Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your kitchen into a gourmet Italian restaurant! This mouthwatering Lemon Risotto with Pan Roasted Chicken is not just a meal – it's an experience that combines the creamy, zesty elegance of traditional risotto with perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy dish, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and tantalize your taste buds with every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into thin strips.
- In a separate large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add Arborio rice to the onions and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the rice with butter and prevent burning.
- Pour in white wine and stir until the liquid is almost completely absorbed by the rice.
- Begin adding chicken broth one ladle at a time, stirring continuously. Wait for each addition to be absorbed before adding more, which helps create the creamy risotto texture.
- When rice is almost tender and creamy, add lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to incorporate.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Plate the risotto and top with sliced chicken breast. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Rice Matters: Always use Arborio rice for authentic risotto texture. Its high starch content is key to achieving that signature creamy consistency.
- Patience is Your Secret Ingredient: Risotto requires constant stirring and gradual liquid addition. Don't rush the process – each ladle of broth should be almost fully absorbed before adding the next.
- Temperature Control: Keep your broth warm in a separate pot before adding to the rice. Cold liquid can shock the rice and interrupt the cooking process.
- Chicken Cooking Hack: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness without drying out.
- Cheese Tip: Add Parmesan at the very end of cooking to preserve its fresh flavor and prevent it from becoming grainy.
- Zest Before Juicing: Always zest your lemon before juicing to maximize flavor extraction.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 500kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
