If you're looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal, the Chicken and Risoni Bake is the answer. This dish combines tender chicken drumsticks with creamy risoni pasta, mushrooms, and leeks, creating a flavor explosion that's both comforting and satisfying. Get ready to discover a one-pan wonder that will make your taste buds dance and simplify your cooking routine.
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Chicken and Risoni Bake
🎥Video Recipe:
📖Printable Recipe:
Chicken and Risoni Bake
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 6-8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup sliced leek
- 200 g 7 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 ½ risoni pasta
- 600 ml 20 fl.oz chicken stock
- 150 ml 5 fl.oz full-fat cream
- 1 lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- salt and pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
- Drizzle chicken drumsticks with olive oil and season with salt. Bake for 20 minutes.3 tablespoon olive oil, 6-8 chicken drumsticks, salt and pepper
- Saute mushrooms with some olive oil, salt and pepper for 5 minutes, add leeks, cook for 7 minutes more or until leeks are soft. Mix in lemon zest, garlic and thyme, cook for 30 seconds.3 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup sliced leek, 200 g 7 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced, 1 lemon, salt and pepper, 2 garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon thyme
- Combine vegetables with pasta, transfer into a casserole dish. Top pasta with half-cooked chicken, pour cream and stock over and bake for 30 more minutes.1 ½ risoni pasta, 150 ml 5 fl.oz full-fat cream, 600 ml 20 fl.oz chicken stock
Video
Nutrition
📋Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 6-8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup sliced leek
- 200 g (7 oz) cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 ½ risoni pasta
- 600 ml (20 fl.oz) chicken stock
- 150 ml (5 fl.oz) full-fat cream
- 1 lemon (zest)
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- salt and pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
🔪How Do I Make It?
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
Drizzle chicken drumsticks with olive oil and season with salt. Bake for 20 minutes.
Sauté mushrooms with some olive oil, salt and pepper for 5 minutes, add leeks, cook for 7 minutes more or until leeks are soft. Mix in lemon zest, garlic and thyme, cook for 30 seconds.
Combine vegetables with pasta, transfer into a casserole dish. Top pasta with half-cooked chicken, pour cream and stock over and bake for 30 more minutes.
🍽What Do I Serve With This Casserole Dish?
Pairing your Chicken and Risoni Bake with the right sides can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Here are some delightful options to consider:
Fresh Green Salad
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the rich and creamy flavors of the Chicken and Risoni Bake. The crispness of fresh greens adds a refreshing contrast to the dish, making it a well-rounded meal. Toss together some lettuce, spinach, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, and drizzle with a homemade lemon vinaigrette for a burst of tanginess.
Garlic Bread
Who can resist the allure of warm, buttery garlic bread? It's the ideal side to soak up the delicious sauce from the Chicken and Risoni Bake. You can make your own by spreading a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and parsley onto slices of baguette, then toasting them in the oven until golden and crispy. The combination of flavors will leave you craving more.
Steamed Vegetables
For a lighter and healthier option, serve your casserole with a side of steamed vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, and carrots work wonderfully with this dish. The natural sweetness of the vegetables enhances the savory notes of the Chicken and Risoni Bake, creating a balanced and nutritious meal. Plus, it's an excellent way to add more vitamins and minerals to your plate.
⏲️Chef's Tip
To make your Chicken and Risoni Bake even more flavorful and mouthwatering, make sure you follow these tips:
Use High-Quality Ingredients
The success of any dish relies on the quality of its ingredients. Opt for organic, free-range chicken drumsticks to ensure tenderness and a richer taste. Fresh, locally sourced vegetables, such as leeks and cremini mushrooms, will also enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Don't skimp on the olive oil - choose a high-quality extra virgin variety for the best results.
Season Generously
Seasoning is key to bringing out the best in your Chicken and Risoni Bake. When prepping the chicken drumsticks, be generous with the salt and pepper. This will help to develop a tasty crust on the chicken as it bakes. Additionally, don't be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices. A sprinkle of paprika or a pinch of rosemary can add depth and complexity to the dish.
Cook Pasta Al Dente
Risoni pasta, also known as orzo, should be cooked al dente for the perfect texture. Since it will continue to cook in the oven, you want to avoid overcooking it on the stovetop. Al dente pasta will retain a slight bite, ensuring that your Chicken and Risoni Bake has the ideal balance of creamy and slightly firm textures. Be sure to follow the recommended cooking time on the pasta package.
💭Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the Chicken and Risoni Bake, along with answers to help you out:
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken drumsticks are recommended for their juiciness and flavor, you can use other cuts of chicken if you prefer. Chicken thighs, for instance, are a great alternative and will work just as well in this recipe. Just be mindful of cooking times, as different cuts may require adjustments to ensure they are cooked through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken and Risoni Bake ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days. You can partially cook the chicken and sauté the vegetables in advance. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. When it's time to serve, simply pop it into the preheated oven and bake as directed. This dish also reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
If you're looking to make a dairy-free version of the Chicken and Risoni Bake, you can easily swap out the full-fat cream for a plant-based alternative. Coconut cream or almond milk can be used as substitutes, providing a similar creamy texture without the dairy. Be sure to choose unsweetened varieties to maintain the savory flavor of the dish.
🥘More Easy Casseroles
Nothing bakes up like chicken in a casserole. I love how it's always tender and moist, with a light flavor that becomes imbued with the flavor of the dish you're trying to achieve. That's why I pulled together all these delicious chicken casserole recipes:
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