Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Risotto
Description:
This creamy and flavorful risotto combines tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and vibrant spinach for a comforting, restaurant-quality dish. Arborio rice slowly absorbs warm chicken broth, creating a velvety texture that pairs perfectly with Parmesan cheese and a hint of white wine. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth (warmed)
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Rice:
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil and the Arborio rice.
- Stir for 1-2 minutes until the rice becomes slightly translucent.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- Pour in the white wine, stirring continuously until absorbed.
- Add Warm Broth Gradually:
- Add 1/2 cup of warm chicken broth at a time, stirring frequently.
- Once the liquid is mostly absorbed, add another 1/2 cup of broth.
- Repeat until the rice is creamy and tender (about 20 minutes).
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach:
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach.
- Cook until the spinach wilts.
- Combine with Chicken & Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix well.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Notes:
✅ Use Warm Broth – Adding cold broth slows the cooking process. Keep it warm in a separate pot.
✅ Stir Frequently – Risotto needs constant stirring for the best creamy texture.
✅ Adjust Consistency – If too thick, add a bit more broth; if too thin, let it cook a little longer.
✅ Substitutions – Swap chicken for shrimp, or make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and using vegetable broth.
✅ Make It Richer – Stir in a knob of butter at the end for extra creaminess.
Servings:
- Serves 4
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
Health Benefits:
✔ High in Protein – Supports muscle growth and repair.
✔ Rich in Antioxidants – Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach provide vitamins A & C.
✔ Good Source of Fiber – Arborio rice and veggies support digestion.
✔ Energy Boosting – Carbs from rice provide sustained energy.
Q&A Section:
Q: Can I make this risotto without wine?
A: Yes! Simply replace the wine with an extra 1/2 cup of broth for a similar depth of flavor.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to restore the creamy texture.
Q: Can I freeze risotto?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat with extra broth.
Q: What can I serve with this risotto?
A: Serve with a side salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread for a full meal.
Would you like any modifications, such as a dairy-free or low-carb version? 😊