Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Risotto Recipe – Easy One-Pan Dinner!
Meta Description: Try this delicious Chicken and Asparagus Risotto—creamy, flavorful, and ready in under 45 minutes! Perfect for weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Asparagus Risotto
Looking for a restaurant-quality risotto that’s easy to make at home? This Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Risotto is:
✔ Rich & comforting – Creamy Arborio rice with tender chicken and crisp asparagus.
✔ One-pan meal – Less cleanup, more flavor!
✔ Ready in 45 minutes – Faster than takeout but tastes gourmet.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressing guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 cup Arborio rice (essential for creamy risotto!)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed & cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth (warm)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (optional, substitute with broth)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp lemon zest (brightens the flavor!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Ingredients
- Warm chicken broth in a saucepan (keeps risotto creamy).
- Sauté onion & garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Cook Chicken
- Season chicken with salt & pepper, then brown in the same pan. Remove & set aside.
3. Toast the Rice
- Add Arborio rice, stirring 1-2 minutes until slightly translucent.
- Deglaze with white wine (or broth) and let absorb.
4. Simmer & Stir
- Gradually add warm broth, ½ cup at a time, stirring until absorbed. (This takes ~20 min.)
5. Add Asparagus & Chicken
- When rice is almost done, stir in asparagus & cooked chicken.
- Cook 3-4 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp.
6. Finish with Butter & Cheese
- Off heat, mix in Parmesan, butter, and lemon zest for extra creaminess.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, black pepper, or fresh herbs.
Tips for the Best Risotto
🔥 Don’t rush the broth – Adding it slowly ensures perfect texture.
🍋 Brighten with lemon – A squeeze of juice balances richness.
🧀 Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated won’t melt as smoothly.
Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian? Swap chicken for mushrooms & use veggie broth.
- No wine? Use extra broth + a splash of lemon juice.
- Extra creamy? Stir in a spoonful of mascarpone at the end.
FAQ
❓ Can I use regular rice instead of Arborio?
No—Arborio’s starchiness is key for creaminess.
❓ How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 3 days (add a splash of broth when reheating).
❓ Can I freeze risotto?
Not recommended—it loses its creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Asparagus Risotto is a foolproof way to enjoy a luxurious, homemade meal without hours in the kitchen. Creamy, savory, and packed with fresh flavors—it’s sure to become a favorite!
Try it tonight and leave a comment below with your results!
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