One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami for Quick Dinner

If you’re craving a meal that brings together comfort and convenience, look no further than the One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami. This dish perfectly blends tender chicken, the nutty texture of risoni (or orzo), bubbling cheese, and the punchy, crispy goodness of salami, all cooked together in one pot for an easy cleanup and even easier enjoyment. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful dinner solution that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying, cheesy, and savory meal without fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: Everything cooks in one pot, cutting down prep and cleanup time drastically.
• Flavor Explosion: Crispy salami adds a bold, savory crunch that elevates the tender chicken and creamy risoni.
• Comfort Food Vibes: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, this dish hits all the right comfort food notes.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable to different diets or ingredient swaps while maintaining deliciousness.
• Nutritious and Balanced: Protein-rich chicken combined with starchy risoni and flavorful extras for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Using straightforward yet impactful ingredients, this One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami ensures balanced flavors and textures with minimal fuss. Each component plays a big role: tender chicken for protein, risoni for that great bite, salami for crispiness, and cheese for a luscious finish.

• Chicken thighs: Bone-in or boneless, they offer juicy, tender meat that soaks up flavors beautifully.
• Risoni (orzo): Small rice-shaped pasta that cooks perfectly alongside the chicken, absorbing all the tasty broth.
• Crispy salami: Thinly sliced and pan-fried until crisp for a salty, crunchy boost.
• Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses risoni and chicken with deep savoriness.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, creamy finish melting into the risoni.
• Garlic and onion: Aromatics that build the flavorful base of the dish.
• Olive oil: For sautéing, it brings richness and helps crisp the salami.
• Fresh herbs: Parsley or basil brighten the dish with a fresh pop at the end.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes for subtle heat if you like.

Variations

Don’t hesitate to make the One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami your own. Whether you want to tweak things for dietary reasons or just mix up the flavors, this recipe is surprisingly flexible and forgiving.

• Swap Chicken for Turkey: Use ground or diced turkey breast for a leaner protein option without losing moisture.
• Vegetarian Friendly: Replace chicken with mushrooms or eggplant and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the cooking broth for heat.
• Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to keep it creamy yet allergy-friendly.
• Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella for gooey meltiness or Pecorino Romano for a sharper tang.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by slicing the salami thinly and prepping your chicken by seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Chop garlic and onions finely to maximize flavor release during cooking.

Step 2: Crisp the Salami

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Fry the salami slices until they turn delightfully crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

In the same pan with the salami fat, add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through. This locks in juices and builds a rich base flavor.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Toast Risoni

Add garlic and onions directly to the pan and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Next, stir in the risoni and toast slightly until it’s coated with oil and starting to color, which brings a nutty depth to the dish.

Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer until the risoni is tender and the chicken cooks through, about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Crispy Salami

Once the risoni is creamy and the chicken is perfectly cooked, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fold the crispy salami back into the pot. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami

• Use Bone-In Chicken: Adds extra flavor and juiciness to your dish.
• Don’t Skip Toasting: Toasting risoni before simmering enhances its nuttiness and texture.
• Control the Liquid: Keep an eye on the broth level; add a splash more if it absorbs too quickly.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit covered off heat for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce.
• Fresh Herbs Are Key: Sprinkle parsley or basil right before serving for brightness.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil to elevate each plate with color and flavor vibrancy.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the richness and add freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or cozy family meals, serve the dish in rustic casseroles or individual ramekins. You can also add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten flavors right before eating.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The risoni will soak up more liquid, so keep an eye on texture when reheating.

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove to avoid overcooking.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and retain creaminess. Microwave works too—cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but may cook faster and can become drier than thighs, so monitor cooking time closely to keep them juicy.

What can I substitute for risoni if I can’t find it?

You can use small pasta shapes like acini di pepe, orzo, or even small elbow macaroni as a substitute, though cooking times might vary slightly.

Is salami necessary for this recipe?

While salami adds a fantastic crispy, salty crunch, you can replace it with pancetta, bacon, or omit it entirely for a milder dish.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Skip the Parmesan cheese or swap it for a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the components separately ahead of time, but it’s best to combine and cook everything fresh to keep textures perfect. Leftovers store well as noted.

Final Thoughts

The One Pot Chicken Risoni with Crispy Salami delivers a delicious, speedy dinner that feels homemade and indulgent without the hassle. Its layers of flavor—from crispy salami to creamy Parmesan and tender chicken—make every bite satisfying. Give it a try tonight, and you just might find your new favorite weeknight comfort meal that’s as easy to love as it is to make.

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