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Chicken leke risotto topped with parmesan and thyme.

One Pot Chicken Leek Risotto (45 Minute Dinner)

Allie Hagerty
A creamy risotto with tender chicken, sweet leeks, Parmesan, and lemon zest. Comforting, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • ladle
  • Microplane or zester

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 shallot finely diced
  • 2 large leeks white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 ½ cups Arborio or Carnaroli rice
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan, warm the chicken broth over medium-low heat. Keep it warm but not simmering.
  • In a large heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and leeks and half of the salt and pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add the risotto rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until the grains become slightly translucent around the edges.
  • Pour in the dry white wine and stir until mostly absorbed.
  • Add one ladle of warm broth at a time, stirring often. Once absorbed, add another ladle, repeating for about 20-25 minutes or until the rice is creamy and tender with a slight bite.
  • Stir in the cooked chicken, remaining salt and black pepper, and fresh thyme. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, adding a splash more broth if needed.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

Expert Tips from My Kitchen
  • Warm your stock and keep it at a gentle simmer—cold stock stalls the cooking.
  • Stir often, but don’t overwork it—this helps release starch while keeping the grains intact.
  • Add the lemon zest right at the end for the brightest flavor.

Serving Suggestions
  • Pair with a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino.
  • Serve with a simple green salad or roasted asparagus to round out the meal.
  • Finish each bowl with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, add a splash of stock or water and warm gently on the stove, stirring until creamy again.
  • Avoid microwaving—it can dry out the risotto.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 627kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 31gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 2283mgPotassium: 457mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1153IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 231mgIron: 6mg
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