Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Parmesan & Spinach Risotto: Your New Favorite Comfort Food Dinner
For a truly exceptional and deeply satisfying dinner dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare, you absolutely must try my Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Risotto. This recipe features a luxurious, rice-based delight: a creamy Parmesan and spinach risotto. It’s elegantly topped with perfectly seasoned chicken thighs, then baked in the oven until the chicken is beautifully golden and tender. Risotto holds a special place in my heart as the ultimate comfort food, and the harmonious blend of flavors in this particular risotto ensures everyone at your table will ask for seconds. It’s a heartwarming meal that brings both flavor and ease to your dinner routine, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.
Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Risotto: A Culinary Masterpiece Made Easy
In our increasingly busy lives, discovering dinner solutions that are both effortlessly easy and incredibly delicious is a true game-changer. That’s precisely why I have a soft spot for simple chicken dishes that can be prepared with minimal fuss and then baked directly in the oven, effectively freeing up your hands and valuable time. This recipe for Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Risotto perfectly encapsulates this ideal, delivering a hearty, deeply satisfying, and complete meal all in one bowl. It’s the kind of comfort food that wraps you in warmth from the inside out, making it an impeccable choice for a cozy family dinner or a delightful weeknight treat that feels far more elaborate than it is.
If you’ve previously enjoyed other flavorful chicken creations from my kitchen, such as my aromatic Moroccan Chicken Thighs, the surprisingly simple yet elegant Easy Baked Chicken Thighs with Cranberry, or the incredibly convenient and wholesome One Pot Mediterranean Chicken and Rice, then you are undoubtedly in for a real treat with today’s recipe. This particular dish masterfully marries the rich, savory notes of perfectly cooked, succulent chicken with the creamy, indulgent texture of a classic Italian risotto, ensuring it will become an instant and much-requested family favorite.
To begin this culinary journey, I start by crafting a delectable Parmesan risotto from scratch. To infuse it with a healthy boost of nutrients and a vibrant splash of color, I gently stir in fresh spinach until it’s just barely wilted, preserving its delicate texture and maximizing its freshness. The true star of this one-pan wonder, the perfectly seasoned chicken thighs, are then carefully nestled on top of the almost-cooked risotto. This ingenious cooking method allows the chicken to roast to a beautiful golden perfection directly over the simmering rice, effectively infusing the risotto with even more succulent chicken flavor as it finishes baking. The result is a wonderfully cohesive dish where every component harmoniously enhances the other, creating a symphony of tastes and textures in every spoonful.
I’ve deliberately opted to create this Easy Spinach Risotto without wine, offering a fantastic and equally delicious alternative for those who prefer to omit alcohol from their cooking, or simply don’t have wine on hand. Instead, the bright, invigorating, and wonderfully zesty juice of a fresh lemon is added, playing a crucial and irreplaceable role in the overall balance of the dish. Acidity is an incredibly important element in any creamy risotto; it expertly cuts through the inherent richness of the cheese and butter, balancing the flavors beautifully and preventing the dish from feeling overly heavy or cloying. This thoughtful addition elevates the entire dining experience, creating a well-rounded and delightful taste that leaves a lasting impression.
This healthy and satisfying Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Risotto recipe is designed to be a complete and filling meal entirely on its own, making it wonderfully convenient for any night of the week. However, if you’re looking to complement its rich flavors and creamy texture, I recommend keeping any accompanying side dishes light and refreshing. Crisp, vibrant salads are always an excellent choice, offering a delightful contrast. Consider serving it with my bright and peppery Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, which adds a fantastic zing, or the refreshing and easy-to-prepare Easy Lebanese Salad, known for its fresh herbs and crisp vegetables.
Alternatively, for those who appreciate pairing their hearty meals with a warm, wholesome vegetable side, there are several superb options. You could try these tender and flavorful Lebanese Green Beans (Lubee), which offer a delightful texture and earthy notes. Another fantastic choice would be a colorful medley of Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables, bringing a burst of diverse flavors, vibrant colors, and essential nutrients to your plate. Whichever accompaniment you choose, these simple additions are guaranteed to enhance your dining experience without ever overpowering the star of this delectable meal.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Baked Chicken Thighs and Risotto
Crafting this delightful Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Risotto requires a thoughtful selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role not only in building the dish’s rich and complex flavor profile but also in achieving that signature creamy texture that makes risotto so irresistible. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with some insights into why each ingredient is important:
- CHICKEN: For this particular dish, I strongly prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Dark meat, like that found in chicken thighs, is inherently more flavorful and contains more fat, which helps it remain incredibly moist and tender throughout the entire baking process, preventing any undesirable dryness. If your preference leans towards chicken breast, you can certainly use it, but I highly recommend cutting it into smaller, more uniform pieces. This adjustment ensures that the breast cooks through evenly and quickly alongside the risotto, preventing overcooking.
- ONION: As a foundational ingredient for countless great dishes, onions provide a subtle sweetness and an essential aromatic depth that truly builds the base flavor of the risotto. I typically opt for a white or yellow onion to impart that classic, robust onion flavor. However, if you’re seeking a slightly milder profile, a red onion makes a wonderful substitute, adding a hint of color. For a more refined and delicate taste, finely chopped shallots can also be used, offering a nuanced onion flavor.
- GARLIC: Freshly minced garlic is an indispensable aromatic that contributes a pungent, savory depth to the risotto, complementing the sweetness of the onions.
- RICE: The choice of rice is arguably the single most critical factor for an authentic, creamy risotto. It is absolutely essential to use a specific risotto rice variety, such as Arborio rice. Arborio is renowned for its high starch content, particularly amylopectin, which is gradually released during the slow cooking and stirring process. This starch is what creates the characteristic creamy, velvety texture of a true risotto. Avoid using long-grain, basmati, or instant rice, as they lack the necessary starch and will not yield the desired rich, creamy result. Arborio rice is fortunately widely available in most well-stocked grocery stores.
- BROTH: The liquid base for our risotto, broth, is crucial not only for cooking the rice but also for imparting deep flavor and achieving the correct consistency. I primarily use chicken broth, which naturally complements the chicken thighs and enhances the overall savory profile. However, for a vegetarian version of this dish, or if you simply prefer, a good quality vegetable broth would work perfectly as a substitute, maintaining the depth of flavor without a meat base. Ensure your broth is warmed before adding it to the rice, as cold broth can shock the rice and interrupt the starch release.
- SPINACH: To add both valuable nutritional content and a beautiful verdant color to the dish, I incorporate 3 cups of fresh spinach into the finished risotto. It’s stirred in gently at the very end until it’s just wilted, which preserves its delicate texture and maximizes its nutrient retention. For those looking for variety, fresh spinach can easily be substituted with other healthy leafy greens such as finely chopped kale (which might require a slightly longer wilting time), peppery arugula, or earthy Swiss chard.
- BUTTER: Butter is an absolute must-have for achieving that luxurious, silky, and rich finish in risotto, a crucial step known in Italian cooking as “mantecatura.” I typically reach for unsalted butter, as it gives me complete control over the total amount of salt in the recipe, allowing me to season to my exact taste preferences. However, if salted butter is what you happen to have readily available in your refrigerator, it will work perfectly fine – just be a bit more mindful when adding any additional salt to the dish.
- CHEESE: No authentic, creamy risotto would be truly complete without the delightful and essential addition of cheese! Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is folded into the risotto at the very end of the cooking process. As it melts, it not only contributes to the incredible creaminess but also adds a signature sharp, salty, and wonderfully umami flavor that perfectly complements all the other ingredients in the dish. Always make sure to opt for freshly grated Parmesan for the absolute best flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture; pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the risotto’s consistency.
- LEMON: The bright, fresh juice of one lemon is a vital component in this particular recipe. Its vibrant acidity acts as a crucial counterpoint to the rich and creamy elements of the risotto, expertly cutting through the richness and preventing the dish from tasting overly heavy or one-dimensional. This burst of citrus provides a refreshing lift and a well-balanced flavor profile. While traditional risotto often utilizes dry white wine for this very purpose, I specifically wanted to create this spinach & Parmesan risotto without wine. If, however, you prefer the classic approach, you can certainly replace the lemon juice with an equal amount of dry white wine to achieve a similar acidic balance and depth of flavor.
- SEASONINGS FOR THE CHICKEN: To ensure the chicken thighs are bursting with savory flavor and develop a beautiful crust, I prepare my own simple yet incredibly potent seasoning blend. In a small bowl, I combine salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika (which lends a lovely color and a mild, sweet peppery note), earthy dried thyme (for its classic herbaceous aroma), and pungent garlic powder. This carefully balanced blend creates a versatile and delicious crust on the chicken as it bakes. Furthermore, this blend is highly customizable: don’t hesitate to adapt it to your personal preferences. For instance, if you’re not a fan of thyme, dried oregano makes an excellent aromatic swap, or you could even add a pinch of cumin or coriander for a touch of warm, global spice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Risotto
Creating this flavorful and comforting meal is a straightforward process when you follow these easy steps. The combination of pan-seared chicken and a creamy stovetop-started, oven-finished risotto ensures a perfect result every time, making it accessible even for those new to risotto making.
TO START. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures it’s ready for the final baking stage. While the oven heats, prepare your chicken thighs. Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into a spacious mixing bowl, drizzle with ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and then generously sprinkle with your meticulously prepared seasoning blend (salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder). Mix everything thoroughly, using your hands if necessary, to ensure each piece of chicken is completely and evenly coated in the aromatic spices. This vital step is crucial for infusing maximum flavor into the chicken before it even touches the hot pan, guaranteeing juicy and delicious results.
SEAR THE CHICKEN. Next, retrieve a large, oven-safe skillet – ideally a cast iron skillet, which is excellent for retaining and distributing heat evenly – and place it over a medium-high heat on your stovetop. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the hot skillet. Once the oil shimmers, carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs, being mindful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing. Sear the chicken for approximately 3 minutes on each side. This crucial searing step creates a beautiful, appetizing golden-brown crust and effectively locks in the juices, significantly enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the chicken. After searing, promptly remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a clean plate. Very carefully discard any excess oil from the skillet and wipe it clean with a paper towel. This step is important as it prevents any burnt bits or excess fat from affecting the delicate taste or appealing color of your risotto.
SAUTE THE VEGETABLES. Return the thoroughly cleaned skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is warm and shimmering, add the minced garlic and diced onions to the skillet. Sauté them gently, stirring occasionally, until the onions become tender and translucent (typically about 3-5 minutes), and the garlic is wonderfully fragrant (be very careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly). This aromatic base, often referred to as a “soffritto,” is absolutely essential for building the deep, complex flavor of your risotto.
ADD THE RICE & BROTH. Now, add the Arborio rice to the pan with the softened vegetables. Stir the rice continuously for about 1-2 minutes, allowing it to “toast” lightly until the edges of the grains become slightly translucent. This initial toasting process, known as “tostatura,” is a crucial step that helps the rice absorb liquid more evenly and prevents it from becoming mushy later. Next, begin adding the warm chicken broth, one cup at a time, to the skillet. It is absolutely crucial to allow each cup of chicken broth to be almost entirely absorbed into the rice before you add the next cup. Maintain a gentle simmer throughout this process, and most importantly, don’t walk away from the stove! Stir the risotto often and consistently. This constant stirring helps to gently abrade the Arborio rice grains, causing them to release their natural starches, which is precisely what creates that signature creamy, luxurious texture of a perfect risotto. Continue this diligent process until most of the broth is absorbed and the rice is just about al dente (still has a slight bite to it). Once achieved, remove the skillet from the heat.
BAKE THE RISOTTO. Now for the exquisite final touches before this magnificent dish goes into the oven. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and gently fold it into the warm, creamy rice until it just wilts, adding a vibrant pop of color and an extra layer of freshness and nutrients. Next, meticulously incorporate the unsalted butter, the bright and zesty juice of 1 lemon, and the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir everything thoroughly and vigorously to combine, allowing the butter and cheese to melt beautifully into the risotto, further enriching its texture and intensifying its flavor. This crucial step is the final “mantecatura” that creates the irresistible, signature creaminess of authentic risotto. Finally, artfully arrange the perfectly seared chicken thighs on top of the creamy risotto mixture in the skillet. Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven and bake at 325°F (160°C) for precisely 30 minutes. During this time, the chicken will finish cooking to a beautiful golden hue and become incredibly tender, while the risotto will absorb any remaining broth, achieving its perfect tenderness and ultimate creaminess. To serve this delightful meal, a final generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese is a wonderful garnish, adding another layer of savory goodness and visual appeal. Enjoy this heartwarming and flavorful creation!
Creative Flavor Variations for Your Chicken Risotto
The inherent beauty of this simple Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Risotto recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its remarkable adaptability. While the classic combination of Parmesan, spinach, and seasoned chicken is undeniably exquisite, it also serves as an excellent culinary canvas for your own creative touches and flavor experiments. Don’t be shy about experimenting with different ingredients to perfectly suit your taste preferences or to utilize what you conveniently have available in your pantry and refrigerator. Here are some inspiring suggestions to customize and elevate your dish:
- Veggies: Beyond the fresh spinach, this creamy risotto eagerly welcomes a diverse array of other vegetables. Consider swapping the spinach leaves for heartier, nutrient-dense options like thinly sliced kale or earthy Swiss chard; both will add a pleasant, subtle bitterness and a different, satisfying texture, and they wilt down beautifully into the rice. For a delightful hint of green crunch and a mild, broccoli-like flavor, delicate broccolini florets can be added towards the end of the risotto cooking time. If you’re looking to infuse the dish with a rich, umami depth, sautéed mushrooms, particularly cremini (baby bellas) or shiitake, would be an outstanding addition. And for a truly classic, slightly sweet, and utterly comforting touch, a cup of vibrant green peas stirred in at the very end is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs possess the power to significantly brighten and enhance the overall flavors of any dish. Along with, or in place of, the spinach, consider stirring through a generous handful of freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley for a clean, vibrant, and herbaceous note, or fragrant basil for an unmistakable Mediterranean twist. For those who appreciate more robust, rustic, and earthy flavors that pair wonderfully with chicken, fresh rosemary or sage, finely chopped, would also be magnificent choices.
- Go Vegetarian: This remarkably versatile dish can effortlessly be transformed into a fantastic and satisfying meat-free meal. Simply swap the chicken thighs for some robust, evenly cut cubes of sweet, autumnal butternut squash or even sweet potato. Coat the squash in the exact same spice blend used for the chicken, then artfully arrange it on top of the rice to roast in the oven. The roasting process will beautifully bring out its natural sweetness and create tender, slightly caramelized edges, adding incredible depth to the dish. Just remember a crucial swap to keep the entire meal vegetarian: replace the chicken broth with a high-quality, flavorful vegetable broth. This modification makes for a delightful and incredibly satisfying plant-based alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or comfort.
Do I Need Any Special Equipment to Make Risotto?
One of the true beauties of making risotto, especially this streamlined Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Risotto, is that it doesn’t demand an arsenal of fancy or highly specialized kitchen gadgets. In fact, you likely already possess everything you need tucked away in your kitchen drawers or cabinets.
The single most important piece of equipment you’ll need is a spacious, large skillet. However, it is absolutely crucial to ensure that this skillet is oven-proof, as you’ll be seamlessly transferring it directly from the stovetop where you start the risotto to the oven to finish cooking with the chicken. I personally find that a good quality cast iron skillet is an exceptional choice. Cast iron skillets excel at both retaining and distributing heat incredibly evenly, which is perfect for achieving that beautiful sear on the chicken and for the consistent cooking required for risotto. Furthermore, when properly seasoned, their natural non-stick properties can make both cooking and clean-up a relative breeze. Beyond the skillet, a sturdy spatula or a reliable wooden spoon will be your constant companion and best friend for the consistent and dedicated stirring required during the initial stages of risotto preparation. That’s truly it! Simple, everyday tools are all you need to create this spectacular and comforting meal.
Why Constant Stirring is Key to a Perfectly Creamy Risotto
For first-time risotto makers, the instruction to “stir often” might initially seem like a tedious and time-consuming chore, but it is, without a doubt, the most critical step in achieving that coveted, velvety creamy texture that unequivocally defines a perfect and authentic risotto. I cannot stress enough the importance of staying diligently close to the stove and not leaving your risotto unattended during the crucial broth-adding stage. But why is this constant attention and stirring so profoundly important?
Firstly, and perhaps most practically, continuous stirring actively prevents the rice grains from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and burning, which can swiftly ruin your entire dish and impart an undesirable flavor. More significantly, this gentle but persistent agitation performs true magic on the Arborio rice. As the rice grains gently rub against each other during the stirring process, they steadily release their natural starches. These starches, primarily a type called amylopectin, then dissolve into the warm cooking liquid, creating a rich, luxurious, and wonderfully thick sauce that lovingly coats each individual grain of rice. This incredible process is foundational to risotto’s signature texture and is also what contributes to the “mantecatura” – the final luscious creaminess achieved when butter and cheese are incorporated at the very end. Without sufficient and consistent stirring, these essential starches simply won’t be adequately released, inevitably resulting in a risotto that is less creamy, potentially more watery, or even disappointingly gummy. So, embrace the stirring – it’s not just a task, it’s the ancient culinary secret to unlocking the truly luxurious, silky, and utterly authentic creamy texture of Italian risotto.
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Risotto
Achieving a restaurant-quality meal at home is often much easier than you might think, especially when you have a few clever pointers and insights. Here are my top hints and tips to ensure your Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Risotto turns out absolutely perfectly and deliciously every single time:
- Don’t Overcook the Risotto on the Stove: It’s perfectly fine, and in fact, often advisable, if the rice hasn’t completely soaked up that very last cup of broth before you remove it from the heat and transfer it to the oven! The gentle, consistent heat from the preheated oven, combined with the residual heat in the skillet, will allow the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid and continue cooking ever so slightly. This method helps achieve a perfectly al dente texture – that delightful slight bite in the center of each grain – without any risk of the risotto becoming mushy or overcooked on the stovetop.
- Clean Skillet for Better Flavor and Color: After searing the chicken, you’ll undoubtedly notice some flavorful browned bits (known as “fond”) at the bottom of the skillet, and possibly some excess rendered fat or oil. While fond is generally delicious, too much burnt residue or overly dark bits can impart an undesirable, slightly bitter flavor or an unappealing brownish tint to your delicate risotto. To prevent this, it’s best practice to carefully discard any excess oil and then wipe the skillet thoroughly clean with a paper towel after removing the chicken. This simple step ensures your risotto maintains its beautiful, bright color and pure, unadulterated flavors.
- Repurpose Leftover Risotto into Arancini: If you’re fortunate enough to have any leftover risotto from this incredible meal, absolutely do not let it go to waste! Cooled, firm risotto is the ideal base for making arancini – those utterly delicious and iconic Italian fried rice balls. Simply shape the leftover risotto into small, compact balls, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can optionally stuff each one with a small cube of melting mozzarella cheese. Then, coat them generously in seasoned breadcrumbs and fry until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy. They make for a fantastic quick lunch, an impressive appetizer, or even an entirely new and exciting dinner experience.
- Proper Storage: Should you find yourself with any of this delightful dish remaining, ensuring proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness and flavor. Store the Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep wonderfully for up to 3 days. This prevents it from drying out and also keeps any unwanted odors from permeating other foods in your fridge.
- Effective Reheating: When it’s time to enjoy your delicious leftovers, this dish reheats beautifully. You can gently warm individual portions in the microwave, or for a more even and consistent reheat that retains its creamy texture, opt for the stove top over low heat. Risotto can sometimes thicken and dry out slightly upon cooling, so if your leftover risotto appears a little dry or stiff, there’s a simple fix! Just add a splash of chicken broth (or even a little water) during reheating to loosen it up and restore its luscious, creamy consistency. Stir it in gradually, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired texture and warmth.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore
If you’re a devoted fan of versatile and incredibly flavorful chicken dishes, then you’re in for a treat! You’ll absolutely love exploring these other fantastic recipes from my kitchen. They offer a wonderful range of global flavors, diverse cooking methods, and varying levels of complexity, perfect for expanding your culinary repertoire and keeping your meal plans exciting:
- CHICKEN ENCHILADA SLIDERS: A fun, irresistibly cheesy, and universally crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delightful light meal, perfect for any gathering or game day.
- YOGURT MARINATED CHICKEN: Experience chicken that is unbelievably tender, exceptionally juicy, and boasts a subtle tang, all thanks to a remarkably simple yet effective yogurt marinade.
- GRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH GREEK MARINADE: These thighs are a summer grilling essential, infused with the vibrant and classic Greek herbs and flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean.
- MOROCCAN CHICKEN THIGHS: Embark on an exotic culinary journey with these aromatic, tender, and richly spice-infused chicken thighs.
- GREEK CHICKEN WITH TZATZIKI: A fresh, light, and vibrant dish, featuring wonderfully flavorful Greek-marinated chicken perfectly complemented by a cool, creamy, and refreshing tzatziki sauce.
- SUN-DRIED TOMATO GOAT CHEESE CHICKEN: Elevate your ordinary chicken breasts into a gourmet delight with an exquisite, flavorful stuffing of tangy goat cheese and intensely savory sun-dried tomatoes.
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Oven Baked Chicken Thighs with Risotto
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Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup diced yellow or white onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 6 cups chicken broth, (warm, or vegetable broth)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a bowl, toss the boneless, skinless chicken thighs with ½ tablespoon of olive oil and all of the chicken seasonings (salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and garlic powder). Ensure the chicken is thoroughly and evenly coated.
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Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
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Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs in the hot skillet and sear for 3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
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Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Discard any excess oil and wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel to remove any burnt bits.
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Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the cleaned skillet and return it to medium-high heat.
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Add the minced garlic and diced onions to the skillet and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
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Add the Arborio rice to the pan and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the edges of the rice grains become translucent (tostatura).
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Begin adding the warm chicken broth to the skillet, one cup at a time. Stir frequently, allowing each cup of broth to be almost entirely absorbed by the rice before adding the next cup. Continue this process until most of the broth is absorbed and the rice is just al dente.
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Once the rice has almost soaked up all the broth, remove the skillet from the heat.
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Stir the fresh spinach into the risotto until it just wilts.
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Add the unsalted butter, the juice of 1 lemon, and the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir vigorously to combine, ensuring the butter and cheese melt into the rice for maximum creaminess (mantecatura).
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Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the creamy risotto mixture in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden, and the risotto is perfectly tender.
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Remove from the oven, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your comforting and flavorful meal!
Notes
- It’s absolutely fine if the risotto hasn’t completely soaked up the last cup of broth before you transfer it to the oven! It will continue to absorb the liquid and finish cooking to perfection during the baking process.
- To maintain the pure flavor and color of your risotto, it’s best practice to wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel after searing the chicken and before you start cooking the vegetables and rice. This removes any dark, burnt bits and excess oil.
- Store any leftover risotto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This dish can be reheated in the microwave, or on the stove top. If the risotto looks a little dry, simply add a splash of chicken broth (or water) to loosen it up and restore its creamy texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.