French Onion Risotto with Grilled Chicken
This French Onion Chicken Risotto combines two comforting favorites into one delicious meal! Creamy risotto is filled with slowly caramelized onions, garlic, savory beef broth, and Parmesan cheese.
To make it a complete meal, each serving is topped with a juicy grilled chicken breast and melted reduced-fat Swiss cheese. It has all the delicious flavors of French onion soup with the added benefit of lean protein.
The best part is that you can enjoy this restaurant-inspired meal without relying on heavy cream or lots of butter. The Arborio rice creates a naturally creamy texture, while the caramelized onions add plenty of flavor.
The Ingredients
Chicken Breast: Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and maintain muscle. Protein also helps keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal. It’s relatively low in fat, especially when skinless.
Arborio Rice: Arborio rice provides carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy for the body. It also contains small amounts of protein and minerals. While it isn’t a whole grain, it provides the creamy texture of risotto without needing heavy cream.
Yellow Onions: Onions contain antioxidants, including quercetin, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress. They also provide fiber and natural prebiotics that support healthy digestion.
Reduced-Sodium Beef Broth: Beef broth adds rich flavor without requiring extra butter or oil. Choosing a reduced-sodium variety helps keep the overall sodium content lower. It also provides some minerals, depending on the brand.
Light Butter: Light butter provides buttery flavor with less fat and fewer calories than regular butter, making it a useful option when trying to lighten up recipes.
Garlic: Garlic contains beneficial plant compounds, including allicin, which has been studied for its potential heart-health benefits. It also adds plenty of flavor without needing additional salt.
Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds savory, umami flavor, helping create a rich taste without adding much fat. Using a small amount keeps the added calories modest.
Thyme: Thyme is an herb that contains antioxidants and adds flavor without adding significant calories, fat, or sodium.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan provides protein and calcium, which are important for muscle function and bone health. Because it has a strong savory flavor, a small amount can add a lot of taste.
Reduced-Fat Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese provides protein and calcium while offering a little less fat than many full-fat cheese varieties. It melts beautifully over the chicken and gives the recipe its French onion soup-inspired flavor.
Click here to track the points on your Weight Watchers app. The full nutrition information can be found at the bottom of the recipe card.
How to Make French Onion Risotto with Grilled Chicken
Melt the light butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown. Add a tablespoon of water if they begin sticking.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the Arborio rice and stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted and coated with the onion mixture.
Add about 1/2 cup of warm beef broth. Stir until most of the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding broth about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently before adding more. Cook for approximately 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and creamy.
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spray a grill pan or outdoor grill with cooking spray. Grill the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Set aside.
To the risotto, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
Top each grilled chicken breast with one slice of reduced-fat Swiss cheese. Place under the broiler briefly until the cheese melts.
Divide the risotto evenly among four serving bowls. Top each serving with a grilled chicken breast and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes! Chicken broth will work, but beef broth gives this recipe a deeper flavor that more closely resembles traditional French onion soup.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Reduced-fat mozzarella or provolone would also work. I like Swiss because it gives the dish that familiar French onion flavor.
Can I make the risotto ahead of time?
Risotto is best served fresh because it thickens as it sits. You can caramelize the onions ahead of time to make dinner preparation easier.
French Onion Risotto with Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, to taste
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup water, as needed
- 1 tablespoon light butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Melt the light butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown. Add a tablespoon of water if they begin sticking.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add the Arborio rice and stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly toasted and coated with the onion mixture.
- Add about 1/2 cup of warm beef broth. Stir until most of the liquid is absorbed. Continue adding broth about 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently before adding more. Cook for approximately 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and creamy.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spray a grill pan or outdoor grill with cooking spray. Grill the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Set aside.
- To the risotto, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Top each grilled chicken breast with one slice of reduced-fat Swiss cheese. Place under the broiler briefly until the cheese melts.
- Divide the risotto evenly among four serving bowls. Top each serving with a grilled chicken breast and serve.
Notes
Here are some more Weight Watchers friendly recipes:
Grilled Chicken with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich (Chick-fil-A Copycat)
Creamy French Onion Chicken Orzo
Are you looking for a meal plan that’s low carb and Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 300 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!
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