Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Risotto is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy melted cheddar cheese. It’s a one-pot meal that is perfect for weeknight dinners and can easily impress your family or guests. With creamy risotto as the base, this dish is both filling and satisfying.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only tasty but also packed with nutrition. The broccoli adds vitamins and fiber, while the chicken provides protein. Plus, the cheesy flavor makes it a favorite, especially for those who love comfort food. The process of making risotto is simple but requires patience and care, and it’s worth it for the creamy result. Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and adjust flavors to your liking, making this risotto a great option for any occasion.
How to Make Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Risotto
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli (cut into bite-sized florets)
- Olive oil (as needed for drizzling)
- Salt (as needed for seasoning)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders (diced small)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (as needed for seasoning)
- 1/2 stick butter
- 1 1/4 cups arborio rice
- 3/4 cup beer
- 1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
Directions
- First, roast the broccoli. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the broccoli florets to a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat, then place the dish in the oven for 15 minutes.
- While the broccoli is roasting, heat a dash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In a small pot, warm the chicken broth on low heat.
- Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until it is fully cooked and slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set it on a plate. Take the roasted broccoli out of the oven and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the arborio rice. Let the rice gently toast for a minute, then pour in the beer and let it absorb completely.
- Now, the important part: ladle in about 3 scoops of warm chicken broth and stir it continuously with the rice until absorbed. Repeat this until the broth is used up and the rice is tender. This process takes about 20 minutes.
- Once done, turn off the heat and mix in the cheddar cheese, chicken, and broccoli. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and serve in pretty bowls right away. Enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Risotto
Serve this risotto warm in individual bowls. You can garnish it with a little extra cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Pair it with a fresh side salad or crusty bread to complete your meal.
How to Store Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Risotto
If you have leftovers, let the risotto cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a bit more chicken broth or water to bring back the creamy texture.
Tips to Make Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Risotto
- Make sure to stir the risotto continuously while adding the broth. This helps develop its creamy texture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese based on your cheese preference; more cheese means creamier risotto!
Variations
You can easily customize this risotto. Try adding other vegetables such as peas or spinach for extra color and nutrients. For a different flavor, use white wine instead of beer. You could also swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or parmesan for a different taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before roasting.
2. Can I make this risotto ahead of time?
Risotto is best served fresh, but you can make it ahead and reheat it. Just be sure to add a little broth to restore its creaminess.
3. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with mushrooms or sautéed vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still add cheese for flavor.
Enjoy making and savoring this Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Risotto! It’s a meal that warms the heart and pleases the palate.
