• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pure and Simple Nourishment
  • About
    • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
    • My Food Philosophy
    • Press and Publications
    • Contact
  • Free Resources
  • Recipes
    • Holidays
      • Fall
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
    • Breakfast
    • Main Course
    • Dessert
    • Sauces and Dips
    • Side Dish
    • Drinks
    • Vegetables
    • Snack
    • Meat and Fish
    • Recipe Wrap-Ups
    • SCD
    • GAPS
    • Whole30
    • AIP
    • Vegan
    • Paleo
    • Dairy-Free
    • Gluten-Free
    • Low FODMAP
    • Refined-Sugar-Free
  • Health
    • Health Information
    • Book Club
  • Nutrition
  • Favorites
    • Books
    • Tools
    • Skincare
  • Work With Me
    • Services
    • Skin Care Quiz
    • Contact
  • Skin Care
  • Weekly Workouts
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Mother's Day
  • Recipes
  • Health Information
  • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
  • Services
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Mother's Day
    • Recipes
    • Health Information
    • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
    • Services
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Main Course

    The Best Chicken and Leek Risotto

    Modified: Apr 7, 2025 • Published: Jan 3, 2021 by Dr. Erin Carter • This post may contain affiliate links • 4 Comments

    2829 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This is the best chicken and leek risotto recipe. This healthy risotto is rich and creamy, and is made with butter, leeks, chicken, spices and green peas to give it the most amazing flavour and texture. You will also love how easy it is to make!

    A bowl of creamy chicken leek risotto with peas and a spoon in it.

    Healthy comfort food like veggie packed meat sauce, healthy sloppy Joes and creamy dairy free potato soup are some of my favourites to make, which is why I am so excited for you to try the risotto recipe I am sharing with you today.

    Table of Contents
    • What makes this recipe special:
    • Ingredients and substitutions:
    • Recipe variations and add ins:
    • How to make chicken and leek risotto:
    • Top Tips:
    • Chicken and leek risotto FAQs:
    • Other recipes you will love:
    • Recipe

    What makes this recipe special:

    • The flavour! The combination of butter, chicken, broth and spices gives this dish the best taste. It's also so rich and creamy with the most delectable texture.
    • It's easy to make in one pot so the clean up is so simple, just like my healthy pumpkin risotto.
    • This leek and chicken risotto makes great leftovers and freezes well so it's perfect for meal prep.
    • This healthy chicken risotto is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free too. It's also made without white wine.

    If you love recipes made with rice you will want to try my easy tuna fried rice.

    Ingredients and substitutions:

    For the full ingredient list and exact measurements refer to the recipe card later in this post.

    Jump to the Recipe Card.
    • Arborio rice - this is the best rice to make risotto with. It absorbs liquid really well to ensure that your risotto turns out so creamy and rich. Instead of Arborio rice you could also use Carnaroli rice, Vialone rice, Nano rice, or Baldo rice.
    • Chicken stock or chicken broth - this gives this risotto such a rich flavour. You could swap this for vegetable stock or beef stock too. 
    • Leeks - a great alternative to onions, leeks give this dish a distinct flavour. If you don't have leeks you could use white or yellow onion instead.
    • Frozen peas - to add a little colour and help make this healthy risotto taste even better. 
    • Chicken breasts - to add protein and make this risotto recipe a complete meal. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
    • Fresh garlic - these help kick up the flavour in this recipe even more. If you don't tolerate fresh garlic you could swap this for a bit of garlic infused olive oil instead.
    • Herbs and seasonings - dried sage, thyme, sea salt, and ground black pepper combine perfectly to give this risotto the most amazing flavour.

    Recipe variations and add ins:

    • Feel free to add other ingredients such as cooked bacon, ham, bell peppers, spinach or mushrooms to make this chicken and leek risotto even more delicious. 
    • To make this risotto dairy-free: swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter.
    • If you tolerate dairy you can top this risotto with a little parmesan cheese when you are ready to serve it.
    • If you are serving a crowd feel free to double or triple this recipe.

    How to make chicken and leek risotto:

    A pot with chicken pieces being cooked in it.
    1. Step 1: First, place a large pot or stockpot on the stove on medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped chicken pieces and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every couple minutes to cook all sides of the chicken evenly.
    A pot with chicken pieces and chopped leaks being cooked in it.
    1. Step 2: Next, add the chopped leeks and minced garlic to the pot and cook for a couple more minutes, until the leeks are tender.
    A pot with rice in it and broth being poured into the pot.
    1. Step 3: Now add the rice, stock, and spices to the pot and stir everything well to combine. Turn down the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes with the lid on, stirring every few minutes to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
    A pot filled with cooked rice with frozen green peas being poured into it.
    1. Step 4: Lastly, stir in the frozen peas, and then turn off the heat and put the lid back on the pot. Let the rice sit for a few minutes to allow the peas to warm up and the rice to become even more soft and tender. Then serve and enjoy!

    Top Tips:

    • Not all types of rice work for risotto - besides Arborio you could use Carnaroli, Vialone, Nano, or Baldo rice. Just note that I have not tested this recipe with any other type of rice so you may need to adjust the cooking time if you try a different one.
    • Make sure you stir the risotto regularly when it's cooking so that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot.
    • For best results be sure to leave the lid on for a few minutes after you add the frozen peas to help the peas warm up and allow the rice to become even more soft and tender.
    A bowl filled with chicken and leek risotto with green peas with a fork taking some of the risotto out of the bowl.

    Chicken and leek risotto FAQs:

    Is risotto healthy?

    That really depends on what you add to your risotto or what you cook it in. This particular risotto recipe is filled with healthy ingredients like chicken, chicken stock and green peas, making it a healthy and complete meal.

    What types of rice can you use to make risotto?

    The most common type of rice used is Arborio but you can also use other short grain rices including Carnaroli, Vialone, Nano, and Baldo.  Short-grain rice has a high starch content and tends to absorb less liquid, resulting in a thicker, more creamy risotto.

    How should I store this risotto?

    Store any leftover chicken leek risotto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Can I freeze this risotto?

    Yes. This risotto freezes really well in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

    Other recipes you will love:

    • A bowl of dairy free rice pudding with a spoon in it and topped with raisins and chopped pecans.
      The Best Dairy Free Rice Pudding (so easy!)
    • A bowl of orange ginger chicken stir fry over cauliflower rice with a fork next to the bowl.
      Orange Ginger Chicken Stir Fry
    • A pan filled with a chicken and vegetable stir fry with broccoli and chopped bell peppers.
      Healthy Gluten-free Chicken Stir Fry (paleo & Whole30)
    • A bowl filled with cauliflower fried rice filled with chopped vegetables including bell peppers, carrots and broccoli.
      The Best Gluten Free Cauliflower Fried Rice (paleo & Whole30)

    Since you made it this far we are basically best friends so be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok and Facebook where I share even more recipes and healthy living tips! And don’t forget to leave this recipe a star review before you go!

    Recipe

    A bowl of chicken and leek risotto with a fork scooping some risotto out of the bowl.

    Chicken and Leek Risotto

    This chicken and leek risotto is so creamy and rich! With the addition of green peas this dish makes the perfect meal or side dish that your whole family will love.
    4.72 from 28 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner, Main Course, Meat, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, British, Italian
    Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 557kcal
    Author: Dr. Erin Carter

    Equipment

    • Large pot or stockpot

    Ingredients

    • 3 tablespoon butter (use coconut oil for dairy free)
    • 2 chicken breasts, chopped into bite sized pieces
    • 2 cups chopped leeks
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 1/2 cups arborio rice
    • 5 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
    • 1/2 tsp sea salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon dried sage
    • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1/2 cup frozen peas

    Instructions

    • Place a large pot on the stove on medium heat and add the butter. Once melted add the chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning every couple minutes to cook all sides of the chicken evenly.
    • Add the chopped leeks and minced garlic and cook for a couple more minutes, until the leeks are tender.
    • Add the arborio rice, stock and spices and stir well to combine. Turn down the heat and let it simmer for 20-22 minutes with the lid on, stirring every few minutes to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
    • Stir in the frozen peas, turn off the heat and put the lid back on the pot. Let the rice sit for a few minutes to allow the peas to warm.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    1. Nutritional values are an estimate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. 
    2. To make this recipe dairy free, use coconut oil instead of butter.
    3. Store this dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 557kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 873mg | Potassium: 930mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 933IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 6mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @pureandsimpleno or tag #pureandsimpleno!

    DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jane

      March 23, 2023 at 9:04 pm

      Hi can you use 1/2 butter 1/2 coconut oil ?

      Reply
      • Erin Carter

        April 03, 2023 at 5:50 am

        I haven't personally tried that so I can't guarantee any results but I would think it would work. If you do try it please let me know how it turns out.

        Reply
    2. Sabrina Miller

      October 07, 2022 at 7:27 pm

      Hi! Can this be frozen?5 stars

      Reply
      • Erin Carter

        October 28, 2022 at 6:20 am

        Oh to be honest I haven't tried. I imagine it would freeze ok but the next time I make it I will test it out!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Dr. Erin Carter wearing a floral dress in her kitchen.

    Hi everyone!

    My name is Dr. Erin Carter and I am so thrilled you are here. I am a physician with specialties in both internal medicine and rheumatology, and I believe that food and healthy living are forms of medicine. In my spare time I share health information and delicious, healthy recipes here on Pure and Simple Nourishment.

    More about me

    Mother's Day Recipes

    • A pan filled with cooked dairy free scalloped potatoes garnished with fresh thyme.
      Dairy-Free Scalloped Potatoes (gluten-free, vegan & paleo)
    • A lemon lavender cookie on a baking sheet with a bite out of it and surrounded by lemon slices.
      The Best Lemon Lavender Cookies (gluten-free option)
    • A stack of five cassava flour chocolate chip cookies.
      Cassava Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies (egg-free, gluten-free)
    • A jar of raspberry chia pudding topped with fresh raspberries and white chia seeds.
      5 Ingredient Raspberry Chia Pudding
    • A bowl of coconut whipped cream.
      Easy Coconut Whipped Cream (vegan, dairy-free)
    • A glass dish filled with a bacon and vegetable egg casserole.
      The Best Bacon and Vegetable Egg Casserole

    Health Info

    • Four women in their underwear with the title The Best Non Toxic Period Underwear over them.
      10 Non-Toxic Period Underwear Brands - PFAS Free
    • Pots and pans stacked on top of each other in black and white with the title "is ceramic cookware safe?" above them.
      Is Ceramic Cookware Safe? Which Brands Are & Which Brands Aren't
    • A collage of many different sunscreen bottles with the title The Best Safe Sunscreens Over them.
      The 11 Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens of 2025 (tried and tested)
    • A collage of body washes with the title "Non-Toxic Body Washes" over them.
      The 9 Best Non-Toxic Body Washes of 2025 (Tried & Tested)

    Popular Recipes

    • A paleo apple pie bar with a bite out of it and pieces of cooked apples beside it.
      The Best Healthy Apple Pie Bars (gluten-free, vegan & paleo)
    • A gluten free burger in a bun with lettuce, tomato and ketchup.
      The Best Gluten-Free Burgers Recipe (so juicy!)
    • A loaf of gluten free chocolate chip banana bread cut into pieces.
      The Best Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (dairy free & paleo)
    • A paleo chocolate chip zucchini muffin with a bite out of it.
      Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins (dairy-free & paleo)
    • A bowl of Whole30 asian coleslaw with dressing being poured on it.
      The Best Healthy Asian Coleslaw Salad
    • A jar of berry cheesecake overnight oats topped with fresh berries with a spoon in it.
      The Best Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats

    Footer

    featured on:

    Sign up for emails and updates!

    Sign me up!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Contact
    • Services
    • ↑ back to top

    Some of the links on this website are affiliate links whereby we make a small percentage if you purchase the product through that link. It does not cost you anything extra and helps us keep this website running. As an Amazon associate we earn a small percentage from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Pure & Simple Nourishment - Powered by Feast+

    2829 shares
    2829 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required