In this brilliant, stress-free Baked Chicken Risotto recipe, there's no need to stand over a hot stove, constantly stirring. Chicken, mushrooms, asparagus and rice are quickly mixed together with herbs, stock, spices and parmesan on the stovetop, then transferred to the oven to bake to perfection. Leftovers of this one-pan wonder are delicious and also freezer-friendly.
Prep Time5 minutesmins
Cook Time35 minutesmins
Total Time40 minutesmins
Ingredients
1tbspolive oil
1brown onion, diced
1tbspfinely chopped garlic
500gmushrooms, sliced (optional)
500gboneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1bunch asparagus, cut into 1 cm (½ inch) pieces (optional)
Preheat – Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) (all oven types).
Cook the onion and garlic – Heat the olive oil in a large, deep, ovenproof frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Add the mushrooms – Add the mushrooms (if using, see note 1) and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Cook the chicken – Add the chicken and cook, stirring, for 3 minutes until browned.
Add the remaining ingredients – Add the asparagus (if using), arborio rice, chicken stock, thyme (if using), salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Bake – Once simmering, cover with a lid or cover tightly with a double layer of foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Add the optional spinach, then stand – Stir through the spinach leaves (if using), parmesan and butter. Allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving. There may be pools of liquid on top of the risotto once it comes out of the oven; as the risotto sits the liquid will absorb (see note 2).
Serve – Serve with extra parmesan and chilli oil, if using.
Notes
Note 1 – This recipe can be adapted to use vegetables that suit your family’s tastes or simply those you need to use up in the vegetable drawer. I love adding mushrooms, asparagus and spinach leaves but you can use zucchini (courgette), shredded kale, peas, green beans … the options are limitless!Note 2 – Once the risotto comes out of the oven, there may be pools of liquid at the top. Give it a good stir. As the risotto sits, the liquid will absorb. If there is still too much liquid, return the risotto to the oven for 5 minutes.
MAKE AHEAD
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container, or freeze for up to 2 months (individual portion sizes are best). Thaw completely overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave.
LEFTOVERS
Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container or freeze for up to 2 months (individual portion sizes are best). Thaw completely overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Baked Chicken Risotto
Amount per Serving
Calories
737
% Daily Value*
Fat
28
g
43
%
Saturated Fat
14
g
88
%
Trans Fat
2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat
11
g
Cholesterol
137
mg
46
%
Sodium
1832
mg
80
%
Potassium
1324
mg
38
%
Carbohydrates
72
g
24
%
Fiber
6
g
25
%
Sugar
4
g
4
%
Protein
44
g
88
%
Calcium
353
mg
35
%
Iron
6
mg
33
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.