This creamy Chicken Risotto is a comforting and flavorful dish made with tender chicken thighs, Arborio rice, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s gluten-free and easy to make, while also elegant enough for special occasions. Enjoy a rich and indulgent dish with the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables in every bite.
4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 cup Arborio rice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
4 cups chicken broth (hot)
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (room temperature)
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, chopped)
2 cups fresh spinach
Spices: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste
Season the chicken thighs with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in a hot pan until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Set aside.
In a separate pan, sauté the garlic in 1 tbsp of oil from the sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the Arborio rice and toast lightly for 2 minutes. Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
Gradually add the hot chicken broth, stirring frequently, letting the rice absorb the liquid before adding more.
Once the rice is tender and creamy (about 18-20 minutes), stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Fold in butter and Parmesan cheese to achieve a rich, creamy texture.
Serve the risotto with the seared chicken on top and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.
You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts or rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
Spinach can be replaced with kale or other leafy greens.
Try adding vegetables like mushrooms or asparagus for variety.
To reheat leftovers, warm gently in a skillet with a little broth or water to restore its creamy texture.
Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/chicken-risotto-recipe/