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Chicken Risotto

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This Chicken Risotto is a creamy, one-pan dinner made with Arborio rice, seared chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for cozy evenings, this rich and flavorful risotto is naturally gluten-free and elevated with white wine, garlic, and Italian herbs. It’s a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home in under an hour.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine (or additional broth)
  • 4 cups chicken broth or stock, warmed
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or oil from sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season chicken thighs with smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  4. Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 2–3 minutes to toast slightly.
  5. Pour in white wine and stir until fully absorbed.
  6. Add warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and waiting for each addition to be absorbed before adding more. Continue for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and creamy.
  7. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted.
  8. Mix in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  9. Slice cooked chicken and serve over the risotto. Garnish with more cheese or herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Stirring frequently helps release starch from Arborio rice, creating a creamy texture.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick version of this dish.
  • If you don’t have wine, simply substitute with more broth.
  • Try mushrooms, kale, or asparagus as additional vegetables.
  • Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing the cayenne or chili powder.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/chicken-risotto/