Description
This One Pot Creamy Parmesan Garlic Risotto with Lemon Pepper Chicken is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any day of the week. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with zesty lemon pepper and cooked to perfection, then served alongside a rich, creamy risotto made with garlic, onion, Arborio rice, white wine, chicken broth, milk, and Parmesan cheese. The addition of fresh thyme leaves adds a delicate herbal note to this easy-to-make, all-in-one dish that will satisfy your craving for a hearty dinner without the fuss.
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 rice
- 1/2 cup white wine (any; can substitute with stock or water)
- 4 cups chicken broth (stock)
- 1 cup milk (preferably low fat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C/350F (fan forced) or 200C/390F (conventional). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and attains a crispy, golden skin.
- Prepare and Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs generously with lemon pepper seasoning on all sides. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin side down and sear for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes.
- Roast Chicken: Transfer the skillet with chicken to the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, leaving the fat and juices in the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet with chicken drippings, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and finely diced onion. Sauté over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Toast Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice evenly and coat it with the butter and aromatics.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the white wine (or substitute) and stir continuously until mostly absorbed. Then gradually add chicken broth one cup at a time, stirring frequently, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more. This process should take about 18-20 minutes, and the rice should be creamy but still slightly firm to the bite.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Stir in 1 cup of milk along with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to make the risotto extra creamy.
- Finish Risotto: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add additional 1/2 to 1 cup of warmed milk as needed to achieve your preferred creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine and Garnish: Place the roasted lemon pepper chicken thighs on top of the risotto. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or your choice of chopped herbs such as parsley, chives, or oregano for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve: Serve warm as a delicious, hearty main dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs helps keep the meat tender and flavorful during roasting.
- If white wine is unavailable or undesired, you can substitute with additional chicken broth or water.
- Stirring frequently while cooking the risotto is crucial to release the starch and create a creamy texture.
- Warming the milk before adding to the risotto helps maintain the cooking temperature and prevents curdling.
- Fresh herbs can be varied based on personal preference or availability to enhance the flavor profile.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon pepper seasoning based on your taste preferences.
