Bacon, Cheddar, and Chicken Risotto for Two

Yes.  I am completely aware that I have possibly bastardized a gorgeous, elegant, traditional Italian dish.  I’ve Americanized it in such a way that it should be almost shameful, but as soon as you try this chicken risotto, all of that self-induced shame melts away. This recipe makes two servings of risotto and comes together in 40 minutes.

Yes, I understand you may still be unsure, so let me give you a little back story.  This risotto recipe was inspired by a restaurant in a small town in North Carolina; that one restaurant that is consistently delivering great food.  Their menu has a risotto of the day (what more could you need in life?!), and it ranges from fresh, regional vegetables to … yes … bacon, cheddar, and chicken risotto.

When the server first told me they were serving bacon, cheddar and chicken risotto, I was immediately overwhelmed by a wave of judgmentally based opinion, and definitely laughed on the inside.  Seriously?!  How dare you take such a respectable dish, and completely ruin it with the most Americanized version I could ever dream of??  But then my inner fat kid took over, and I was like “okay.  yeah.  let’s do this.  if it’s terrible, I can internally judge that someone would attempt to make such a thing.”

Then I ate it.  And I couldn’t stop.  I COULDN’T.  It possessed that undeniable creamy, decadent texture of risotto, mixed with flecks of smoked bacon, plenty of aged cheddar that had been transformed into a cheesy envelope of flavor, and chunks of seasoned grilled chicken that blended perfectly into a harmonious composition of comfort food in one bowl.  

Clearly I enjoyed it.

Ingredients for Chicken Bacon Risotto:

• 2 strips thick cut bacon
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup arborio rice
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
• 3 cups low sodium chicken stock (the best you can find)
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 6 ounces cubed or shredded chicken (grilled or rotisserie)
• salt & pepper
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped chives

IMPORTANT INGREDIENT NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Use delicious bacon.  A smoky, salty, thick cut of bacon is the best for this recipe.  Ideally, purchase a couple of strips from the butcher’s counter at a local butcher or grocery store.  It should cost about $1-$2, and you don’t have to freeze or refrigerate any leftovers.
2. Let’s talk dry white wine.  Do not use anything that says something like “Demi-sec, sec, sweet, semi-sweet”, etc.  Use a Pinot Grigio from Italy (you can find a good one for $10 and drink the rest of it while you cook and eat dinner
3. Low-sodium chicken stock prevents the risotto from being too salty.  Adding salt to taste is a safer way to make sure your risotto is as delicious as possibly.  Some normal stocks have salt added, which could make the risotto too salty.  Go with a low-sodium option!
4. Rotisserie chicken is easy, but grilled chicken is delicious.  Because rotisserie chickens are seasoned, juicy, and readily available, they are an easy (and delicious) option for this risotto recipe.  However, if you have the time and resources, sprinkle both sides of a chicken breast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to season it, then grill it.  Let it rest for about ten minutes, then cut it into cubes or shred it for this recipe.
5. Use delicious cheddar cheese.   Farmhouse cheddar, aged cheddar, or extra sharp cheddar will do.  The cheese has a major supporting role in this recipe, so you want it to be incredible.  But as always, if it’s a cheddar cheese that you *love*, then it will be perfect for this recipe!
6. Be patient with your risotto.  Great risotto takes time, and there’s really no way around it.   However, I’ve included wine pairings with this recipe!  I recommend sipping on a glass while you make the risotto, and just clearing your mind and stirring constantly.  Use it as a form of relaxation … seriously.  It takes time, but not much mental effort!

How to make this Creamy Chicken Risotto Recipe

1. Chop the bacon and cook it in a saute pan over medium heat until browned and crispy.  Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.  Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pan.  In the meantime, pour the low-sodium chicken stock in a saucepan, and warm it on the oven.  Keep it warm while you make the risotto.
2. Add the olive oil to the pan.  Stir in the chopped onions with a pinch of salt, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.  Then stir in the garlic and cook for about a minute.
3. Stir in the arborio rice and cook for a couple of minutes, or until a little white dot remains in the center of the grains of rice.  Stir in the white wine, cook for a couple of minutes until absorbed, and then start adding warm stock one ladle at a time.
   

   
4. This is the part that takes some time.  Let each ladle of stock absorb into the rice before adding the next one.  It’s a slow process, but it’s absolutely worth it for that creamy texture.  This will take about 30-35 minutes in total.
   

   

   

   
5. Once the rice is creamy, take a little bite.  If it has the tiniest crunch to it, then you’re good!  Stir in the cheese and bacon, then the chicken.  Garnish with chopped chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.
   

   

Can I make Chicken and Bacon Risotto without Wine

Yes you can. Substitute the white wine in this recipe with more more chicken stock, vegetable stock, or you can simply leave out the wine entirely. If you have a lemon on hand, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice into the risotto right before serving for a touch of acidity that may be missed without the wine. This isn’t crucial, but it will be delicious.

If you ARE into wine, this is an awesome option for date night in with a glass of wine.  Mark likes to drink an oaky Chardonnay with this entree; he likes to match the creamy mouth feels together.  I like to pair this with a lightly acidic / fruitier (not sweet, though. never sweet) red, as it lifts the density of the flavors and plays against them to create some balance.  Honestly, you can do whatever you want here.

Wine Pairings for Cheesy Chicken Bacon Risotto

Budget Friendly + Easy Choice: Chardonnay (USA)  :: Chardonnay varies vastly depending upon its region of growth.  Typically, if French chardonnay sees oak, it doesn’t see enough to make it overwhelmingly oaky.  Chardonnay from California, however, gained popularity through its huge, oaky notes and buttery layers.  This creamy risotto would complement the oaky taste and feel of a California Chardonnay, and chicken is always one of Chardonnay’s best friends.

If You're Feeling Adventurous: Beaujolais (France) :: This is a softball.  Beaujolais is one of those super versatile wines that can pair with damn near anything.  Beaujolais is not a grape, but rather a region that covers both southern Burgundy and northern Rhône.  The grape is actually Gamay, which is typically low in tannins (the stuff that makes your mouth pucker).  Beaujolais tends to be lighter-bodied, full of fruit notes, and relatively fresh tasting.  This is not a wine to age, but rather one to enjoy while it’s young and fun.  Beaujolais is an excellent companion to cheese, pork, and definitely chicken.  It’s a win-win here.

Another Fun Option: Pinot Noir (USA / France) :: Pinot Noir is like the sibling that outshined Beaujolais growing up.  (But in Beaujolais’ defense, the younger sibling is now making a huge name for itself.)  Pinot Noir, specifically Pinots from the Willamette Valley in northwest Oregon, is definitely another go-to option for chicken, cheeses, and pork.  Most have very similar characteristics to those of Beaujolais, but just a bit more earthy notes.  Pinots are super approachable and light on the palette, and their fruity notes make them an excellent intro to deeper red wines in the future.

Other Delicious Risotto Recipes:

• –> spicy shrimp risotto
• –> asparagus & prosciutto risotto
• –> caramelized onion & bacon risotto
• –> creamy parmesan risotto
• –> pancetta leek risotto

If you make this chicken risotto, I would LOVE it if you tagged me on Instagram!  I love re-posting your pictures to my stories!  And if you have any specific questions, feel free to reach out to me directly!  Happy risotto making!

xx Sara