Chicken and sun-dried tomato risotto

Chicken and sun-dried tomato risotto features creamy white rice cooked slowly in rich chicken gravy, combined with tender chicken, flavourful sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty meal.

29 Dec 2025
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 5 min

Ingredients:

6 cups chicken gravy
2 tbsp butter
4 chicken thighs
1 leek
2 cups white rice
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
4 cups spinach

Chicken and sun-dried tomato risotto is a flavorful and creamy Italian dish that brings together tender chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. This recipe is perfect for a comforting and hearty meal that will impress your family and friends.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Gravy:
- If you don't have pre-made chicken gravy, you can use chicken broth or stock as a substitute.

2. Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the skillet, cooking them until they are golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the skillet and set them aside to rest. Once cooled, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

3. Sauté the Leek:
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Add the sliced leek and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Begin the Risotto:
- Add the white rice to the skillet with the leeks. Stir to coat the rice with the butter and let it toast slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Begin adding the chicken gravy, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly. Wait until each ladle of gravy is absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 20-25 minutes and will allow the rice to release its starch, creating a creamy texture.

5. Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- When the rice is nearly al dente and you have about 1-2 ladles of gravy left, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

6. Add the Chicken and Spinach:
- Add the shredded chicken back into the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Add the roughly chopped spinach and cook until the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the risotto.

7. Finish and Serve:
- Once the rice is fully cooked (it should be creamy and quite rich), and all ingredients are well combined, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Remove from heat and let the risotto rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

8. Plate and Enjoy:
- Serve the risotto hot, garnishing with any additional toppings, such as freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.

This Chicken and sun-dried tomato risotto is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Follow these tips for a perfect risotto every time, and enjoy the compliments from your delighted diners.

Chicken and sun-dried tomato risotto FAQ:

What is the recommended cooking time for this risotto?

The risotto should take about 20-25 minutes to cook after adding the chicken gravy, stirring continuously until the rice absorbs the liquid and reaches a creamy consistency.

How can I tell when the risotto is done?

The risotto is done when the rice is creamy and slightly al dente, meaning it should have a slight bite to it but not be hard in the center.

Can I store leftovers, and if so, how?

Yes, you can store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.

What can I use instead of chicken gravy?

If you don't have chicken gravy, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth or stock as a lighter alternative.

What size pan should I use for this risotto?

A large skillet or a wide saucepan is recommended to allow even cooking and to provide enough space for stirring the risotto.

Cooking Tips:

- Warm the chicken gravy before adding it to the risotto. This helps maintain a consistent cooking temperature and ensures the rice cooks evenly.

- Stir the risotto frequently. This releases the starch in the rice, giving the dish its creamy texture.

- Cut the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces for even distribution throughout the risotto.

- Use a wide, shallow pan for cooking the risotto. This ensures the rice cooks evenly and allows for better evaporation of liquid.

- Keep the heat on medium-low. Cooking the risotto slowly ensures the rice absorbs the flavors and achieves the right consistency.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 920kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 130g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 10g
Fat 33g

Chicken and sun-dried tomato risotto