Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe: A Comforting Dish to Savor

If you’ve ever made risotto before, you know that it’s not the quickest dish to prepare, but the results are always worth the effort. Recently, I decided to give the classic Chicken and Mushroom Risotto recipe a try, and let me tell you. 

It’s a game-changer. Creamy, flavorful, and hearty, this dish is a perfect blend of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and rich Parmesan cheese. It’s comforting and ideal for those cozy nights in or special occasions. 

In this article, I’ll guide you through my step-by-step process, share some personal tips, and give you variations to personalize it further. I hope you enjoy making this delicious recipe as much as I did. You can also check out our delicious Lemon Basil Chicken Cutlets recipe packed with citrus and herbs.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this chicken and mushroom risotto a few times, I’ve gathered a few tips that will elevate the dish and make your cooking experience smoother. Here are some personal tips I swear by:

• Use fresh ingredients: I’ve found that using fresh mushrooms and freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes all the difference in terms of flavor. Skip the pre-grated cheese and opt for a block of Parmesan to get that extra burst of taste.
• Be patient with the rice: Risotto needs patience! Stir the rice often and gradually add the broth. It’s the slow cooking process that gives risotto its creamy texture.
• Make it your own: Feel free to add some garlic or thyme for an extra layer of flavor. I sometimes sneak in a dash of white truffle oil for an indulgent touch that pairs perfectly with the mushrooms.
• Don’t skip the wine: The white wine is essential for deglazing the pan and adding acidity to balance the richness of the cheese and butter. I’ve tried skipping it in the past, and trust me, it’s not the same.

Variations of Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

While this recipe is absolutely delicious as it is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own based on dietary preferences or available ingredients. Here are some variations that might interest you:

• Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. You can also swap the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese, or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Flavor-Enhancing Add-ins: You can easily transform the dish by adding other ingredients like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. For a heartier option, toss in some cooked chicken breast or even bacon for added richness.
• Gluten-Free: The traditional Arborio rice used in this risotto is already gluten-free, so this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure you use a gluten-free chicken broth to stay within the dietary requirement.

Whether baked, grilled, or slow-cooked, check our chicken recipes offer something for every craving.

How to Serve Chicken and Mushroom Risotto?

Presentation plays a big role when serving this dish. Here are some ideas to make your Chicken and Mushroom Risotto look just as good as it tastes:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a nice pop of color and freshness to balance the rich flavors. It also elevates the visual appeal.
• Pair with a side salad: Serve this risotto with a light side salad of mixed greens dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the creamy risotto perfectly.
• Use a wide, shallow bowl: Risotto looks best when served in a wide, shallow bowl. This helps the creamy texture spread out and allows you to garnish it beautifully.
• Add a squeeze of lemon: For a zesty twist, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the risotto before serving. It cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing flavor.

How to Store Chicken and Mushroom Risotto?

This chicken and mushroom risotto makes a great leftover dish, but you’ll need to store it properly for the best taste and texture.

Refrigerating: Allow the risotto to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore its creamy texture.

Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to prepare in advance, risotto can be frozen. Transfer cooled risotto to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a bit of broth to help bring it back to life.

Reheating: To reheat, place the risotto in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Stir regularly and heat until warmed through. It may not be as creamy as when freshly made, but it’s still delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe?

There are plenty of reasons why this Chicken and Mushroom Risotto will quickly become a favorite in your recipe box. Here’s why:

• Perfect balance of flavors: The earthy mushrooms, savory chicken broth, and sharp Parmesan come together in a creamy, comforting dish you’ll want to make again and again.
• Easy to customize: You can easily switch up the ingredients, adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, or adjust the recipe to fit dietary preferences like dairy-free or gluten-free.
• Great for special occasions: While it’s simple to make, the flavor profile is luxurious enough to serve at dinner parties or during a cozy romantic dinner. It’s perfect for making an impression.
• Versatile meal: Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side to something like grilled chicken or steak, this risotto adapts well to different meal settings.
• Satisfying and filling: This is a hearty dish that feels like a full meal on its own, making it ideal for those nights when you want something comforting and filling.

More About Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Here’s some additional information to help you master the recipe:

• Arborio Rice: This type of rice is crucial to making risotto, as it releases starch while cooking, creating the signature creamy texture. Don’t substitute it with other rice varieties, as it may not give you the same results.
• Mushroom Choices: While shiitake and cremini mushrooms are used in this recipe, feel free to experiment with different mushrooms like button mushrooms, portobello, or even a mix of wild mushrooms. They’ll each bring a different flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: I prefer using homemade chicken broth, but store-bought works just as well. If you’re looking for a more flavorful option, consider making your own broth or using a high-quality brand.
• Patience is Key: Risotto needs to be stirred constantly, which helps release the starch from the rice and gives the dish that creamy consistency. While it may take some time, it’s worth the effort. Just don’t rush the process!

Ben Carraoli

Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe

 With ❤️ Day around the corner, save my recipe for Chicken and Mushroom Risotto! This creamy and rich dish is a heartwarming favorite that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. Risotto requires patience and care, much like love – and the reward is always worth it!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups chicken broth: This serves as the flavorful base for the risotto enhancing the creamy texture and infusing the rice with a deep, savory taste.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided: Olive oil helps sauté the mushrooms and shallots, adding richness and preventing them from sticking to the pan.
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms sliced: Shiitake mushrooms bring an earthy, umami-packed flavor that adds depth to the risotto.
• 1 cup cremini mushrooms sliced: These mushrooms provide a subtle, yet complex flavor that complements the shiitakes.
• 2 large shallots finely diced: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweet taste compared to onions, which helps balance the richness of the dish.
• 1-1/2 cups Arborio rice: This type of rice has the perfect starch content to make risotto creamy and tender without being mushy.
• 1/2 cup dry white wine: The wine helps deglaze the pan creating a flavorful base and adding acidity to balance the richness.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Butter adds a creamy texture and a rich finish making the risotto extra luxurious.
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp salty flavor that elevates the dish.
• 2 tablespoons parsley chopped: The parsley adds a touch of freshness and color, giving the risotto a beautiful finishing touch.

Method

 

1. In a medium stock pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Reduce the heat to low to keep the broth warm while you cook the risotto. This helps the rice absorb the liquid without being shocked by temperature changes.
2. In a large saucepan, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced shiitake and cremini mushrooms. Sauté them until they become soft and tender, about 2 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set them aside in a bowl. This step ensures that the mushrooms retain their flavor and texture.
3. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the saucepan. Add the finely diced shallots and cook until they soften and become fragrant. This should take around 2-3 minutes. Once the shallots are softened, add the Arborio rice. Stir the rice until it begins to turn golden and lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. This step activates the starches in the rice, which is key to creating the creamy texture of the risotto.
4. Pour in the dry white wine and stir the rice constantly until the liquid is absorbed. This helps deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom, and infuses the rice with a lovely depth of flavor.
5. Start adding the warm chicken broth, 1/2 cup at a time. Stir the rice constantly, allowing each addition of broth to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process until all the broth is used up and the rice is tender but still firm to the bite, which should take about 20 minutes. Don’t rush this process, as slow and steady results in the creamiest risotto.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat once the rice is perfectly cooked. Stir in the sautéed mushrooms, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a creamy, rich texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For added freshness, top the risotto with chopped parsley before serving.
7. Serve the Chicken and Mushroom Risotto immediately. The result is a luxurious, creamy dish perfect for any occasion.