If you love my Chicken Piccata and Lemon Chicken Pasta, just wait until you try Risotto Francese. We’re talking the creamiest, easiest risotto dish that’s dressed in an incredible egg-lemon-butter-Parmesan sauce! I also like it with chicken so I supply that as an easy option to toss in. This literally tastes like a delightful spring or summer day.
Instant Pot Risotto Francese
If you love my Chicken Piccata and Lemon Chicken Pasta, just wait until you try Risotto Francese. We're talking the creamiest, easiest risotto dish that's dressed in an incredible egg-lemon-butter-Parmesan sauce! I also like it with chicken so I supply that as an easy option to toss in. This literally tastes like a delightful spring or summer day.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter
- 1 large Spanish or yellow onion, diced
- 1 – 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, tenderloins or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces (optional)
- 2 cups arborio rice
- 5 cups chicken or garlic broth (e.g Garlic Better Than Bouillon)
- 4 large eggs
- Juice of 3 lemons
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ - 1/2 cup bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
- Add the butter to the Instant Pot, hit Sauté and Adjust so it's on the More or High Setting. Once melted and bubbling, add the onion and chicken (if using) and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions are lightly softened and the chicken is pinkish-white in color.
- Add the broth and stir everything together well, scraping the bottom of the pot to make sure it’s cleared of any browned bits. Add the rice, but do not stir. Just smooth it out with a spatula. Secure the lid, move the valve to the sealing position, hit Cancel and then hit Pressure Cook or Manual on High Pressure for 6 minutes. Quick release when done.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl whisk together the eggs and lemon juice.
- When the lid comes off the pot, give the risotto a stir. Hit Cancel followed by Sauté and Adjust so it’s on the More or High setting. Once it begins to bubble, pour in the egg mixture, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. This will ensure the egg is cooked through. Add the cream and Parmesan and stir until combined. Hit Cancel and serve topped with additional Parmesan and a twist of the juiced lemon peels, if desired.
Jeffrey's Tips
If you want shrimp, add some raw, peeled shrimp in Step 4 while adding the egg mixture.
Andrea
Would this recipe work without the egg for someone who has an egg allergy? I know that will obviously change the texture a bit and be less creamy.
Jeffrey
Sure will!
Mary Jona
I made this today after seeing you make it on here. OMG sooooo good! I used the garlic BTB and it was wonderful. I love lemony foods, so it really hit the spot! Thank you for this recipe, Jeffrey!
Angela
This looks amazing…but I am not a cheese eater. Would this work without the Parmesan?
Jeffrey
Sure can!
Brian
Just made this for dinner. After adding the egg and lemon, I put in 2 cups of chopped spiral ham and a can of mushrooms. Next time I will add spinach during the cooking phase. Another winner Jeffrey!
Hank
What is time if I double recipe
Lora Haddon
Does it have to be arborio rice? Will any other kind work?
Cristina
I just made this last night, and it was outstanding! I realized too close to dinner time that I had basmati and not Arborio. I said “here goes nothing!” and sent a prayer to Jeffrey…..it came out beautifully 🙂
Jeffrey
So glad! It’s also in my new, green book!
Wanda Kay Davis
Hi Jeffrey, so glad you created this recipe. I love your risotto and chicken piccata! Now you’ve combined both these delicious flavors. Would it work if I substituted coconut cream or coconut milk for the cream? I absolutely love many of your recipes & enjoy my instant pot cooking! Thank you for giving us so many incredibly easy & delicious recipes!
Robin
I make risotto quite often in my instant pot but I always toast the rice in olive oil or butter first. Why don’t you do that here?
Jeffrey
Because I don’t find it necessary. But don’t change what you do if thats how you like it!
Lisa Lamm
I think asparagus would be a great addition.
Elisabeth Smith
We made this for dinner tonight, and it was fabulous. I did toast the rice after sauteing shallots (instead of onions). I added a knob of butter at the end to finish it off. This one is a keeper!
Jeffrey
Absolutely fantastic!