Chicken and Bacon Risotto
26 September 2024
Chicken and Bacon Risotto
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4Indulge in the rich flavours of our chicken and bacon risotto, combining tender chicken, bacon, and Arborio rice.
Ingredients
- 250g Arborio rice
- 3 rashers of bacon (ideally smoked streaky), chopped
- 2 chicken breasts, diced (or could use leftover roast chicken)
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 pints (1100ml) of vegetable or chicken stock
- 2 tbsp oil (veg or olive oil)
- 1 knob of butter (around 10-15g)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 small glass of white wine (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Variations / Inspirations:
- Pea and ham.
- Chicken and chorizo - substitute bacon for chorizo - it adds colour and flavour.
- Arancini - using left over risotto from the fridge, make golf ball sized rice balls then dip in flour, egg and breadcrumbs before deep frying until golden brown all over. Serve on some classic tomato sauce.
Method
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan until moderate heat.
2. Add stock into a separate pan and put on low heat to get hot for later.
3. Add diced chicken and fry for 4-5 minutes until brown.
4. Take out of the pan with slotted spoon and add the bacon. Fry until cooked but not crispy.
5. Turn heat down and add onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes on a low heat until soft.
6. Add garlic and cook for further 2-3 minutes.
7. Add rice to the pan and mix everything together and fry for 2-3 minutes.
8. Add wine (if using) and cook until it’s been absorbed.
9. Add stock 1-2 ladles full at a time and stir continually until absorbed. Keep adding stock until the rice is soft and cooked. Add chicken back into the rice along with the salt and pepper to taste.
10. Turn off heat and stir in the butter and leave to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. The risotto shouldn’t be too stodgy but shouldn't be too wet either.
Recipe by James Golding, Head of Food Education, Table Talk Foundation
Table Talk Foundation (registered charity: 1190504) inspiring a new generation through food, to live happier and healthier lives. Through their food education in schools, they teach young people how to cook preparing them with fundamental skills for the rest of their lives.