow each ladleful to be absorbed before adding the next. This slow process helps create the signature creamy texture of risotto.

Step 6: Cook the Proteins

• Chicken
• Mushrooms
• Salt
• Pepper

Sear until the chicken is golden and the mushrooms are beautifully browned.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the cooked chicken and mushrooms into the creamy risotto. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately while hot and luxurious.

Cooking Tips For Hairy Bikers Chicken And Mushroom Risotto

• Prevent Sticky Rice: Rinse arborio rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains.
• Control Liquid Absorption: Add stock gradually and stir constantly to help rice absorb liquid evenly and create creamy texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Brown chicken and mushrooms separately to develop rich, caramelized notes before mixing into risotto.
• Achieve Perfect Consistency: Rest risotto for 2-3 minutes after cooking to let it thicken and become more luxurious.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.

Easy Variations Of Hairy Bikers Chicken And Mushroom Risotto

• Vegetarian Risotto: Replace chicken with roasted butternut squash or zucchini, use vegetable stock for a plant-based version.
• Seafood Risotto: Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops, add saffron for extra flavor and golden color.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use arborio rice as normal, ensure stock and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, keep chicken and mushrooms for protein and texture.

Pairing Suggestions For Hairy Bikers Chicken And Mushroom Risotto

• Enhance Flavor Harmony: Pair this creamy risotto with unoaked Chardonnay that complements the rich mushroom and chicken notes without overpowering the delicate dish.
• Balance the Plate: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the risotto's richness and add a fresh contrast.
• Elevate the Experience: Add a side of roasted asparagus or green beans to introduce a subtle vegetable crunch that brightens the entire meal's texture and nutritional profile.
• Complete the Meal: Finish with a light lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate and echo the bright undertones of the wine and potential lemon juice in the risotto.

How To Store Hairy Bikers Chicken And Mushroom Risotto

• Store leftover risotto in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled risotto to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing risotto with fresh herbs for best texture.
• Place risotto in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken stock or water to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm risotto in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat. Add extra stock or water to prevent sticking. Stir continuously until heated through and creamy consistency returns.

FAQs About Hairy Bikers Chicken And Mushroom Risotto

• What type of rice works best for risotto?

Arborio rice is ideal due to its high starch content, which creates that creamy texture risotto is famous for. Its short, plump grains absorb liquid perfectly while maintaining a firm bite.

• Can I make this risotto without wine?

Yes, you can substitute white wine with chicken stock or lemon juice. The key is adding liquid gradually and stirring to develop the risotto’s signature creamy consistency.

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

The risotto should be creamy and slightly loose, not stiff. When you drag a spoon through it, the mixture should flow back and fill the space. The rice should be tender but still have a slight al dente texture.

Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Chicken and mushroom risotto is a bowl of Italian comfort, with earthy mushrooms, tender chicken, and parmesan stirred into creamy rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 880g (31 ounces) Arborio rice
• 6 chicken thigh fillets, chopped
• 200g (7 ounces) mushrooms, chopped
• 2.5L (84.5 fluid ounces) chicken stock

Cooking Fats and Seasonings:

• 40g (1.4 ounces) salted butter
• 125ml (4.2 fluid ounces) olive oil
• 112 tablespoons thyme
• 120g (4.2 ounces) Parmesan, grated
• Salt

Aromatics and Liquids:

• 2 onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 125ml (4.2 fluid ounces) white wine (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm chicken stock in a saucepan over low heat, maintaining a gentle simmer.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat, then sauté finely chopped onions until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add arborio rice and fresh thyme, gently toasting the grains for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor.
4. Deglaze the pan with white wine, allowing the liquid to absorb into the rice and create a rich base.
5. Gradually ladle hot stock into the rice, stirring consistently and allowing each addition to be fully absorbed before adding more, creating a creamy texture.
6. In a separate pan, sear chicken pieces and sliced mushrooms over high heat until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Combine the chicken, mushrooms, and risotto, gently folding in freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create a luxurious, velvety finish.
8. Let the risotto rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to settle.

Notes

• Opt for arborio or carnaroli rice for creamy, authentic risotto texture that absorbs liquid perfectly.
• Toast rice with herbs before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavors and prevent mushiness.
• Use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels and allow better seasoning control during cooking.
• Choose fresh mushrooms like cremini or porcini for deeper, more robust earthy flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 730
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 75 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg