Chicken, Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto

May 20, 2016 14 Comments

Broccoli smothered in cheddar was one of the few ways I truly enjoyed eating my veggies as a picky, annoying child. It’s a combination that has always stayed with me because broccoli cheddar soup is my favorite soup in the world. This time, I was inspired to put my beloved Italian spin on it and add some protein with this incredible chicken, broccoli and cheddar risotto!

I prepared the broccoli first because I wanted to roast it. To me that was the best way to get it perfectly tender and bring out its subtle flavor without letting it turn to mush. I made sure to cut it into conveniently bite sized little florets without much of the stem. I saved the stems to put into soup and stock!
I prepared the broccoli first because I wanted to roast it. To me that was the best way to get it perfectly tender and bring out its subtle flavor without letting it turn to mush. I made sure to cut it into conveniently bite sized little florets without much of the stem. I saved the stems to put into soup and stock!
Once the broccoli was working I got started on the chicken. I diced it small so that it would cook faster. It all just cooked in olive oil with salt and pepper. The best part was that it flavored the pan to cook the rest of the chicken, broccoli and cheddar risotto!
Once the broccoli was working I got started on the chicken. I diced it small so that it would cook faster. It all just cooked in olive oil with salt and pepper. The best part was that it flavored the pan to cook the rest of the chicken, broccoli and cheddar risotto!
I removed the cooked chicken and then it was time for patience. I melted butter in the pan and lightly toasted my arborio rice so that It would keep a little bit of texture. Then it was time to take my childhood favorite into adulthood with some beer! I normally use wine in risotto but cheddar inspired me to go the beer route. It was going to add such a depth of flavor to the chicken, broccoli and cheddar risotto.
I removed the cooked chicken and then it was time for patience. I melted butter in the pan and lightly toasted my arborio rice so that it would keep a bit of texture. Then it was time to take my childhood favorite into adulthood with some beer! I normally use wine in risotto but the cheddar inspired me to go the beer route. It was going to add such a depth of flavor to the chicken, broccoli and cheddar risotto.
After the rice cooked, I just added the cheddar in to melt and also got the chicken and broccoli in to warm back up. Once it was thoroughly stirred together it was time to eat!
After the rice cooked, I just added the cheddar in to melt and also got the chicken and broccoli in to warm back up. Once it was thoroughly stirred together it was time to eat!

Oh my goodness, this chicken, broccoli and cheddar risotto was creamy perfection. There was so much flavor and texture going on. The broccoli still had a slight crunch and the chicken gave it heft. Hubby went nuts for it! Hope you all enjoy this Italian, more adult take on classic broccoli and cheddar. xoxo

Chicken, Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto
Chicken, Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto
Chicken, Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto
Chicken, Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto

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4.2 from 5 votes
Chicken, Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto
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Chicken, Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr
 

This chicken, broccoli and cheddar risotto is so loaded with flavor and texture! It seems fancy but it so comforting and easy to make. 

Course: Main Course
Keyword: Chicken, Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto, Risotto
Servings: 4
Calories: 607 kcal
Author: Jeanie and Lulu's Kitchen
Ingredients
  • 1 head broccoli cut into bite sized florets
  • olive oil as needed for drizzling
  • salt as needed for seasoning
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders diced small
  • freshly cracked black pepper as needed for seasoning
  • 1/2 stick butter
  • 1 1/4 cups arborio rice
  • 3/4 cup beer
  • 1 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
  1. First, roast the broccoli. Pre-heat the oven to 350. Transfer the broccoli florets to a baking dish and give them a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Toss it all together to coat the broccoli, then get the dish into the oven for 15 minutes. While it cooks, start on the risotto. Heat a dash of olive oil in a large skillet with deep sides over medium high heat. Heat the chicken stock in a small pot on low heat just to warm it up on the burner either next to or behind the skillet.
  2. Get the diced chicken into the large skillet and let it get completely cooked through and slightly golden on the outside for about 5 minutes. Remove it to a plate with a slotted spoon. The broccoli should also be done at this point, so take it out and set it aside. Then melt the butter in the skillet and add the arborio rice. Let the rice gently toast and absorb the rice for a minute, then add the beer. Let the rice completely absorb the beer.
  3. Now the patience comes in. Ladle in about 3 scoops of the warm chicken broth and stir it in continuously with the rice until it is completely absorbed. Keep repeating this until the stock is all used up and the rice is tender. It's important to keep stirring the rice as it cooks. The whole process will take about 20 minutes. Once it is done, turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, chicken and broccoli. Let it all meld together and warm through. Season everything with an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper and give it a final stir. Scoop it into pretty bowls and serve immediately! Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Chicken, Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 607 Calories from Fat 212
% Daily Value*
Fat 23.6g36%
Saturated Fat 13.6g85%
Cholesterol 136mg45%
Sodium 1004mg44%
Potassium 387mg11%
Carbohydrates 52.9g18%
Fiber 2.8g12%
Sugar 1.5g2%
Protein 42.5g85%
Calcium 190mg19%
Iron 2.9mg16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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14 thoughts on “Chicken, Broccoli and Cheddar Risotto”

  4. I didn’t know you could roast broccoli to make it tender and flavorful. I know what my family is having for dinner tomorrow night!

  5. We love risotto in our house but I’ve never made one as flavorful as this. Can’t wait to try it and add chicken–a first for me!

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4.20 from 5 votes (4 ratings without comment)