Creamy Lemon Chicken Risotto

Name: Creamy Lemon Chicken Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup arborio rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup water; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cooked chicken, diced; 1/2 cup white wine; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Cravings Kitchen

I love making Creamy Lemon Chicken Risotto for a comforting dinner that always impresses. The combination of tender chicken, creamy arborio rice, and zesty lemon creates a delightful dish that's rich yet refreshing. It’s one of those meals that invites you to take your time and enjoy every bite. As I stir the rice slowly, the flavors meld beautifully, making it a perfect dish to enjoy at any time of the year. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-01-20T12:46:28.026Z

When I first tried making risotto, I was intimidated by the constant stirring, but I quickly learned it was all about patience and timing. Each grain of arborio rice releases its starch, creating that irresistible creaminess that makes risotto so special. I discovered that adding a splash of white wine enhances the chicken's flavor while the lemon zest brightens the whole dish.

One night, I added too much broth at once and ended up with a soupy mess. Since then, I’ve mastered the technique of adding gradually, which has made all the difference. The result is a luxurious risotto that feels downright gourmet!

        Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
        Zesty lemon adds a refreshing twist to the creamy texture
Perfectly cooked chicken combined with rich arborio rice
A comforting dish that's perfect for family gatherings or special occasions

      

The Importance of Arborio Rice

Arborio rice is essential for achieving the creamy texture that defines risotto. Its high starch content allows the grains to release creamy goodness as they cook, resulting in that signature velvety feel. I recommend not skipping the toasting step; it enhances the nutty flavor and ensures the rice cooks evenly. Watch for the grains to become slightly translucent around the edges, which indicates they're ready for the next step.

If you can’t find Arborio rice, you can use other short-grain varieties like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano, though the texture might differ slightly. Long-grain rice types, such as basmati or jasmine, won't yield the same results due to their lower starch content. Stick to a short-grain for the best outcome!

Perfecting the Broth Technique

The broth is vital for infusing the risotto with depth and flavor. Keeping your broth warm while cooking is key—cold broth will shock the rice and disrupt the cooking process, preventing it from reaching that creamy perfection. A simmering broth also encourages the rice to cook steadily, absorbing all those rich flavors gradually.

For a little extra flavor, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme or marjoram to the broth while it's heating. Make sure to strain these out before adding the broth to the rice. This solution creates a fragrant base that enhances the overall taste of your creamy risotto.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To elevate your Creamy Lemon Chicken Risotto, consider adding seasonal vegetables like asparagus or peas. Sauté them briefly before adding to the risotto for an added layer of color and nutrition. Alternatively, a handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end adds freshness without overpowering the dish.

If you're looking to make it a bit heartier, you can swap out some chicken for shrimp or even scallops, adjusting the cooking time slightly to ensure the seafood is perfectly cooked. Serve with a side of crusty bread to scoop up any leftover risotto on your plate—it's all about maximizing flavor!

Ingredients

For the Risotto

1 cup arborio rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cooked chicken, diced
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Broth

In a saucepan, combine the chicken broth and water and heat until simmering. Keep it warm on low heat.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Cook the Rice

Add the arborio rice to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted. Pour in the white wine and cook until it has mostly evaporated.

Gradually Add Broth

Begin adding the warm broth to the rice one ladle at a time, stirring continuously until the liquid is absorbed before adding more. Repeat this process until the rice is creamy and al dente, about 18-20 minutes.

Finish the Risotto

Once the rice is cooked, add the diced chicken, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful Creamy Lemon Chicken Risotto!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try using homemade chicken broth. The type of broth you use greatly impacts the dish, so opt for low-sodium varieties if you're watching your salt intake.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, let the risotto cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Risotto can be tricky when reheated since it tends to dry out. To combat this, add a splash of water or broth while reheating on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the risotto. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. As with leftovers, be sure to add a bit of liquid when warming, bringing back that creamy consistency you love.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with risotto is ending up with a gooey texture. If you find your risotto clumps together too much, you may have added too much broth at once or allowed it to cool without stirring. Always add the stock gradually and keep stirring to maintain that creamy, slightly loose consistency.

If your risotto isn't creamy enough, reserve some pasta water when cooking other dishes and stir it in until you reach the desired consistency. This trick helps to bring the flavors together beautifully and saves your risotto from becoming bland. A couple of tablespoons should do the trick!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of arborio rice?

Brown rice isn’t recommended for risotto, as it requires a longer cooking time and won't achieve the same creamy texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this risotto vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or additional vegetables and use vegetable broth instead.

→ What can I do if my risotto turns out too thick?

If your risotto is too thick, simply add a little more warm broth or water until you reach the desired consistency.