Fontina Risotto with Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion
finely chopped
- 2 1/2 cups arborio rice
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup dry white wine
- Kosher salt
- 1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup coarsely grated fontina cheese
plus more for garnish
- 8 ounces deli-smoked chicken breast
diced, about 1 1/4 cups
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- 1
Bring the broth and 4 cups water to a simmer in a saucepan; keep warm.
- 2
Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion; cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the rice and thyme; cook, stirring, until the rice is glossy, about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook, stirring, until the liquid is absorbed. Add 1 teaspoon Kosher salt. Ladle in the hot broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly, allowing all of the liquid to be absorbed before adding more. Continue until the rice is just tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
- 3
Remove the thyme. Stir in the parmigiano, the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir in the fontina and chicken. Reserve about 2 cups risotto for Risotto Cakes. Divide the rest among bowls; top with parsley and more fontina.
Fontina Risotto with Chicken
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 28 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, creamy dinner that feels gourmet but comes together easily? This Fontina Risotto with Chicken delivers rich flavors perfect for any weeknight or special occasion, offering a taste of Italian comfort without the fuss.
The magic of this risotto lies in the combination of two luxurious cheeses: nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano and incredibly meltable Fontina, which together create an irresistible, velvety texture. Coupled with savory deli-smoked chicken and the aromatic lift of fresh thyme, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that builds deep flavor efficiently.
What to Expect You can expect a wonderfully creamy, luxurious risotto with each spoonful. The arborio rice cooks to a perfect al dente, surrounded by a rich, cheesy sauce infused with the subtle herbaceous notes of fresh thyme. The diced smoked chicken adds a savory, satisfying bite that complements the rich dairy, making for a truly indulgent experience that’s surprisingly straightforward to achieve.
Customization & Variations While this recipe calls for convenient deli-smoked chicken, you could experiment with other pre-cooked proteins if you prefer, like smoked turkey. For a slightly different herbal note, consider adding a pinch of dried sage or rosemary along with the fresh thyme. If you don't have dry white wine on hand, a splash of additional low-sodium chicken broth can be used, though it will subtly alter the final flavor profile.
Serving & Context This rich Fontina Risotto with Chicken makes a fantastic stand-alone meal, perfect for a cozy evening at home or an impressive yet approachable dinner party. Serve it warm, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Fontina and fresh parsley, perhaps alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness.