Instant Pot Lemon Parsley Chicken Risotto

Make risotto the easy way with this recipe. This Instant Pot lemon parsley chicken risotto is creamy, zesty, and full of comfort. Great for any night of the week!

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Risotto is a creamy Italian rice dish made by slowly cooking short-grain rice, usually Arborio, in broth.

Everyone loves its rich, velvety texture, and yes, it’s that creamy even without added cream!

It’s traditionally made on the stovetop, where you slowly add broth and stir constantly to build that signature texture. It takes time and attention, so it can feel a bit intimidating for those who are new to cooking.

That’s where the Instant Pot comes in. It handles the timing and pressure for you, making it easy to enjoy delicious risotto without all the effort.

This version has a light, zesty kick thanks to the lemon. It tastes fresh and vibrant, perfect for warmer weather.

The Instant Pot is your best friend here. You won’t be stuck by the stove in a hot kitchen for long! 🥣

How to Make Instant Pot Lemon Parsley Chicken Risotto at Home

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Sauté Time: 10 minutes
Active Cook Time: 6 minutes (+ time to come to pressure)
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6

Equipment:

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring and deglazing
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester for lemon zest
• Ladle

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, divided
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ medium red onion, chopped
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• 1¾ cups chicken broth
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (preferably organic) 
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to serve

Instructions:

Step 1: Select the “Sauté” function on the Instant Pot and set it to high. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. 

Step 2: Once hot, add the chicken and season generously with salt and black pepper. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3: Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter to the pot.

Step 4: Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine.

Step 5: Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and starts to brown slightly, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Arborio rice and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the grains in the butter and oil mixture.

Step 7: Pour in the white wine and deglaze the pot by gently scraping the bottom with a spatula to release any browned bits. Let the wine reduce by half.

Step 8: Press “Cancel” to stop the sauté function. Return the chicken and any juices to the pot, and pour in the chicken broth.

Step 9: Lock the lid into place and set the pressure release valve to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function on high pressure and set the cook time for 6 minutes.

Step 10: When the cook time is up, do a quick release. Once the pin drops and the steam stops, carefully open the lid.

Step 11: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 12: Cover and let the risotto sit for 4 to 5 minutes to allow any excess liquid to absorb. Stir once more before serving.

Step 13: Divide into bowls and top with extra grated Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve with One-Pot Lemon Chicken Risotto

You’ve already nailed the risotto. Now, let’s talk about what goes next to it!

• A Green Salad and Refreshing Drink : A crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this creamy risotto. You can also enjoy it with blackberry iced tea for the ultimate summer treat. 
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with bacon wrapped asparagus or your other roasted veggie favorites! Anything earthy or naturally sweet goes well with this dish.
• Crispy Bread or Garlic Toast: A warm slice of crusty bread or garlic toast is great for scooping up this risotto. It makes the meal feel just a bit more indulgent. 🍞

Tips for Making the Best Lemon Chicken Risotto in the Instant Pot

• Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the risotto sit for a few minutes after cooking really improves the texture. It thickens slightly and helps everything come together beautifully.
• Switch up the protein if you want: This recipe works well with other proteins like shrimp or leftover rotisserie chicken. It’s a great way to use what you already have and keep the base flavors interesting.
• Taste and adjust before serving: Don’t be afraid to play with the flavors a little. Try a dash of lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, or even a hint of crushed red pepper flakes to make it your own.

How to Store Instant Pot Chicken Risotto With Lemon And Parsley

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it the next day for lunch or a quick dinner. 
• Reheating: Warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water. Stir gently until heated through and creamy again.

Little Extras That Make Cooking and Serving Lemon Parsley Chicken Risotto Even More Fun

Citrus Juicer Press

Always choose fresh lemon juice over bottled for the best flavor! Squeezing lemons by hand can be messy, and you don’t always get all the juice out. A handheld citrus press gets every drop—no seeds, no strain on your wrist.

Ingredient Prep Bowls

Having your herbs, cheese, and lemon zest ready to go makes cooking smoother and faster. These little bowls can help you stay organized. They’re great for any kind of meal prep, not just risotto.

Microfiber Kitchen Towels

Creamy risotto means a bit of splatter is bound to happen. These towels are reusable, easy to wash, and always come in handy when you’re cooking a one-pot meal.

FAQs about This Easy Lemon Chicken Risotto Recipe

What is the secret ingredient in risotto?

The secret to a good risotto comes down to three things: Arborio rice, a flavorful broth, and the right cooking method. In this recipe, the Instant Pot takes care of the hard part, which is bringing out that creamy texture without all the stirring.

What is the best rice for risotto?

Arborio rice is the best choice for risotto. It’s a short-grain rice that releases starch as it cooks, giving risotto its signature creaminess.

What makes risotto creamy?

Risotto gets creamy from the starch released by the rice as it cooks, not from cream. Stirring and gradually adding broth helps bring out that rich, velvety texture.

Love risotto but hate the stirring? Make a big batch and let your Instant Pot handle it.

Once you’ve mastered this Instant Pot risotto, you’ll feel more confident exploring other versions, including the classic stovetop method.

It’s true that traditional risotto takes more time and stirring, but once you get the hang of it, it can be a really satisfying way to cook.

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy cooking! 🍴

Looking for more recipes? These meals are simple, flavorful, and made with basic ingredients:

• Fluffy Pancakes
• Black Bean Veggie Burgers
• Air Fryer Shrimp
• Carrot Cake Smoothie
• Instant Pot Blackberry Iced Tea

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