Smoked chicken risotto

Smoked chicken risotto combines creamy, arborio rice with the rich flavours of smoked chicken and fresh vegetables, finished with a touch of parmesan. This comforting dish is cooked slowly with chicken gravy, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.

17 Feb 2026
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken gravy
2 tbsp olive oil
1 leek
2 garlic cloves
2 cups white rice
1 cup white wine
1 carrot
1 zucchini
2 chicken breasts
1 cup peas
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Smoked Chicken Risotto is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Combining the rich flavors of smoked chicken with creamy risotto, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or preparing a cozy meal at home, this risotto is both impressive and easy to make.

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Clean and finely chop the leek, mince the garlic, peel and dice the carrot, and dice the zucchini. If your chicken breasts are not pre-smoked, smoke them or use pre-cooked smoked chicken and slice them thinly.

2. Heat the Gravy:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the chicken gravy over low heat. Keep it warm throughout the cooking process.

3. Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped leek and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Toast the Rice:
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat each grain with the oil and aromatics. Toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent around the edges.

5. Deglaze with Wine:
- Pour in the white wine and stir until the liquid is mostly absorbed by the rice. This step adds depth and flavor to your risotto.

6. Add Vegetables:
- Stir in the diced carrot and zucchini.

7. Cook the Risotto:
- Start adding the warm chicken gravy to the rice mixture, one ladleful at a time. Stir continuously after each addition until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this process, adding one ladleful of gravy at a time, allowing the rice to absorb it slowly.
- Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked al dente. This should take about 18-20 minutes.

8. Incorporate Smoked Chicken and Peas:
- About 5 minutes before the risotto is done, stir in the smoked chicken slices and peas. Continue to cook until the peas are tender and everything is heated through.

9. Finish with Parmesan:
- Once the risotto is cooked and creamy, remove it from heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. This will add a rich and creamy texture to the dish.

10. Serve:
- Serve the smoked chicken risotto hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade smoked chicken risotto!

Once you've mastered this Smoked Chicken Risotto, you'll have a versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed all year round. The combination of smoky chicken, creamy rice, and vibrant vegetables makes for a hearty and flavorful meal that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds. Enjoy your homemade risotto with a glass of white wine for a complete dining experience.

Smoked chicken risotto FAQ:

How long does it take to cook the risotto?

The risotto typically takes about 18-20 minutes to cook after adding the warm chicken gravy, continually stirring and adding ladlefuls of gravy until the rice is creamy and cooked al dente.

What pan size is recommended for making risotto?

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or pan is recommended to allow for even cooking and to easily stir the rice as it absorbs the liquid.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

While you can use brown rice, it will require a longer cooking time and additional liquid. Expect to increase the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes, and adjust liquid accordingly.

How should I store leftover risotto?

Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken gravy or water to restore creaminess.

What types of cheese can I substitute for Parmesan?

You can substitute grated Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for Parmesan. For a creamier texture, try using mascarpone or cream cheese, though the flavor profile will change.

Tips:

- Prepare all ingredients beforehand: Chop the vegetables, grate the cheese, and have the chicken gravy ready before you start cooking. This will make the cooking process smoother and more efficient.

- Use warm chicken gravy: Keeping the chicken gravy warm while gradually adding it to the rice helps maintain a consistent temperature, ensuring the rice cooks evenly.

- Stir continuously: Continuously stirring the risotto helps release the starch from the rice, resulting in a creamy texture.

- Don't overcook the vegetables: Add the vegetables at different stages to ensure they retain their texture and color. For example, add the carrots earlier and the zucchini later.

- Rest the risotto: Once the risotto is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes with the lid on. This helps the flavors meld together and allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 750kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 120g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 7g
Fat 18g

Smoked chicken risotto