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One Pot Creamy Parmesan Garlic Risotto with Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 119 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Garlic Risotto with Lemon Pepper Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender, lemon pepper-seasoned chicken thighs with a creamy, rich risotto infused with garlic, onion, and parmesan cheese. Cooked partially on the stovetop and finished in the oven, the chicken turns crispy while the rice becomes perfectly cooked and creamy, creating a wholesome one-pan meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1/2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 lb / 1 kg chicken thighs, skin on and bone in (5 pieces)
  • 2 – 3 tbsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning

Risotto

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio risotto rice
  • 1/2 cup white wine (or stock or water)
  • 4 cups chicken broth (stock)
  • 1 cup milk (low fat preferred)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Risotto Finishes

  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan (lightly packed)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 to 1 cup milk (preferably warmed)
  • Fresh thyme leaves (or finely chopped parsley, chives, or oregano, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F (fan forced) or 200°C/390°F (conventional) to prepare for baking the risotto and chicken.
  2. Season Chicken: Coat the chicken thighs generously with lemon pepper seasoning, focusing most of it on the skin for maximum flavor.
  3. Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-proof frying pan. Place chicken skin-side down and cook for 3 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for another 2 minutes until browned. Turn chicken and cook the other side for 3 minutes. This step locks in flavors and crisps the skin.
  4. Remove Chicken & Clean Pan: Transfer the browned chicken to a plate. Discard excess oil from the pan and wipe it clean with a paper towel to prepare for the risotto.
  5. Sauté Aromatics: Return the pan to medium-high heat. Melt 2 tablespoons butter, then add minced garlic and diced onions. Cook for about 2 minutes or until onions become translucent, releasing their sweetness into the base.
  6. Cook Rice: Add the Arborio rice, stirring continuously until the grains change from white to translucent, indicating they’ve toasted slightly. Pour in the white wine and cook for 1–2 minutes until mostly evaporated.
  7. Add Liquids & Seasoning: Pour in chicken broth, 1 cup milk, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring gently. Spoon any chicken juices from the plate back into the risotto for added flavor.
  8. Combine Chicken & Bake: Nestle the browned chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture in the pan. Cover with a lid or foil and transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes covered to allow the rice to absorb the liquid and cook evenly with the chicken.
  9. Finish Baking: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes uncovered. This crisps the chicken skin and firms up the risotto without making it mushy.
  10. Final Touches: Remove chicken from the pan. Stir through the freshly grated parmesan, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 to 1 cup warmed milk into the risotto until creamy and smooth. Adjust milk to achieve desired consistency.
  11. Serve: Plate the risotto and top with the crispy lemon pepper chicken. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and extra parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs for best flavor and texture.
  • Lemon pepper seasoning can be store-bought or homemade; adjust quantity to your taste.
  • A large oven-proof frying pan or skillet is necessary to transition from stovetop to oven without transferring contents.
  • White wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth or water if preferred.
  • For a richer risotto, use whole milk instead of low-fat milk.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, chives, or oregano add a lovely finishing touch to the dish.

Keywords: risotto, lemon pepper chicken, creamy risotto, one pot meal, parmesan risotto, garlic risotto, oven baked risotto, easy dinner

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/one-pot-creamy-parmesan-garlic-risotto-with-lemon-pepper-chicken-recipe/