Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight lifesaver, this One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto! I stumbled upon this combo one chilly autumn evening when my fridge was looking pretty bare (we’ve all been there, right?). The magic happens when sweet apples, earthy Brussels sprouts, and juicy chicken come together in creamy risotto, all in one pot! No fancy techniques here, just good food that comes together while you sip wine and stir occasionally. Trust me, the way the apples soften just enough while the Brussels sprouts keep their bite? Perfection. And the best part? You’ll only have one pot to wash!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto
Listen, I know what you’re thinking, risotto sounds fussy, right? Not this one! Here’s why this dish became my go-to:
- One-pot wonder: No juggling multiple pans, everything cooks together beautifully in a single pot (hello, easy cleanup!)
- Flavor magic: The sweet-tart apples balance the earthy Brussels sprouts so perfectly you’ll want seconds
- Weeknight hero: Ready in under 45 minutes, even when you’re exhausted after work
- Complete meal: Protein, veggies, and carbs all cozying up together, no need for sides!
Seriously, the first time I made this One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto, my family acted like I’d performed kitchen wizardry. Little did they know how simple it really was!
Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto
Okay, let’s gather our cast of characters! I’ve learned the hard way that risotto is all about precision, no “pinch of this” or “handful of that” here. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
For the Risotto Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil, just enough to coat the pot
- 1 medium onion, diced, about the size of a baseball
- 2 garlic cloves, minced, fresh is best, none of that jarred stuff!
- 1 cup arborio rice, packed lightly (this stuff expands like crazy)
- 4 cups chicken broth, keep it warm on another burner
For the Chicken & Veggies
- 2 chicken breasts, diced, about 1-inch cubes, cook evenly
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved, trim those tough ends first
- 1 medium apple, diced, I swear by Granny Smith for texture
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan, freshly grated, melts better
Pro tip: Measure everything before you start cooking, risotto waits for no one! And don’t skimp on the parmesan, that salty punch makes all the difference. For more inspiration on easy meals, check out recipesloop.com.
Equipment Needed
You’ll just need two trusty tools for this One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto:
- A large pot, about 5 quarts, gives everything room to mingle
- A wooden spoon, perfect for gentle stirring without scratching
That’s it! No fancy gadgets required, just good old-fashioned stovetop magic.
How to Make One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto
Alright, let’s get cooking! This One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy, flavorful dish in no time. Trust me, your kitchen will smell like heaven!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
First, heat that olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, oh, that sizzle! Sauté them for about 2 minutes, stirring often, until the onion turns translucent and the garlic smells irresistible. Don’t rush this, it’s the flavor foundation!
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Now, add the arborio rice and stir like you mean it! Toast it for just 1 minute, and you’ll notice it turns slightly golden at the edges. This step locks in that nutty flavor and helps the rice absorb the broth later. Magic in the making!
Step 3: Add Broth Gradually
Here’s the risotto secret: patience. Pour in 1 cup of warm chicken broth and stir until the rice drinks it all up. Repeat with the remaining broth, adding just 1 cup at a time and stirring often. This slow dance (about 20 minutes total) creates that dreamy, creamy texture we’re after.
Step 4: Cook Chicken and Vegetables
Time to toss in the diced chicken, Brussels sprouts, and apple. Stir everything together, then let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The chicken will turn juicy, the sprouts tender-crisp, and the apples? Just sweet enough to balance the savory. Perfection!
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning
Almost done! Sprinkle in that glorious Parmesan cheese, plus salt and pepper to taste. Give it one final stir, watch how the cheese melts into silky ribbons. Taste and adjust if needed, then take it off the heat. Dinner is served, and wow, is it good!
Tips for Perfect One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto
After making this risotto more times than I can count, here are my foolproof tips for absolute perfection:
- Apple choice matters: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and give that perfect sweet-tart balance; mushy apples ruin the texture!
- Broth control: Keep extra warm broth nearby; if your risotto thickens too much while resting, stir in a splash to bring back the creaminess.
- Don’t overcook sprouts: They should keep a slight bite; nobody wants mushy Brussels sprouts!
- Rest before serving: Let it sit off the heat for 2 minutes. This lets the flavors marry, and the rice absorb any last liquid.
Trust me, these little tricks make all the difference between good risotto and “wow, can you make this every night?” risotto!
Variations for One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto
Oh, the fun part, making this risotto your own! Here are my favorite twists when I’m feeling creative:
- Turkey swap: Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works beautifully, just add it at the end since it’s already cooked
- Veggie power: Swap Brussels sprouts for kale or spinach if that’s what’s in your fridge
- Sweet twist: Try Honeycrisp apples instead of Granny Smith for a sweeter vibe
- Cheese change-up: Gouda or fontina melts like dreams if you’re out of Parmesan
The beauty of this One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto? It’s practically begging for your personal touch!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto! A crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up every last creamy bite. For lighter meals, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Sometimes I just grab a spoon and dig right in, no shame!
Storage & Reheating
Now listen, this risotto is so good you might not have leftovers, but if you do, here’s my foolproof method! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth while warming on the stove; it’ll bring back that creamy texture like magic. Microwaving works in a pinch, too, but stir every 30 seconds so it heats evenly. Pro tip: The apples soften a bit more after storage, but that just makes the flavors even cozier together!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in this One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto (per serving): about 420 calories, 28g protein, and 4g fiber. Remember, nutrition varies based on the ingredients and brands you use. But honestly? It tastes so good you won’t be counting!
FAQ About One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto
I get asked about this risotto all the time. Here are the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen (and my honest answers!):
Can I use brown rice instead of arborio?
Oh honey, I wish! Arborio rice’s high starch content creates that signature creaminess. Brown rice won’t give you the same texture; it stays too chewy. If you must swap, try carnaroli rice, it’s arborio’s fancy cousin!
How can I make this vegetarian?
Easy peasy! Just swap the chicken broth for veggie broth and skip the chicken. I love adding extra Brussels sprouts or tossing in some mushrooms for heartiness. The apples and parmesan keep it plenty flavorful!
My risotto turned out dry. What went wrong?
Don’t worry, happens to everyone! Next time, keep extra warm broth nearby and add small splashes at the end until it’s creamy again. Also, make sure you’re stirring often; those lazy stirs make all the difference!
Did you make this One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or snap a photo. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations!
One-Pot Chicken, Apple & Brussels Sprout Risotto
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add arborio rice and stir for 1 minute until lightly toasted.
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring until absorbed. Repeat with remaining broth, 1 cup at a time.
- Add diced chicken, Brussels sprouts, and apple. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
