Are you searching for a hearty, delicious and easy-to-make recipe to elevate your dinner game? Look no further! This Chicken and Pea Risotto is the perfect combination of creamy Arborio rice, tender chicken and vibrant peas, all brought together with simple yet flavourful ingredients. Follow this recipe to create a dish that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Risotto Recipe
- Comforting and Filling: Risotto’s creamy texture and rich flavours make it the ultimate comfort food.
- Versatile Ingredients: With chicken, peas, and pantry staples, this recipe is easy to adapt for different occasions.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a dinner party, this risotto is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
- Beginner-Friendly: The detailed steps make this dish approachable even for novice cooks.
What is Risotto?
Risotto is a classic Italian dish made with short-grain rice like Arborio. The rice is slowly cooked by gradually adding warm broth, resulting in a creamy and velvety texture without the need for cream. Known for its luxurious taste and satisfying consistency, risotto is a versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients, such as vegetables, seafood, or meats. This recipe highlights the combination of chicken and peas, a comforting and timeless pairing.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with rustic garlic and herb seasoning, along with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken thighs on both sides until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. This locks in the juices and enhances flavor.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and roast in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
Step 2: Start the Risotto Base
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil and butter for flavor.
- Sauté the diced onion and crushed garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Arborio rice, stirring well to coat each grain in the onion mixture. Toasting the rice helps release its natural starches, giving the risotto its signature creaminess.
Step 3: Deglaze and Begin Cooking
- Pour in the white wine and reduce the heat to low. Stir continuously, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. These add depth to the flavor.
- Gradually add one cup of warm chicken stock at a time, stirring often. Allow each addition of stock to fully absorb before adding more.
- This slow process takes about 40 minutes and is key to achieving the risotto’s creamy, velvety texture. Don’t rush it!
Step 4: Add the Peas
- When the rice is nearly cooked but still firm to the bite (al dente), stir in the peas. Frozen peas work perfectly and add a pop of sweetness and color.
- Continue adding stock and cooking until the rice is tender and creamy.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Stir in a tablespoon of butter, chopped parsley, and freshly grated Parmesan. These final ingredients elevate the risotto’s flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t skimp on the Parmesan – it’s the secret to the perfect umami finish.
- Add the roasted chicken back into the pan to warm through and absorb the flavors of the risotto.
- Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Pro Tips for the Best Risotto
- Use Warm Stock: Keeping the stock warm prevents the risotto’s cooking temperature from dropping, ensuring even cooking.
- Stir Often but Not Constantly: Stirring releases the starches in Arborio rice, creating creaminess, but avoid over-stirring to prevent the rice from breaking down.
- Be Patient: Good risotto takes time! Adding the stock gradually allows the rice to cook evenly and absorb the liquid fully.
- Choose the Right Pan: A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan works best for even heat distribution.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken and Pea Risotto pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Fresh Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the risotto.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy risotto.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots add a delightful texture and flavor contrast.
- White Wine Pairing: Complement the dish with a glass of the same dry white wine used in the recipe, such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of juicy, seasoned chicken with the creamy risotto and sweet bursts of peas creates a balanced, satisfying dish. The rustic garlic and herb seasoning adds depth, while Parmesan brings richness and umami. The slow-cooking method ensures every bite is infused with flavor and perfectly cooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Boneless Chicken?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well. However, bone-in chicken adds extra flavour during roasting and keeps the meat juicier.
What Can I Use Instead of White Wine?
If you don’t have white wine, substitute with an equal amount of chicken or vegetable stock and a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity. It’s a great alternative that doesn’t compromise flavor.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Risotto is best served fresh for optimal creaminess, but you can prepare the chicken and stock in advance to save time. If reheating, add a splash of warm stock to loosen the risotto.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Pea Risotto is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and vibrant pops of color from the peas, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
Try it today, and let us know how it turns out in the comments! For more recipes like this, be sure to subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media. Happy cooking
The Best Chicken and Pea Risotto recipe, comfort food
This chicken risotto is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The combination of juicy, seasoned chicken with the creamy risotto and sweet bursts of peas creates a balanced, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Season chicken with garlic and herb seasoning
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Heat a large skillet, add oil and brown the chicken on either side until golden, remove from the pan and transfer to an ovenproof dish
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Place chicken in a preheated oven on 180 degrees and cook for a further 35-40 minutes until cooked through
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To the same pan, add more butter and fry off the onions and garlic before adding in the arborio rice
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Make sure the rice is mixed well with the onions and garlic, ensuring the rice is properly coated
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Add the wine and cook on low, mixing often
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Once the liquid begins to absorb, add a cup of stock and continue cooking, stirring often
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Patiently repeat the process, slowly adding 1 cup of stock at a time – about 40 minutes before adding the peas
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Repeat this process by adding more stock until the rice is firm and cooked
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Stir through butter, chopped parsley, salt and pepper
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Add the chicken to the pot , sprinkle with parmesan and enjoy
Delicious and easy to make 😋
This is such an easy recipe with amazing results. I also tried it using some crispy bacon bits. Definitely worth trying when you need something hearty and super tasty!
Thank you Ashveer. The bacon bits, sounds interesting. Thank you for the tip.