Name: Instant Pot Lemon Parsley Chicken & Risotto with Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 31 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided; ¼ c. unsalted butter, divided; 1 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste; ½ medium red onion, chopped; ½ t. garlic powder; 1 t. dried thyme; 1 c. Arborio rice; ¼ c. dry white wine; 1¾ c. chicken broth; 1½ c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 3 T. fresh parsley, chopped; 1 T. fresh lemon zest, preferably organic; 2 T. fresh lemon juice

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Discover a delectable fusion of zesty lemon, fresh parsley, and creamy risotto in this Instant Pot Lemon Parsley Chicken & Risotto with Parmesan recipe. Imagine succulent chicken infused with bright citrus flavors perfectly complemented by a rich, cheesy risotto—all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot – the perfect comfort food.

This instant pot lemon risotto promises convenience and a gourmet taste that will tantalize your taste buds and impress any dinner guest. Dive into this culinary adventure and elevate your weeknight dinners to extraordinary heights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe uses the Instant Pot to significantly reduce cooking time, allowing you to enjoy a easy weeknight dinner.
Flavorful Ingredients: Combining zesty lemon, fresh parsley, and creamy Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful and well-balanced dish that will delight your palate.
One-Pot Convenience: Everything is cooked in a single pot, making clean-up a breeze. This dish is not only delicious but also convenient.
Versatile and Customizable: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences—swap out the chicken for shrimp or add your favorite vegetables to make it uniquely yours.

What is the Best Rice for Risotto?

When it comes to making the perfect risotto, the type of rice you choose is crucial. Arborio rice stands out as the traditional and most popular choice. This short-grain rice is known for its high starch content, which is essential for achieving the creamy texture that characterizes a well-made risotto.

Arborio rice absorbs liquids well and releases starch as it cooks, creating that signature velvety consistency. While other types of rice like Carnaroli and Vialone Nano are also used and equally esteemed by chefs for their texture and flavor, Arborio remains the go-to option for many home cooks due to its widespread availability and reliable results.

Ingredients

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavor of your dish with its rich, fruity, and slightly peppery undertones. This will be used to sauté the chicken and onions.
Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the salt levels in your cooking. It adds a lovely creamy texture and rich flavor to the risotto.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Look for fresh or well-packaged boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These will be the protein base of your dish, absorbing the citrus and herb flavors beautifully.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: To properly season your dish, use fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, bringing out the ingredients’ natural flavors.
Red Onion: Select a firm red onion for its slightly sweet and mild flavor. It adds a wonderful color and depth to your dish.
Garlic Powder: Keep garlic powder in your pantry for convenience. It provides a subtle garlicky taste that complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them.
Dried Thyme: Dried thyme offers a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with chicken and risotto, adding aromatic complexity to the dish.
Arborio Rice: Arborio rice is essential for that creamy risotto texture. Its high starch content is key to achieving the perfect consistency.
Dry White Wine: Choose a dry white wine you enjoy drinking. It adds acidity and depth of flavor to the risotto.
Chicken Broth: Use a good quality low-sodium chicken broth (chicken stock) to provide a rich base for the risotto, enhancing every bite with savory goodness.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan cheese to add a sharp, nutty flavor and a creamy finish to your risotto.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a vivid green pop of color and a burst of herbaceous flavor that brightens the dish.
Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice: Use fresh lemons to zest and juice. The zest offers an intense lemon flavor, while the fresh lemon juice provides a refreshing tang that ties all the flavors together.

Substitutions and Additions

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil, you can use any neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or even light olive oil.
Unsalted Butter: If unsalted butter is unavailable, you can use salted butter—just be mindful of reducing the added salt in the recipe to balance the seasoning.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: For a juicier texture, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even use shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.
Red Onion: Yellow onion or shallots can be used in place of red onion if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile.
Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for a more robust garlic flavor.
Dried Thyme: If you don’t have dried thyme, dried oregano or rosemary can be good alternatives to maintain an earthy herbaceous note.
Dry White Wine: If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the dry white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be used as an alternative to Parmesan cheese for a different yet delightful twist.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh cilantro or basil can be used in place of parsley for a unique flavor variation.
Fresh Lemon Zest and Juice: Lime zest and juice can provide a similar bright and tangy flavor if lemons are unavailable.

Additions:

Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables such as peas, spinach, or asparagus to enhance the nutritional value and add extra layers of flavor and texture.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can be a great addition to provide an earthy depth to the risotto.
Capers: Adding capers can introduce a briny, tangy flavor that beautifully complements the lemon and chicken.
Chili Flakes: A pinch of chili flakes can elevate the dish with some heat for a spicy kick.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes can bring a concentrated sweetness and chewy texture that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.

Instructions

Begin by selecting the “Sauté” function and setting it to high. Add one tablespoon of olive oil to the unit. Add the chicken once the oil is hot, ensuring it’s generously seasoned with salt and black pepper. Sauté the chicken, stirring frequently, until it is browned on all sides, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add the remaining olive oil and two tablespoons of butter in the same unit. Incorporate the chopped onion, then sprinkle with garlic powder and dried thyme. Season to taste with salt and black pepper, and stir to combine thoroughly.
Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the onion becomes soft and develops a golden color, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the Arborio rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes by continuously stirring in the hot butter and oil. Pour in the white wine and deglaze the pot, gently scraping the bottom with a spatula to lift any browned bits.
Once the liquid has been reduced by half, turn off the unit by pressing the “Cancel” button. Return the chicken and any juices from the plate to the container, then pour the chicken broth over the top.
Secure the lid firmly in place and ensure the pressure release valve is set to “Sealing.” Next, press the “Manual” button and select the high setting. Adjust the cook time to 6 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, perform an immediate quick release of the pressure. When the pin has dropped and no more steam escapes, carefully lift the lid. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. If desired, season with extra salt and black pepper, and mix well to combine into a creamy consistency.
Cover the risotto and let it sit for 4-5 minutes to absorb any excess liquid. Once ready, remove the lid and stir risotto before transferring it to individual serving bowls. Serve immediately, accompanied by extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side.

Recipe Tips

Preheat Your Ingredients: Allow the chicken and other ingredients to come to room temperature before starting the recipe. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the dish from becoming watery.
Consistent Stirring: Make sure to stir the risotto regularly, both during the initial sauté and after the pressure cooking. This encourages the release of starches from the Arborio rice, giving the risotto its signature creamy texture.
Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality Parmesan cheese and a good dry white wine to enhance the dish’s overall flavor. These ingredients make a significant difference.
Taste As You Go: Adjust the seasoning as you go along, especially when adding the chicken broth and again after mixing in the cheese and lemon juice. This ensures the flavors are balanced.
Proper Deglazing: When deglazing the pot with white wine, scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. These bits add incredible depth and flavor to the risotto.
Resting Time: Covering the risotto for a few minutes after cooking helps it thicken and absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in the perfect consistency.
Garnishing: A final sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese right before serving can elevate the presentation and add burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing your chicken risotto with complementary sides can elevate your dining experience and balance the meal. Here are some excellent serving suggestions:

Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy risotto. The crisp vegetables and tangy dressing help cleanse the palate between bites.
Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or bell peppers add a flavorful and colorful touch to the meal. Their slight caramelization and tender texture work wonderfully alongside the risotto.
Garlic Bread: Fresh garlic bread or a rustic baguette can be a great addition, offering a crunchy texture and the perfect vehicle for soaking up any leftover sauce from the risotto.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus seasoned with lemon and a sprinkle of salt offers a delightful and nutritious complement to the creamy risotto.
Caprese Salad: The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil, provides a vibrant, contrasting taste that pairs beautifully with the dish.
Sparkling Water or White Wine: To drink, a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon or chilled dry white wine can enhance the meal, cleansing the palate and accentuating the flavors of the risotto.

Storage & Reheating

To store chicken risotto, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the risotto in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 3-4 days. Properly stored, the risotto maintains its texture and flavor relatively well.

Chicken risotto can be frozen for longer storage. Place the cooled risotto in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the contents and date before placing it in the freezer. Frozen risotto can be kept for up to 2 months.

Reheating chicken risotto can be done effectively with a few simple steps to preserve its creamy texture. For the best results, reheat the risotto in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to help loosen the risotto and prevent it from becoming too thick. Stir continuously until the risotto is heated through.

Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave. Place the risotto in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power in increments of 1 minute, stirring in between, until fully warmed.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, while Parmesan cheese is traditional for risotto, you can experiment with other cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago, for a different flavor profile. Just be aware that some cheeses can be saltier or have different melting properties, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.

What if I don’t have Arborio rice?

Arborio rice is preferred for its high starch content, which gives the risotto its creamy texture. However, if you don’t have Arborio rice, you can use other short-grain rice varieties like Carnaroli or Vialone Nano. Avoid using long-grain rice, as it will not yield the same results.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add a variety of vegetables, such as mushrooms, peas, or spinach, to maintain a hearty texture and rich flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this risotto. Substitute the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. Ensure that the chosen dairy-free alternative complements the flavors of the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed.

How do I prevent my risotto from getting too thick when reheating?

When reheating risotto, it can often become too thick. To prevent this, add a splash of chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water to loosen the texture. Stir continuously over medium-low heat until the risotto reaches your desired consistency. If using a microwave, add the liquid before reheating and stir halfway through.