Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this High Protein Creamy Chicken Risotto, a delicious twist on a classic Italian dish that's both nutritious and satisfying. This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken breast, creamy arborio rice, and a medley of vibrant flavors, including garlic, parmesan, and a touch of lemon for brightness. Enhanced with low-fat cream cheese and protein-packed peas, this dish delivers a hearty dose of flavor while keeping it light and healthy. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a dinner party centerpiece, it's ready in under an hour and serves four generously. Garnished with fresh parsley and bursting with creamy richness, this one-pot wonder is a must-try for risotto lovers seeking a wholesome yet indulgent recipe.
Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the arborio rice, ensuring that the grains are well-coated with oil and slightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
Gradually add the chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition to be absorbed before adding the next. Continue this process until the rice is creamy and cooked al dente, which should take about 18-20 minutes.
When the rice is nearly done, stir in the cooked chicken, low-fat cream cheese, and peas. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the peas are tender.
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately while creamy and hot.
Calories |
2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 84.8 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.3 g | 166% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 451 mg | 150% | |
| Sodium | 6978 mg | 303% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 132.9 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.9 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.3 g | ||
| Protein | 174.4 g | 349% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1111 mg | 85% | |
| Iron | 8.3 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 2904 mg | 62% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.