Chicken and pea risotto
Get ready for a creamy chicken and pea risotto, packing a few tasty surprises. Our recipe takes the classic comfort of risotto and gives it a fresh spin with sweet pops of cranberries and peas, tender grilled chicken, and white cheese. It is a cosy, inviting meal that turns dinner into a moment worth savouring.
Ingredients
Risotto base
|
Butter
|
20 g |
|---|---|
|
Shallots, finely chopped (about 275 g)
|
10 |
|
Risotto rice
|
250 g |
|
Small garlic clove, crushed
|
1 |
|
Vegetable stock
|
600 ml |
Chicken
|
Chicken fillet
|
400 g |
|---|---|
|
Coarse salt
|
¼ tsp |
|
Freshly ground pepper
|
Assembly
| 200 g | |
|
Thawed frozen peas
|
300 g |
|
Dried cranberries
|
25 g |
|
Coarse salt
|
½ tsp |
|
Freshly ground pepper
|
Garnish
|
Broad-leaved parsley in small sprigs
|
|---|
Instructions
Risotto base
Chicken
Assembly
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Choose the best chicken
Choose chicken with firm, plump fillets, a pale pink colour, and no excess liquid in the packaging. Skip any fillets that look greyish or have a strong smell, which are signs of spoilage.
The right rice makes a difference
For a risotto that is smooth and creamy, the rice you choose makes all the difference. Arborio rice is the most common choice, releasing plenty of starch for a rich texture while keeping a slight firmness. For an even silkier result, Carnaroli rice absorbs liquid more gradually, making it easier to control the texture.
Master the art of risotto cooking
Our recipe uses an absorption method, where all the stock is added at once for a hands-off approach. If you have time or prefer more control over the texture, you can add the stock gradually, one ladle at a time, stirring occasionally as it absorbs. This requires more attention but allows you to adjust the consistency as you go. As for the white cheese, we mash it into the risotto at the end, blending it smoothly into the rice. If you like a different texture, take the pan off the heat before stirring in the cheese, letting it melt slowly instead. Both methods create a creamy risotto, so it all depends on your preference.
FAQ: Questions about chicken and pea risotto
Got leftover chicken, need help with texture, or wondering if chicken and pea risotto can be frozen? Find the answers below.
Can I use leftover chicken to make chicken and pea risotto?
Yes, you can use leftover chicken to make chicken and pea risotto. Leftover chicken is a great way to save time. Reheat it towards the end so it warms through without drying out. Since it is already cooked, it only needs a minute or two in the pan before serving. You can also reheat it in the risotto if you like.
Can I freeze chicken and pea risotto?
No, chicken and pea risotto does not freeze well, since its consistency changes once thawed. The rice will become mushy, and the creamy consistency will be lost. If freezing is the only option, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for 1 month.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1681 Kcal
| Fibre | 17 gram fibers |
| Protein | 119.8 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 228.1 gram |
| Fat | 30.2 gram |
Enjoy our creamy chicken and pea risotto
If there is one thing risotto is known for, it is creaminess. And it is all thanks to a properly made risotto base. As the rice hits the pan, it instantly absorbs the vegetable stock, releasing its starch and naturally emulsifying the consistency.
The white cheese goes in at the end, melting slightly and contributing to the smoothness while leaving soft, little pieces behind, adding a nicely salty aftertaste. While it is not a totally traditional risotto, the creamy elements are truly in place in our chicken and pea risotto.
Peas and cranberries for sweet, earthy notes
This chicken and pea risotto takes on sweet and earthy notes from the peas and cranberries, each bringing its own qualities. Peas offer a mild sweetness, introducing a fresh, almost buttery flavour. And while we know cranberries are not necessarily a classic risotto ingredient, their tart and earthy sweetness are fantastic at cutting through the heavier creamy texture. It is different – but delicious!
With rich and savoury strips of meat
Grilled on a hot pan until golden, the chicken stays tender while developing a deep, savoury flavour. The high heat creates the sought-after, slightly charred edges, offering a hint of smokiness to the delicate risotto. Crisp on the outside and moist inside, the chicken holds its shape as it rests on the risotto, letting its juices seep into every grain of rice.
Easy dinner for the whole family
Our easy chicken and pea risotto recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and satisfaction. In just 30 minutes, it transforms a handful of ingredients into a creamy, comforting dinner that is sure to bring smiles from kids and adults alike.
And because it is so simple and quick, it easily adapts to any occasion, no matter if it is a hectic evening after work or a relaxed weekend with the family. Serve it on its own or alongside a crisp salad, and you have a meal that naturally invites everyone to gather and dig in.
If this risotto hits the spot, why not try our juicy chicken meatballs, colourful pasta with vegetables, or a grilled whole chicken? These meals are just as delicious and perfect for family dinners.
Try different cheeses and ingredients
Swapping out the white cheese in your risotto is an easy way to introduce new flavours. Parmesan, with its rich, salty, and nutty notes, offers a sharp edge to the creamy risotto base. For an intense twist, Pecorino works wonders, as its tangy and slightly peppery flavour creates a more robust depth. In comparison, mozzarella adds a milder, creamier touch, melting smoothly into the risotto and providing a delicate, milky flavour.
Beyond the cheese, there are plenty of other options to explore. Roasted vegetables, such as sweet potatoes or mushrooms, add earthy sweetness and a satisfying bite. Crispy bacon is the way to go for something crunchier and saltier. To include fresh, aromatic flavours, stir in herbs like basil for its sweet and peppery note or thyme for a touch of earthiness.
