If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Butternut Squash and Chicken Risotto Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, velvety risotto mingles beautifully with the sweet, roasted butternut squash and tender shredded chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a comforting autumn meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare but impressive enough to serve for dinner guests or a cozy family night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a small glass bowl filled with white rice placed near the center on a white marbled surface. To the left of the bowl, there is a whole brown onion and a green sage leaf lying flat. Behind the rice bowl, there is a clear glass jar filled with light golden liquid and next to it, a tall bottle with yellow oil. To the right of these items, a light orange butternut squash is resting on the surface. On the far right side, two clear glass salt and pepper shakers are placed side by side. The scene has soft natural light and everything is arranged neatly, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Butternut Squash and Chicken Risotto Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each plays a crucial role, whether it’s building that creamy risotto texture, adding savory depth, or introducing a pop of natural sweetness and color.

1 cup Arborio rice: The starchy grain that delivers risotto’s unmistakably creamy consistency.
1 tbsp olive oil: A smooth base to gently sauté the onions and toast the rice, adding subtle richness.
½ cup onion, diced: Offers a sweet, aromatic foundation that enhances every bite.
3 cups chicken broth, warmed: The gradual addition of broth cooks the rice perfectly while infusing savory flavor.
1 cup roasted butternut squash: Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant splash of autumn color.
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: Provides hearty protein and makes the risotto a complete meal.
¼ cup Parmesan: Brings a salty, nutty finish that enriches the creamy texture and brightens the flavors.

How to Make Butternut Squash and Chicken Risotto Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Toast the Rice

Start by heating your olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook them gently until translucent and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, stir in the Arborio rice to coat every grain with the oil and onions. Toasting the rice this way adds a lovely nutty depth that builds the base of your risotto’s flavor.

Step 2: Gradually Add Warmed Chicken Broth

Reduce the heat to medium-low and begin ladling in the warmed chicken broth one scoop at a time. Stir continuously, allowing the rice to absorb each addition before adding more. This patient process is key to developing that signature creamy texture. It usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender but still has a slight bite.

Step 3: Fold in Roasted Butternut Squash and Shredded Chicken

Once your rice reaches the perfect consistency, gently fold in the roasted butternut squash and shredded chicken. These ingredients bring wonderful colors and heartiness to the risotto. Stir everything together just until heated through—this maintains the squash’s lovely shape and the chicken’s tenderness.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan

Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir it in thoroughly to enrich the risotto with its creamy, salty charm. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of white wine in step two adds a subtle layer of complexity and brightness that elevates the dish even more.

How to Serve Butternut Squash and Chicken Risotto Recipe

The image shows two pieces of roasted chicken with crispy, golden brown skin, placed on top of a thick bed of yellow rice mixed with herbs and small green bits. The chicken pieces are positioned diagonally, one slightly in front of the other, with the rice filling the entire white plate beneath them. The texture of the chicken skin looks crunchy, with small dark seasoning spots visible, while the rice appears soft and moist. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple garnish can transform your risotto into something truly special. Freshly chopped parsley, a few grinds of black pepper, or even a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil highlight the flavors without overpowering the dish.

Side Dishes

Since this risotto is already rich and filling, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables adds freshness and balance to your meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also complement the creamy risotto perfectly if you’re in the mood for something more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve the risotto in shallow bowls with a small pile of microgreens on top. You could also portion it into warm ramekins for an intimate dinner setup. Either way, this dish always shines thanks to its vibrant colors and comforting texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Butternut Squash and Chicken Risotto Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, making it an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

Freezing risotto isn’t usually recommended because it can alter the creamy texture, making it a little grainy upon reheating. However, if you must freeze it, do so in small portions and consume within one month for the best quality.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of warm chicken broth or water to loosen the risotto, stirring gently over low heat to bring back that luscious creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth works well if you want to keep the dish lighter or vegetarian-friendly by swapping the chicken. It still provides plenty of flavor for the risotto.

Is Arborio rice necessary for this recipe?

Using Arborio rice is key for achieving the classic creamy texture of a risotto. While other short-grain or medium-grain rices can work, Arborio is best because of its high starch content.

Can I prepare the butternut squash in advance?

Yes, roasting the butternut squash ahead of time is a great time-saver. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it if you want to prep well in advance.

How do I know when the risotto is done?

The risotto is ready when the rice is tender with a slight bite—never mushy—and the consistency is creamy but not soupy. Taste testing is the best way to judge doneness.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A light to medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully. If you added a splash of white wine to cook the risotto, serving the same wine alongside keeps flavors harmonious.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash and Chicken Risotto Recipe is a soulful celebration of fall flavors wrapped up in a creamy, comforting dish. It’s perfect for impressing your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’s going to become one of your favorite cozy weeknight meals to come back to again and again.