SPEEDY RISOTTO WITH CHICKEN, LEMON, AND BASIL


SERVES 4

TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes

If the finished risotto is too thick, stir in hot water, a few tablespoons at a time, to adjust the consistency. We like the convenience of using store-bought rotisserie chicken here; however, you can also use our recipe for Simple Shredded Chicken.

1

cup Arborio rice

4

cups low-sodium chicken broth

6

tablespoons unsalted butter

1

onion, chopped fine

2

garlic cloves, minced

3

cups shredded rotisserie chicken

½

cup chopped fresh basil

2

teaspoons grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons juice

2

ounces Parmesan cheese, grated, (1 cup), plus extra for serving

Salt and pepper

1. Combine rice, 2 cups broth, and 2 tablespoons butter in large bowl. Cover and microwave until rice is softened and most of liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in hot rice mixture and remaining 2 cups broth. Bring to simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until rice is tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in chicken and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

3. Off heat, stir in basil, lemon zest and juice, Parmesan, and remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve, passing extra Parmesan separately.