If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and indulgence, Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto is the answer. Each spoonful delivers the perfect marriage of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and silky-smooth Arborio rice all brought together by a cloud of Parmesan. It’s that kind of meal you crave on a chilly night, or when you’re after a bit of old-fashioned comfort—hearty, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto is simpler than you might think, thanks to a handful of fresh, quality ingredients. Every component plays a role, from the way the rice soaks up flavors, to the savory boost from the broth—all working together to make your risotto as luscious as possible.

Chicken broth: Use good-quality broth and keep it warm; it infuses the rice with flavor and creates that desirable creamy consistency.
Olive oil: A splash of olive oil helps the butter cook without burning and adds a gentle aromatic base.
Unsalted butter: Provides richness and enhances the creaminess of the risotto.
Onion: Finely diced onion melts into the risotto, giving it a sweet, savory depth.
Garlic: Just two cloves add a gentle kick and aromatic warmth.
Arborio rice: This short-grain rice is key; it releases starch as it cooks, making your risotto decadently creamy.
Dry white wine: Adds brightness and a subtle layer of complexity (optional—extra broth works too).
Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or diced chicken ensures you get tender, satisfying bites throughout.
Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms bring earthy, umami-rich notes that marry beautifully with chicken.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts through the dish, lending a salty, nutty finish.
Fresh parsley: A pop of chopped parsley adds freshness and a splash of color.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—season to taste as you go.
Extra butter or Parmesan: For that final, luxurious touch right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Step 1: Warm the Chicken Broth

Start by gently heating your chicken broth in a saucepan over low heat. Keeping the broth warm is crucial—it helps the Arborio rice cook evenly and maintain that never-gritty, always-creamy texture you want in a perfect risotto.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, then cook, stirring often, until everything is soft and fragrant. This builds your flavor base and fills your kitchen with that unbeatable risotto aroma.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Add your sliced mushrooms to the pan with the onion and garlic. Sauté them until they’re golden brown and have released their juices. This stage infuses Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto with deep, savory mushroom flavor right from the start.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Stir in the Arborio rice, letting it toast in the hot pan for a minute or two. You want each grain to look a bit translucent around the edges—this helps them stay slightly firm while absorbing all that delicious broth.

Step 5: Deglaze with White Wine

If you’re using wine, pour it in now and stir until it’s almost completely absorbed. The wine lifts any caramelized bits from the pan, deepening the overall flavor. (If you’ve skipped the wine, just use a ladle of broth at this point.)

Step 6: Gradually Add Broth and Stir

Here’s where risotto magic happens! Add the warm broth one ladle at a time, stirring gently and often. Let each addition absorb before adding more. This process develops the risotto’s creamy consistency and keeps the grains perfectly al dente. It usually takes about 18–20 minutes in total.

Step 7: Finish with Chicken, Parmesan, and Parsley

Once the rice is tender and gloriously creamy, fold in your cooked chicken, grated Parmesan cheese, and a handful of fresh parsley. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Remove from the heat, and (if you like) add an extra pat of butter or a final sprinkle of Parmesan—for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley and a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese. A little drizzle of good olive oil or a grind of black pepper on top makes each plate look and taste like it came straight from a favorite trattoria.

Side Dishes

This risotto is the star of any meal, but you can make it even more special with a zippy arugula salad or some roasted vegetables on the side. Crusty bread is always welcome for mopping up every last creamy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your risotto into warmed bowls for classic comfort, or try plating it in rings for a more elegant, restaurant-style presentation. For a fun twist at a dinner party, serve smaller portions in ramekins or wine glasses as an appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got some leftover Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto? Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually get even deeper overnight!

Freezing

Risotto can be frozen, though its texture may change slightly. Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best result.

Reheating

To revive Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto, warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of additional broth or water. Stir often, and add more liquid as needed to bring back its signature creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving, as this may make it too thick or gluey.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto without wine?

Absolutely! Just substitute the wine with an extra ladle of chicken broth. You’ll still get a wonderfully rich and creamy risotto.

What’s the best rice for Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto?

Arborio rice is the classic and most reliable choice for this dish. Its short, starchy grains are perfect for creating that luscious, creamy texture risotto is famous for.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, this dish is a fantastic way to use up cooked chicken or even store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just add it at the end so it stays tender and juicy.

Is Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto gluten-free?

If you use a gluten-free certified chicken broth and double-check any other ingredients, yes! Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto is naturally gluten-free when made with safe broth.

What can I do if my risotto gets too thick?

No problem—just add a splash of warm chicken broth until the risotto loosens up. This also works great when reheating leftovers.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you enough how much joy a bowl of Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Risotto brings to the table. It’s one of those special recipes that elevates any night into something memorable, yet is simple enough for a cozy weeknight. Give this a try—your taste buds (and your dinner guests) are in for a real treat!