Long-Grain Rice Chicken Risotto

By
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen
Linda Larsen is a journalist, quick-cooking and slow-cooking expert, and accomplished cookbook author with over 30 years of experience in testing and developing recipes.
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Updated on 07/26/21
Long grain rice chicken risotto recipe

The Spruce / Victoria Heydt

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 45 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Yield: 6 to 8 bowls

It may come as a surprise to purists who always use arborio rice, but regular long-grain rice works well in this risotto. 

You can use as little as 4 cups or as much as 6 cups broth in this recipe. If don't like a runny risotto, use the smaller amount. If you like your risotto soupier, you'll need to add more broth.

The only trick to risotto is to stir it constantly. This stirring action roughs up the rice as it cooks, forcing it to release starch into the liquid, which thickens the risotto to give it the characteristic creamy, velvety texture.

Serve this easy classic recipe with a nice green salad. A glass of white wine or iced tea is the perfect complement.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups long-grain rice

  • 4 to 6 cups chicken broth, divided

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or thyme, optional

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons butter

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for chicken risotto
    The Spruce / Victoria Heydt

  2. Cut the chicken breasts into 1 1/2-inch pieces and sprinkle with the salt and pepper.

    Cut chicken breasts
    The Spruce / Victoria Heydt

  3. In a heavy saucepan or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for 5 minutes until tender, stirring frequently.

    Add onion in saucepan
    The Spruce / Victoria Heydt

  4. Then add the chicken pieces to the saucepan, and cook and stir until the chicken begins to brown slightly, about 3 minutes.

    Add chicken in pan
    The Spruce / Victoria Heydt

  5. Add the rice, and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly.

    Add the rice
    The Spruce / Victoria Heydt

  6. Add 1 cup chicken broth to the saucepan, and cook until liquid is reduced, stirring constantly.

    Add chicken broth to saucepan
    The Spruce / Victoria Heydt

  7. Continue adding the chicken broth to keep the rice covered in liquid, stirring frequently. Make sure most of the liquid is absorbed by the rice before adding more. Total cooking time should be about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

    Add chicken to pot
    The Spruce / Victoria Heydt

  8. Add the basil, cheese, and butter to the saucepan just before serving, stirring to melt.

    Add basil, cheese, and butter
    The Spruce / Victoria Heydt

  9. Cover the pot and let it stand for five minutes off the heat, then serve immediately. Enjoy!

    Cover the pot
    The Spruce / Victoria Heydt
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
291 Calories
14g Fat
15g Carbs
25g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 291
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 5g 26%
Cholesterol 73mg 24%
Sodium 1119mg 49%
Total Carbohydrate 15g 6%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 25g
Vitamin C 1mg 5%
Calcium 133mg 10%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 249mg 5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)