Name: Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 cups chicken broth (kept warm); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup Arborio rice; 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with extra broth); 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Extra butter or Parmesan for finishing (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If your soul craves comfort, you’ll fall head over heels for Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto. This ultra-creamy dish features tender chicken and earthy mushrooms gently embraced by perfectly al dente Arborio rice, all finished with a tumble of Parmesan and fresh parsley. Each spoonful is loaded with savory goodness and a luscious, hearty texture that promises to turn any ordinary evening into something special. Whether you’re after a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this classic Italian-inspired favorite never lets you down.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto lies in how a handful of familiar ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Each item has its important role, building layers of flavor and that signature creamy texture. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why they matter:

Chicken broth: Use a good-quality broth to infuse the rice with savory depth; keep it warm for the smoothest texture.
Olive oil: Adds a fruity undertone and helps your aromatics sauté perfectly.
Unsalted butter: Lends richness and that unmistakable glossy finish to the risotto.
Small onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base to the dish.
Garlic cloves: Bring warmth and extra savoriness to every bite.
Arborio rice: This short-grain Italian rice is essential for the creamy, starchy texture risotto is famous for.
Dry white wine: Lifts and brightens the rice, adding complexity; if you skip the wine, a splash more broth will still be delicious.
Cooked chicken breast: Makes this risotto hearty and full of protein—rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!
Mushrooms (cremini or button): Earthy and savory, mushrooms are the flavor backbone here—use a mix if you feel fancy!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness, a subtle nuttiness, and helps make everything creamy.
Fresh parsley: Adds color and a bright, herbaceous finish.
Salt and black pepper: For seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Extra butter or Parmesan: Optional, but swoon-worthy for a final touch of luxury.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Step 1: Warm the Broth

Start by pouring your chicken broth into a saucepan and bringing it to a gentle simmer. Keep it warm on low heat; this little move ensures the rice absorbs the liquid smoothly, turning delightfully creamy instead of seizing up—a tiny tip that makes a world of difference with risotto!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, swirl together the olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts and starts to foam, toss in your finely diced onion and garlic. Let them gently sauté until the onion turns translucent and everything smells absolutely irresistible—about 2 to 3 minutes will do the trick.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to your pan, spreading them out as much as possible. Cook them until they’re golden brown and tender, stirring occasionally. This step brings out their flavor, adding a lovely earthiness that pairs beautifully with the chicken and creamy rice.

Step 4: Toast the Arborio Rice

Stir in the Arborio rice, making sure the grains are well coated in the oil and butter. Toast the rice for 1 to 2 minutes until the edges start to look translucent. Toasting the rice locks in flavor and preps the grains to slowly absorb all that wonderful broth.

Step 5: Deglaze with White Wine

If you’re using wine, pour it in now and let it sizzle, stirring until the rice has soaked up most of the liquid. This adds a subtle brightness and extra depth. If you prefer not to use wine, just skip to the broth and add an extra splash for moisture!

Step 6: Add Warm Broth Gradually

Now comes the magic! Add a ladleful of warm broth and stir gently. Let the rice absorb almost all the liquid before adding the next ladleful. Repeat this process, stirring frequently and gradually adding more broth, until the rice is wonderfully creamy and just al dente—this typically takes about 18 to 20 minutes.

Step 7: Stir in Chicken, Parmesan, and Parsley

Once the rice is perfect, mix in the diced or shredded chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Stir until everything is hot, creamy, and well combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Take the pan off the heat and, if you’re feeling indulgent, finish with an extra pat of butter or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Dish out your Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto immediately for peak coziness and flavor—risotto waits for no one!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Garnishes

The right garnish takes your Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto from comforting to captivating. Scatter with extra chopped fresh parsley for fresh color, add a generous snow of Parmesan, or even a drizzle of good olive oil. If you love a little crunch, toasted pine nuts are a delightful topping too!

Side Dishes

Balance the creamy richness with a crisp green salad dressed in a lemony vinaigrette, or serve alongside lightly sautéed green beans or asparagus. A hunk of rustic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for scooping up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For something special, serve your risotto in wide shallow bowls, topped with extra mushrooms or a swirl of truffle oil for earthy luxury. Individual ramekins can make for a stunning dinner party starter, and a few edible flowers make for an unexpectedly beautiful final touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days. The risotto will thicken as it sits, but that’s easily fixed when it’s time to reheat.

Freezing

While risotto is best enjoyed freshly made, you can freeze it if needed. Cool the risotto completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—just note the texture may be slightly less creamy, but the flavor still shines.

Reheating

To bring your risotto back to its just-made glory, add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If you prefer the microwave, cover and heat in short intervals, stirring and adding extra liquid if needed to return that signature creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice if I don’t have Arborio?

For true Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto, Arborio rice is best, as it releases enough starch for that signature texture. Carnaroli or Vialone Nano are good substitutes. Regular long- or short-grain rice simply won’t give you the same creaminess.

Is there a vegetarian version of this risotto?

Absolutely! Simply swap in vegetable broth for chicken broth and skip the chicken, or add extra mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein for a vegetarian Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto twist.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

You can prep all your ingredients ahead, but for the creamiest results, risotto is best made fresh. If you must, cook it a few hours in advance, then cool quickly. Reheat gently with extra broth just before serving for the best texture.

What mushrooms work best for this risotto?

Cremini and button mushrooms are classic, but feel free to mix in shiitake, portobello, or wild mushrooms like chanterelles for bolder flavor. A blend of varieties offers incredible depth and makes the dish feel extra special.

How do I know when the risotto is ready?

Your Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto is ready when the rice is al dente (tender, but still with a slight bite) and the consistency is luxuriously creamy, not soupy. Taste as you go—that’s part of the risotto-making fun!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto! Every bite is so rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying—it always brings me back to the kitchen for just one more spoonful. Give it a try, play with your favorite additions, and enjoy this classic comfort food with the people you love!