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Lombardy-Style Rice with Chicken

4 Servings

45 minutes

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This humble dish from the Lombardy region of northern Italy is known as riso alla pitocca. With familiar flavors and a creamy consistency from the starchiness of Arborio rice, it’s pure comfort food, Italian style. Riso alla pitocca is in some ways similar to risotto, but is simpler to cook because there’s no need to add liquid in multiple additions, nor for careful or continuous stirring. We do, however, stir the rice vigorously at the end, after the grains are tender, to help create a richer, thicker, more velvety consistency.

4

Servings

Tip

Don’t use chicken breasts, which are too lean and easily overcook. Chicken thighs are more flavorful, as well as more resistant to overcooking, so they’re the best choice for this dish.

45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1

    pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

Directions

Pardon the interruption

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Reviews
Brian R.
April 26, 2023
Easy and Delicious chicken and rice
I really like this recipe. The rice comes out very creamy. It’s also very easy and can be made with ingredients that I typically have on hand.
Eric B.
February 29, 2024
Excellent, easy, and forgiving
I’ve made this multiple times and it’s a family favorite, also nice enough for company!
Felix B.
September 7, 2023
Family Favorite
I’m working through Tuesday Mediterranean cookbook. This was the first I made because I had the ingredients on hand. Excellent flavor and colors. The chives at the end add a nice touch. The kids devoured it and it reheated nicely the next day.
Mary E.
October 20, 2023
OK but lacking in flavor.
Loved the simplicity but felt it was lacking in flavor. Perhaps some thyme, rosemary or sage would perk it up at bit.
Mary P.

I halved this recipe since it was only going to be me eating it and the leftovers. Unfortunately, I have realized I'm not a fan of chicken and rice, in whatever form.
I had to add a couple of tablespoons of water at the end of the 15 minutes because the rice was still a little al dente. The moisture was absorbed in the 5 minutes off-heat and I added the butter and cheese as directed.
This is tasty and flavorful and I was pleasantly surprised. However it will not be a repeat in my kitchen. The chicken thighs seemed to be a little rubbery, and I'm not sure if that was my cooking technique or the quality of the meat.