Making risotto on the stovetop can be a time-consuming process that requires constant stirring. Thankfully, the pressure cooker has changed the game by allowing us to make creamy risotto with significantly less effort. In this article, we’ll explore how to make a classic chicken risotto recipe using the convenient Instant Pot multi-cooker.
Understanding the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is an electric multi-use programmable pressure cooker that can saute, steam, simmer, sous vide, slow cook and keep food warm. It speeds up cooking by using pressurized steam to reach much higher internal temperatures than normal boiling point.
This allows foods like rice and grains to cook up to 70% faster than conventional methods. For risotto, the Instant Pot handles both the sauteing and simmering stages automatically with the push of a button. No more standing at the stove and stirring constantly!
Some key Instant Pot models to consider include the Duo, Duo Nova or Duo Crisp models which can saute/brown and pressure cook. The Ultra model has even more programmable functions. No matter which you choose, making risotto in the pot is a breeze.
Ingredients for Chicken Risotto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups arborio rice
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Now let’s get into the simple steps…
Preparing the Chicken Risotto
Browning the Onion and Chicken
Press the “Saute” function and heat the olive oil. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add chicken and cook through until no longer pink.
Adding Aromatics and Rice
Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Pour in rice and stir to coat for 2 minutes. Pour in wine and stir constantly until fully absorbed.
Pressure Cooking the Risotto
Pour in chicken broth. Secure lid and set the pressure release to sealing. Select “Risotto/Chili” program and adjust time to 10 minutes.
Finishing the Dish
Once program beeps, quick release remaining steam. Stir in parmesan and butter. Taste for seasoning. If too thick, stir in more broth.
Serving
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy this quintessential Italian dish without spending all evening at the stovetop!
By simply pressing a few buttons, that hands-on cooking process is transformed into an easy hands-off preparation. Let’s explore some additional benefits of making risotto in the Instant Pot.
Benefits of Instant Pot Chicken Risotto
- Speed: It cuts the normal stovetop cooking time significantly from 30+ minutes down to under 20 minutes total.
- Convenience: No monitoring required. Simply set it and forget it until the beep. Great for busy weeknights.
- Creaminess: The pressurized environment infuses maximum creaminess and flavor into each rice grain perfectly.
- Easy Clean-up: Most steps are contained in just one pot versus multiple pans on the stovetop.
- Consistent Results: Automatic settings provide foolproof doneness without risk of burning or scorching on the bottom.
- Moist Heat: Steaming environment hydrates ingredients intensely for supreme tenderness. Chicken practically falls apart.
So in summary, this appliance shines by eliminating stress factors surrounding the tricky risotto-making process and producing almost hands-free perfection!
Tips for Instant Pot Risotto Success
Here are a few tricks for ensuring great results every time:
- Use the broth measurement listed in the recipe and don’t top up the grains above the max fill line.
- Make sure lid is securely locked before pressure cooking cycle begins.
- Natural pressure release is best after cooking completes for creamiest texture.
- Hit “Cancel” if lid hasn’t depressurized fully by end of wait time to avoid overcooking.
- Stir gently after quick releasing remaining steam to loosen grains from bottom.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving – more broth or cheese may be preferable.
Follow your appliance manual and these tips to achieve perfect stovetop risotto characteristics without even touching a stirring spoon.
Nutritious Benefits of Chicken Risotto
Despite its richness, classic chicken risotto is actually a very healthy meal option packed with important nutrients:
- Protein: Chicken breast provides high quality protein for muscle, tissue and hormone support.
- Carbohydrates: Rice carbohydrates break down slowly for steady energy release versus spikes and crashes.
- Fiber: Onions, rice and garlic collectively contribute insoluble fiber aiding digestion.
- Vitamins/Minerals: Nutrients like niacin, folate, zinc and phosphorus from chicken and rice support various functions.
- Antioxidants: Compounds in chicken and veggies like onions serve as free radical fighters in the body.
- Comfort food: Satisfying creaminess can help manage stress levels which impact health.
Made with nutritious whole foods, this soothing supper makes for a mild yet mighty whole-body boost perfect for any season.
Creative Variations
While the traditional preparation is a classic for a reason, feel free to customize yours with special ingredients you enjoy:
- Sun-dried tomatoes add pop and concentrated flavor.
- Baby spinach or kale wilts nicely into the rice for extra veggies.
- Mushrooms like shiitake lend meaty heft.
- Butternut squash purée lends natural creaminess and plant-powered nutrition.
- Fresh herbs like basil, parsley or dill pump up the aromatics.
- Try shrimp, diced prosciutto or seasonal veggies in place of chicken.
- Finish with crumbled blue or goat cheese instead of parmesan.
Risotto celebrates seasonal abundance so don’t hesitate to experiment bountiful harvests into your creations.
Additional Meal Ideas
For truly special suppers, consider serving risotto paired with:
- Homemade crusty bread to soak up every last bite.
- Mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette on the side.
- Simply prepared salmon or shrimp skewers
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots.
- Light dessert of fresh berries and whipped cream.
Or for entertaining, portion risotto into ramekins and top with shredded chicken before baking until piping hot for company. Conversation and wine make any meal an event!
Using your Instant Pot to make creamy risotto frees up time to focus on well-balanced complete meals for healthy home cooking. Great tasting nourishment has never been simpler.