Chicken Instant Pot Risotto: Easy Recipe & Cooking Tips

Chicken Instant Pot Risotto: Imagine a creamy, comforting bowl of risotto, infused with savory chicken and ready in a fraction of the time. Sounds too good to be true? Not with your trusty Instant Pot! This recipe transforms the traditionally laborious risotto into a weeknight-friendly delight, without sacrificing any of the rich, decadent flavor you crave.

Risotto, with its roots in Northern Italy, has long been revered as a culinary masterpiece, a testament to patience and technique. Traditionally, it requires constant stirring and careful attention, a labor of love that yields a truly unforgettable dish. But let’s be honest, sometimes we crave that comforting creaminess without spending an hour glued to the stove. That’s where the magic of the Instant Pot comes in!

People adore risotto for its luxurious texture and versatility. The creamy, almost velvety rice, combined with endless flavor possibilities, makes it a crowd-pleaser. This Chicken Instant Pot Risotto is particularly appealing because it combines the comforting flavors of chicken with the ease of one-pot cooking. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and convenience, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. The pressure cooking method also infuses the rice with incredible flavor, creating a depth that’s hard to achieve with traditional methods. So, get ready to experience risotto like never before – faster, easier, and just as delicious!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas, added at the end

Preparing the Chicken and Aromatics

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This will help them brown nicely. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s crucial for flavor!
2. Now, turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot and shimmering (it should take just a minute or two), add the seasoned chicken.
3. Sauté the chicken in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. We want a nice golden-brown sear on all sides. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
4. Next, add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot. Sauté the onion until it’s softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – those are packed with flavor!
5. Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Building the Risotto

1. Add the Arborio rice to the Instant Pot with the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes, to toast the rice. This step is important because it helps the rice release its starch, which contributes to the creamy texture of the risotto.
2. Pour in the dry white wine. Stir constantly, scraping up any remaining browned bits from the bottom of the pot, until the wine is almost completely absorbed. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The wine adds a lovely depth of flavor to the risotto.
3. Pour in the chicken broth. Make sure the rice is submerged.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the Instant Pot.

Pressure Cooking

1. Cancel the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot. Close the lid and make sure the pressure release valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
2. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 6 minutes at high pressure.
3. Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. This means you don’t touch the pressure release valve and let the pressure dissipate on its own. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by moving the pressure release valve to the “Venting” position. Be careful of the steam!
4. Once the pressure is completely released, carefully open the Instant Pot.

Finishing Touches

1. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter. Stir until everything is melted and well combined. The risotto should be creamy and slightly loose. If it seems too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
2. If you’re using frozen peas, stir them in now. The residual heat from the risotto will cook them perfectly.
3. Taste the risotto and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Serving

1. Serve the Chicken Instant Pot Risotto immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Enjoy! This risotto is delicious on its own, or you can serve it as a side dish with grilled vegetables or a simple salad.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t skip the toasting step: Toasting the Arborio rice helps it release starch and contributes to the creamy texture of the risotto.
• Use good quality chicken broth: The flavor of the chicken broth will significantly impact the flavor of the risotto. Use a good quality broth or homemade broth for the best results.
• Don’t overcook the rice: Overcooked risotto will be mushy. The rice should be al dente, meaning it has a slight bite to it.
• Adjust the consistency: If the risotto is too thick, add more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, cook it for a few more minutes on the “Sauté” function, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
• Get creative with additions: Feel free to add other vegetables to the risotto, such as mushrooms, asparagus, or spinach. You can also add different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Fontina.
• Make it ahead: Risotto is best served immediately, but you can make it ahead of time and reheat it. To reheat, add a little chicken broth to the risotto and heat it over low heat, stirring constantly, until it’s warmed through.

Variations:

• Mushroom Risotto: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the pot along with the onions.
• Shrimp Risotto: Substitute the chicken with 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp. Add the shrimp to the pot during the last minute of cooking time, or sauté them separately and add them to the risotto at the end.
• Vegetarian Risotto: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Lemon Risotto: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the risotto at the end.

Storage:

• Store leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Reheat risotto in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Chicken Instant Pot Risotto is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a comforting symphony of flavors that comes together with unbelievable ease. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious, satisfying, and relatively hands-off dinner option. Forget slaving over a hot stove, stirring endlessly – the Instant Pot does all the hard work for you, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the anticipation.

Why is this recipe a winner? First, the flavor profile is simply divine. The creamy risotto, infused with the savory goodness of chicken broth and tender chicken pieces, is elevated by the subtle sweetness of the Parmesan cheese and the bright freshness of the herbs. It’s a perfectly balanced dish that appeals to all palates. Second, the convenience factor is undeniable. In today’s busy world, we’re all looking for ways to save time without sacrificing quality. This Instant Pot risotto delivers on both fronts. You can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour, with minimal effort. Third, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your own preferences and dietary needs.

Speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Asparagus, peas, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be fantastic additions. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You could also add a splash of white wine to the Instant Pot before cooking for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of saffron for a vibrant color and a unique taste.

As for serving suggestions, this Chicken Instant Pot Risotto is delicious on its own as a hearty main course. However, it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. For a more elegant presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. You could even top it with some grilled shrimp or scallops for a truly decadent meal. Leftovers (if you have any!) are also fantastic reheated for lunch the next day.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even a cozy night in. The beauty of this Chicken Instant Pot Risotto lies in its simplicity and its ability to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s a testament to the power of the Instant Pot and its ability to transform everyday ingredients into something truly special.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your risotto turned out, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Tag me in your photos on social media, or leave a comment below. I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking!