Venetians Recipe

Inspired by the flavors of Italy, this Venetian-style dish brings together tender chicken, creamy Arborio rice, and a hint of thyme in a rich, savory broth. This hearty, comforting recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, serving up to 8 delicious portions that are sure to become a family favorite.

Ready Time

45 mins

Yields

8 servings

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/4 cup olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Arborio rice
1 cup white wine (optional)
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, warmed
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Add the Arborio rice to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

If using wine, add it to the skillet and cook until the liquid is almost completely absorbed, stirring constantly.

Add 1/2 cup of warmed broth to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.

Repeat this process, adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, and waiting for it to be absorbed before adding more.

This process should take about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and creamy.

When the rice is cooked, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine.

Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to taste.

Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use high-quality Arborio rice to get the best creamy results. Make sure to warm the broth before adding it to the skillet to help the cooking process.

If using wine, be careful not to let it burn, stir constantly.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken, cook in batches if necessary. Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.

Reserve some broth if you prefer a creamier risotto.

You can also customize the recipe by adding other ingredients, such as sautéed mushrooms or asparagus, to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness to the dish, but feel free to omit if not available.