Bacon Cheddar and Chicken Risotto for Two
When I think of comfort food that feels both luxurious and homemade, risotto instantly comes to mind.
I first tasted this Bacon Cheddar and Chicken Risotto for Two Italian classic during a trip to Northern Italy, where risotto originated, specifically in the Lombardy region, famous for its rich, rice-based dishes like Risotto alla Milanese.
Inspired by that unforgettable experience, I created this twist on tradition by adding smoky bacon, tender chicken, and sharp cheddar. The result? A cozy, fusion-style risotto that celebrates both Italian culinary elegance and modern comfort food creativity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the key components to create this rich and satisfying risotto. Using quality ingredients will really make the flavors pop.
- 2 strips thick-cut bacon – A smoky, thick-cut bacon adds the best flavor and a nice, meaty texture to the dish.
- 1 tbsp. olive oil – This helps cook the onions and prevents the bacon fat from burning.
- 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion – Yellow onion provides a sweet, aromatic base that complements the other savory ingredients.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup Arborio rice – This specific short-grain rice is essential for achieving the creamy texture of a true risotto.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine – A splash of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc adds a touch of acidity that brightens the dish.
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock – Using low-sodium stock is a pro tip; it allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese – For the best melt and flavor, grate a block of sharp or aged cheddar yourself.
- 6 ounces cubed or shredded chicken – A pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver here.
- Salt & pepper, to taste – To season and bring all the flavors together.
- 2 tbsp. finely chopped chives – For a fresh, mild oniony garnish that adds color and flavor.
Note: This recipe is perfectly portioned for two generous servings.
Variations
While this recipe is delicious as is, you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or what you have available.
For a different flavor profile, try swapping the cheddar with smoked gouda or Gruyère cheese. If you’re not a fan of bacon, pancetta would be a wonderful substitute, offering a similar salty bite. To add some vegetables, stir in some sautéed mushrooms or steamed green peas at the end of the cooking process. You can also give it a spicy kick by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment You Need
You don’t need much fancy equipment to make a restaurant-quality risotto at home.
- Large Sauté Pan: This is for cooking the bacon and building the risotto, allowing plenty of room for stirring.
- Saucepan: A small saucepan is needed to keep the chicken stock warm throughout the cooking process.
- Slotted Spoon: This is useful for removing the crispy bacon from the pan while leaving the rendered fat behind.
- Ladle: For adding the warm stock to the rice one portion at a time, which is key to a creamy risotto.
How to Make Bacon Cheddar and Chicken Risotto for Two?
Making risotto requires a little patience and stirring, but the process is quite simple and almost meditative. The slow addition of stock is what releases the starches from the Arborio rice, creating that signature creamy texture without a lot of heavy cream. It’s a rewarding process that results in a truly special meal.
Cook the Bacon and Sauté Aromatics
Start by chopping the bacon and cooking it in a large sauté pan over medium heat until it’s brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to move the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, but leave the delicious rendered fat in the pan. Add the olive oil and diced onions to the pan, cooking for a few minutes until they soften. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Toast the Rice and Deglaze
Add the Arborio rice directly to the pan. Stir it constantly for about two minutes, allowing the grains to toast in the fat. This step is crucial for flavor and texture. Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook until it’s almost completely absorbed by the rice.
Slowly Add Stock and Stir
Now for the most important part of making risotto. Begin adding the warm chicken stock one ladle at a time. Stir the rice frequently, almost constantly, until each addition of stock is absorbed before adding the next. This gradual process will take about 30 minutes and is what creates the creamy consistency. You’ll know the rice is done when it’s tender with a slight bite, or al dente.
Finish with Cheese, Bacon, and Chicken
Once the rice is perfectly cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and the cooked bacon until the cheese is completely melted and creamy. Gently fold in the shredded or cubed chicken. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. The dish is now ready to be served immediately.
🇮🇹 Journey Through Northern Italy: The Home of Creamy Risotto
Traveling through Northern Italy, especially the Lombardy region, is where you truly discover the heart of risotto. This area, with its fertile plains and abundance of rice fields near the Po Valley, has been perfecting the art of creamy rice dishes for centuries.
Cities like Milan are world-famous for their signature Risotto alla Milanese. The slow-cooked, luxurious texture of risotto perfectly reflects the Italian philosophy of savoring life’s simple, rich pleasures—one bite at a time.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Through making this dish, I’ve picked up a few pointers that really elevate the final result.
- I always keep the chicken stock simmering in a separate pot. Adding warm stock to the rice helps maintain the cooking temperature and results in a creamier risotto.
- Don’t rush the stirring process. I find that consistent, gentle stirring is the key to releasing the rice’s starches, which is what gives risotto its classic texture. I just put on some music and enjoy the process.
- I recommend using a high-quality, sharp cheddar and grating it myself. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly.
- Let the risotto rest for a minute or two off the heat after you add the cheese. This allows the flavors to meld together for an even more delicious final dish.
How to Serve Bacon Cheddar and Chicken Risotto for Two?
Risotto holds a special place in Italian cuisine, especially in Lombardy and Veneto, where rice paddies thrive near the Po Valley. Locals enjoy it as a warming dish during cooler months, often paired with fine wines and shared around family tables.
This Bacon Cheddar and Chicken Risotto version blends that Italian tradition with an American twist, making it perfect for travelers or home cooks who love to explore cultures through food. It’s a dish that truly bridges continents Italy’s slow, loving cooking style meeting America’s hearty, flavor-packed ingredients. 🇮🇹🇺🇸
Nutritional Information
Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this risotto.
- Calories: 842 kcal
- Protein: 55g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 46g
Make Ahead and Storage
While risotto is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers for another day.
To store, let the risotto cool completely and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. The risotto will thicken considerably as it cools.
To reheat, add the leftover risotto to a pan over low heat with a splash of chicken stock or water. Stir gently until it’s heated through and has returned to a creamy consistency.
Freezing risotto is not ideal. The texture of the rice can become mushy and grainy upon thawing, so it’s best to make this dish fresh when you plan to enjoy it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons, and it’s sure to become a favorite.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of creamy rice, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese makes this an incredibly decadent and satisfying meal. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Perfectly Portioned for Two: This small-batch recipe is designed to make two generous servings, which means no fussing with leftovers if you don’t want to. It’s ideal for a date night or a quiet dinner at home.
- Impressive Yet Simple: While risotto sounds fancy, the process is straightforward. With a little time and stirring, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
- Rich, Layered Flavors: Every ingredient plays a role, from the salty bacon and sharp cheddar to the aromatic garlic and fresh chives, creating a complex and delicious flavor profile in every bite.
