Oven-Baked Chicken & Mushroom Risotto

Elevate your weeknight dinner with a delectable and comforting dish that marries succulent oven-baked chicken with the earthy goodness of mushrooms. This Oven-Baked Chicken & Mushroom Risotto offers a hassle-free approach to achieving creamy, flavorful risotto perfection. With a medley of Swiss Brown Mushrooms, tender chicken, and the rich umami of parmesan, this dish is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that’s sure to satisfy your culinary cravings.

PREP 15 MINS

COOK 45 MINS

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 500g chicken thigh fillets, cut into 3cm pieces
• 1 brown onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 250g Swiss Brown Mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups arborio rice
• 4 cups (1L) chicken stock
• 50g baby spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• Lemon wedges, to serve

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) fan-forced.
2. In a large ovenproof pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thigh pieces in two batches, ensuring they are nicely seared. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set it aside.
3. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in the same pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and chopped garlic. Cook while stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Introduce the sliced Swiss Brown Mushrooms and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the arborio rice, ensuring each grain is coated and glossy. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes to toast the rice slightly.
5. Pour in the chicken stock and return the browned chicken to the pan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Cover the pan and transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the risotto to bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is just tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Once out of the oven, toss the baby spinach leaves into the risotto. The residual heat will wilt the spinach beautifully. Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the risotto and gently mix to create a creamy and cheesy texture.
8. Serve the Oven-Baked Chicken & Mushroom Risotto in individual plates, accompanied by lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Squeeze the lemon over the risotto just before indulging.

Unveil the delightful harmony of flavors and textures in this Oven-Baked Chicken & Mushroom Risotto. With tender chicken, earthy Swiss Brown Mushrooms, and the creamy embrace of parmesan, every spoonful offers a mouthwatering experience that’s both heartwarming and satisfying. The convenience of oven baking ensures a hands-off approach to achieving risotto perfection, making this dish a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the simplicity of preparation and the richness of taste as you savor each bite of this comforting masterpiece.