Chicken and Leek Risotto

by Jon Henry

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
  • 1 lb (about 450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 large leeks, cleaned and thinly sliced
  • 4 cups chicken broth, kept warm
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

  • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  • Clean and slice the leeks, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.

2. Sauté Chicken:

  • In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics:

  • In the same pan, add butter and sauté the chopped onion until softened.
  • Add the minced garlic and sliced leeks, cooking until the leeks are tender.

4. Toast Arborio Rice:

  • Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for a couple of minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.

5. Deglaze with Wine:

  • Pour in the dry white wine, stirring constantly, until the wine is mostly absorbed by the rice.

6. Begin Adding Broth:

  • Begin adding the warm chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently.
  • Wait for the liquid to be mostly absorbed before adding the next ladle of broth.

7. Continue Cooking:

  • Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked to al dente, usually about 18-20 minutes.

8. Add Chicken and Leeks:

  • Stir in the cooked chicken pieces and sautéed leeks.

9. Finish with Cream and Cheese:

  • Pour in the heavy cream and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted, and the risotto is creamy.

10. Season and Garnish:

  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.

11. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Serve the Chicken and Leek Risotto immediately, ensuring each plate is generously topped with the creamy risotto.

This Chicken and Leek Risotto is a luxurious and satisfying dish that brings together the rich flavors of chicken, leeks, and Parmesan. It's sure to become a favorite for cozy dinners and special occasions.

Back to Interviews