Creamy Chicken & Pumpkin Risotto Bake
This Creamy Chicken & Pumpkin Risotto Bake is an indulgent and hearty dish that perfectly combines tender chicken breasts with the sweetness of butternut pumpkin. Baked to perfection, this one-pot meal boasts a creamy texture thanks to arborio rice and a rich blend of chicken stock, butter, and Parmesan cheese. The fresh parsley adds a touch of color and brightness to every bite. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this comforting dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Serve it warm and watch it become a new favorite!
6
Servings
583
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut pumpkin
700 g (peeled and cut into small cubes)
butter
60 g (unsalted)
chicken stock
4 cups (heated (1 liter))
water
1 cup (heated)
arborio rice
2 cups (uncooked)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley))
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
chicken breasts
700 g (sliced thinly)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 190°C (Fan forced) and begin to heat the chicken stock and water in a saucepan.
2
While the stock is heating, peel the butternut pumpkin and cut it into small cubes (approximately 1.5 cm).
3
In a deep casserole dish, combine the cubed pumpkin, butter, arborio rice, hot chicken stock, and water. Stir to mix all ingredients evenly, then cover the dish with a lid or foil.
4
Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After that time, carefully remove from the oven, stir the risotto, then return it to the oven to bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is creamy.
5
While the risotto is baking, prepare the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces. Heat a frypan over high heat and sauté the chicken slices until golden brown and just cooked through. Once cooked, remove from the heat, allow to cool slightly, and cut into cubes that match the size of the pumpkin pieces.
6
Once the risotto is finished baking, gently fold in the cooked chicken, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition Information
15 g
Fat
70 g
Carbs
35 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken & Pumpkin Risotto Bake?
It is an indulgent and hearty one-pot meal that combines tender chicken breasts, sweet butternut pumpkin, and arborio rice in a creamy stock and cheese base.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 583 calories.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Arborio rice is used in this recipe because its high starch content creates the signature creamy texture of a risotto.
Do I need to cook the chicken separately?
Yes, the chicken breasts should be sliced, sautéed until golden brown in a frypan, and then cubed before being folded into the baked risotto.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 190°C (Fan forced).
How much butternut pumpkin do I need?
The recipe requires 700 grams of butternut pumpkin.
Should the chicken stock be cold when added to the dish?
No, the chicken stock and water should be heated in a saucepan before being added to the casserole dish.
How long does the risotto take to bake?
The total baking time is between 45 and 60 minutes: 30 minutes initially, followed by another 15 to 30 minutes after stirring.
What size should I cut the pumpkin pieces?
The pumpkin should be cut into small cubes approximately 1.5 cm in size.
How much protein is in one serving of this risotto?
There are 35 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is 15 grams per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 70 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley with 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 60 grams of unsalted butter.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
The grated Parmesan cheese is folded into the risotto along with the cooked chicken and parsley once the baking is finished.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
Yes, the deep casserole dish should be covered with a lid or foil during the baking process.
What is the total amount of liquid used?
The recipe uses 5 cups of liquid total: 4 cups of chicken stock and 1 cup of water.
How do I know when the risotto is done?
The risotto is done when all the liquid is absorbed and the rice has reached a creamy texture.
Is it necessary to stir the risotto during baking?
Yes, you should carefully remove the dish from the oven after the first 30 minutes to stir the mixture before finishing the bake.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe specifies 700g of chicken breasts, thighs can be used as a substitute if preferred, though cooking times for the sautéing step may vary.
Is this recipe considered an easy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a one-pot meal, making it ideal for family dinners.
Should I season the dish with salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season the dish to taste with salt and pepper just before serving.
What is the preparation method for the chicken?
The chicken breasts should be sliced thinly (horizontally), sautéed until golden brown, and then cut into cubes.
Can this be made in a standard oven if I don't have fan-forced?
Yes, but you may need to increase the temperature by about 20°C or extend the cooking time slightly.
What kind of dish should I use for baking?
A deep casserole dish is recommended to hold the rice, pumpkin, and 5 cups of liquid.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is there any fiber or sugar in this dish?
The nutritional data provided lists fiber and sugar as null for this specific recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including salt and pepper.
Can I serve this for a dinner party?
Absolutely, it is described as an indulgent and comforting dish that is ideal for gatherings and sure to please everyone at the table.