Name: Creamy Chicken Mushroom Risotto Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 shallots (or 1 onion, chopped); 150g/5oz mushrooms; 2 cloves garlic; 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme); 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (cubed); 50g/1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; 300g/1.5 cups Arborio rice; 125ml/1/2 cup dry white wine (or Vermouth); 1 litre/4 cups water; Salt to taste

If you’re craving a cozy, luscious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week, you’re going to adore this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Risotto Recipe. I absolutely love how the tender chicken and earthy mushrooms blend beautifully into the rich, creamy Arborio rice with just a hint of fresh thyme. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easily it comes together, even if you don’t consider yourself a risotto expert. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can wow your family — or just treat yourself to something truly comforting.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple One-Pan Magic: It all cooks in one pan, which means less mess and more flavor as everything mingles together.
Comfort Food Upgrade: This isn’t just plain risotto — the chicken and mushrooms add heartiness and great texture.
Flexible Ingredients: You can swap the mushrooms or adjust herbs, so it’s easy to make your own.
Has That Restaurant Vibe: Creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced — without spending hours cooking.

A close-up of creamy risotto served in a white bowl with a pale green-blue inner glaze texture. The risotto has a light beige color with soft, plump rice grains and visible chunks of light brown chicken and dark brown mushrooms. A small green herb sprig rests on top as garnish. A silver fork sits on the right side partially stuck into the risotto. The background is a white marbled texture with a few out-of-focus green herb stems visible at the top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Mushroom Risotto, chicken mushroom risotto recipe, easy risotto recipes, comforting mushroom risotto, one-pan chicken risotto

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and texture. When you pick your ingredients fresh and quality, especially the mushrooms and thyme, the risotto will truly shine.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, three fresh shallots with light purple and white skins, two plump skinless boneless chicken breasts cubed, a handful of fresh brown mushrooms including halved and whole ones, two whole cloves of garlic with smooth white skins, a small white ceramic bowl filled with pearly white Arborio rice, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear dry white wine, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh green thyme leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, all arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Chicken Mushroom Risotto, chicken mushroom risotto recipe, easy risotto recipes, comforting mushroom risotto, one-pan chicken risotto

Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin works best to sauté and add depth.
Shallots (or onion): I use shallots for their mild sweetness, but onions do just fine if that’s what you have.
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes so they cook quickly and evenly.
Mushrooms: Use button or cremini; I like to halve larger ones and leave the small ones whole for texture.
Garlic: Fresh cloves give a nice kick without overpowering.
Arborio rice: The star of the show — creamy and starchy, perfect for risotto.
Dry white wine (or Vermouth): Adds acidity and flavor complexity; don’t skip it unless you have to.
Water: Used as the cooking liquid; you can use broth for more richness if you prefer.
Fresh thyme leaves (or dried thyme): Brings an aromatic freshness that pairs wonderfully with mushrooms.
Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for that perfect cheesy finish.
Salt: To taste — essential for balancing all those flavors.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

What I love about this Creamy Chicken Mushroom Risotto Recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily tweak it to fit your mood or pantry, and it always comes out delicious. Don’t hesitate to play around!

Chicken swap: I’ve tried this with diced turkey or even shrimp — just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Mushroom mix: Experiment with wild mushrooms like shiitake or porcini for a deeper flavor.
Herb twist: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage depending on what you like or have on hand.
Stock upgrade: Using chicken or vegetable broth instead of water adds richness if you want a more decadent finish.
Dairy-free option: Leave out the Parmesan and stir in a splash of coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy texture.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Mushroom Risotto Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro and Sauté the Basics

Start by finely chopping the shallots (or onion) and mincing the garlic — this step sets the stage. Cube your chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook quickly without drying out. Slice the mushrooms by halving larger ones and leaving the smaller whole, which adds nice texture. Heat your olive oil in a large, deep pan over low heat, then gently sauté the shallots for about a minute until they soften but don’t brown. Next, add the chicken with a pinch of salt and increase heat to medium — you want to seal the pieces quickly, not cook them fully. This keeps the chicken juicy. Add the mushrooms and cook while stirring for 2-3 minutes, then toss in the garlic for a quick stir – be careful not to burn it!

Step 2: Toast the Arborio Rice and Add Wine

Once your chicken and veggies are tantalizingly golden, add the Arborio rice directly to the pan. Stir well so each grain gets a nice coating of olive oil — this toasting step brings out a nutty flavor and helps the rice hold its texture. It only takes about a minute. Now, pour in the dry white wine and scrape the bottom of your pan to loosen all those browned bits — that’s pure flavor gold right there. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly.

Step 3: Gradually Add Water and Thyme, Stir Often

This is the heart of risotto-making. Add about a quarter of your water (or broth) along with the fresh thyme leaves and stir gently but consistently. The water should just cover the rice. Let it simmer over medium heat; as the liquid absorbs and you notice the rice peeking out, add more liquid in small batches. Stirring here really helps release the rice’s starch for that creamy texture you’re after. Keep repeating the add-stir-simmer cycle until the rice is cooked through but still has a slight bite in the center — this usually takes 18-20 minutes total. Remember, patience and stirring are key!

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Rest

When the risotto looks thick, creamy, and almost like cake batter in texture, it’s time for the final flourish — stirring in freshly grated Parmesan. This cheese melts beautifully and binds everything together with luxurious creaminess. Taste and season with salt as needed. Turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid, letting it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting step lets the flavors meld and the risotto to firm up just slightly, making it easier to serve. I love this moment because that anticipation really builds!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Mushroom Risotto Recipe

Keep Your Liquid Warm: I learned that adding warm water or stock keeps the temperature steady and speeds cooking, which makes the risotto creamier.
Don’t Rush the Stirring: Stir often, but gently — it helps release starch without smashing the rice grains.
Seal the Chicken Quickly: Cooking the chicken just until sealed keeps it juicy and tender inside instead of rubbery.
Mind the Final Texture: Avoid adding too much liquid at the end; risotto should be creamy but not soupy.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Mushroom Risotto Recipe

A textured turquoise bowl filled with creamy light beige risotto as the base layer, mixed with medium brown whole mushrooms and light tan chunks of chicken scattered evenly on top. A few sprigs of fresh green herbs sit on one side, adding a pop of color. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with a folded dark grey cloth nearby, and a silver fork placed inside the bowl on the right side. The overall look is soft and earthy, with natural lighting enhancing the creamy texture of the dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Chicken Mushroom Risotto, chicken mushroom risotto recipe, easy risotto recipes, comforting mushroom risotto, one-pan chicken risotto

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for finishing off with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a crack of fresh black pepper. Sometimes I add a few fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of green color and freshness. If you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of truffle oil is a game-changer, adding that earthy luxury that pairs beautifully with the mushrooms.

Side Dishes

This risotto is pretty filling on its own, but when I want a simple balanced meal, I pair it with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some roasted asparagus for a little crunch. Garlic bread or a slice of crusty baguette also works wonders for mopping up all the creamy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve the risotto in shallow bowls topped with a small nest of microgreens and a Parmesan crisp on the side — it instantly elevates the look. Another fun idea is to pipe the risotto onto plates using an ice cream scoop for neat portions, especially if you’re serving smaller plates as appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover risotto in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days. When you reheat, it’ll be thicker since the rice absorbs more liquid — but I’ll share how to fix that next!

Freezing

Risotto can be frozen, but I prefer making it fresh when possible because the texture is best. If you do freeze it, portion it in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of warm water or broth to loosen the rice. Heat it gently on the stove, stirring often until it’s creamy again. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can dry it out if you’re not careful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this risotto?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through but still tender.
What’s the best substitute for dry white wine if I don’t want to use alcohol?

You can substitute with extra broth and add a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice to mimic the acidity and brightness that wine contributes to this recipe.
How do I know when the risotto is perfectly cooked?

The rice should be tender but still have a slight bite or “al dente” texture. It shouldn’t be mushy or crunchy. The overall mixture should be creamy and flow slowly when you tilt the pan.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?

Yes, dried thyme works fine. Use about 1 teaspoon dried thyme in place of 1 tablespoon fresh. Add it earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavors to infuse properly.
Is it possible to make this risotto vegan?

You can easily make a vegan version by omitting the chicken and Parmesan. Use vegetable broth, sauté mushrooms with your favorite plant-based protein, and finish with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for that cheesy flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Risotto Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something that feels special yet simple. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into a comforting celebration of flavors and textures. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — and remember, it’s all about loving the process as much as the result. So, grab that pan, follow these steps, and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort!