Chorizo and Chicken Risotto

This Chorizo and Chicken Risotto recipe is the best way to make a simple meal. Full of protein & flavor, all made with simple ingredients. Perfect for a comfort meal at home or a great recipe to share.

The great aspect of this recipe is that there are multiple layers to it. The chew of the protein, with the softness of the rice and wine, makes it an addictive bite every single time. We've made this for dinner many times throughout the years and still haven't tired of it yet.

Adding the chorizo to the chicken is a great way to get the chorizo meat's saltiness into the chicken's flavor. Cooking the rice with the rest of the ingredients also makes sure that all the flavor is incorporated into every single bite. There aren't many dishes that have the flavor that this chicken risotto rice does, so enjoy!

Pour yourself a glass of white wine, and enjoy. Speaking of easy dinners, be sure to check out my Cornbread Casserole dish that would pair well with this chorizo risotto. One Pan Chicken and Veggies is another great family meal.

Ingredients

Olive oil - Coconut oil or avocado oil will work well, too. 

Boneless skinless chicken thighs - This makes them simple to prep and cook easily. 

Chorizo - Fresh chorizo from the butcher adds so much flavor. 

Arborio rice - This is the perfect type of rice to make that risotto texture. 

Onion - Diced and easy to cook. 

Garlic - You can use garlic gloves or garlic powder. 

Chicken broth - Any type of broth or stock would actually work just fine. 

White wine - White wine pairs well and adds a subtle taste to the ingredients. 

Parmesan Cheese - Perfect for adding a garnish on top. 

How to make Chicken and Chorizo Risotto

Step One: Cook the chorizo and chicken in a large skillet until browned. Once browned, set aside.

Step Two: Add the rice to the pan and sauté with the onion and garlic. This will slightly brown the arborio rice giving it a richer flavor.

Step Three: Add the white wine, stir, and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step Four: Slowly add the chicken stock by adding a ladle at a time.

Expert Tip: Make sure that you’re constantly stirring over medium heat. This is the secret to creamy risotto.

Step Five: Add the meat that you browned earlier to the mixture.

Step Six: Serve with a garnish of Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top.

Variations

Add vegetables - If you want to change up this recipe, you can. Adding frozen peas, cherry tomatoes, and even diced carrots are all delicious. I like adding red onion as well. If you want to add greens, adding spinach is a good idea, too.

Add fresh herbs - This creamy texture pairs perfectly with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and even extra garlic cloves!

Common Questions

How do I know when the chorizo sausage is cooked all the way through?

Once you start cooking the meat in a large saucepan or skillet, you do need to pay attention to the coloring of the meat. For the meat to be considered done cooking, there should be no pink coloring to any of the meat.

Since chorizo is hard to overcook, I always am very thorough in the cooking process to ensure that it's done all the way.

What are a few tips to meal prep this dish ahead of time?

One of the best ways to prep this dish ahead of time is to use leftover chicken that you have already cooked. You can warm it up on the stove and add it right to the rest of the dish.

What is chorizo?

Asking what is chorizo is pretty common. Chorizo is a type of cured, smoked sausage that originates in Spain and Portugal. It is usually made using pork, but can also be made with beef, chicken, or vegetable proteins. The main ingredients are typically garlic, oregano and paprika, although regional variations can vary the seasoning used. Chorizo is a versatile ingredient that can be used to both add flavor and texture to many dishes. 

What other foods pair well with risotto?

When it comes to side dish options, you have choices. A nice green salad is a light option, or you can pair it with a side of garlic bread. (or add both because a side salad and warm crusty bread pair perfectly together, too.)

Since risotto has a smoother texture, I like to have side dish options that offer contrast to the texture. I prefer pairing it with something crunchy so that it has a different mouth feel.

However, don't feel pressured to make a side dish. This is really a one-pot meal that has everything that you could possibly want in a dish. Sometimes, the best meals are ones that are literally stress-free and enjoyed just as they are.