Save to Pinterest Golden, crispy arancini filled with creamy chicken and rice, perfect as a savory appetizer or satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- For the Filling: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 small onion finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 cup cooked chicken breast finely shredded, 1 cup arborio rice, 2 & ½ cups chicken stock, ½ cup dry white wine, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, Salt and black pepper to taste
- For Breading: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs beaten, 1 & ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- For Frying: Vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Step 2:
- Stir in arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes allowing the grains to toast lightly.
- Step 3:
- Pour in white wine and stir until mostly absorbed. Add chicken stock one ladle at a time stirring frequently and letting the liquid absorb before adding more. Continue until the rice is creamy and al dente about 18–20 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Remove from heat. Stir in shredded chicken Parmesan mascarpone parsley salt and pepper. Mix until creamy. Let the mixture cool to room temperature then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
- Step 5:
- With damp hands scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chilled mixture and roll into balls.
- Step 6:
- Set up a breading station place flour beaten eggs and panko breadcrumbs in three separate bowls.
- Step 7:
- Roll each ball in flour dip in egg then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Step 8:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the arancini in batches for 3–4 minutes turning occasionally until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 9:
- Serve hot optionally with marinara sauce or aioli.
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Save to Pinterest Recipe FAQs
- → What rice is best for creamy arancini?
Arborio rice is preferred for its creamy texture and ability to absorb flavors while holding shape well during cooking.
- → How do I ensure the arancini hold together when frying?
Chilling the rice and chicken mixture before shaping and thoroughly breading with flour, egg, and panko helps maintain structure during frying.
- → Can I add cheese inside the arancini?
Yes, placing a small cube of mozzarella inside each ball before breading adds a delicious melted center.
- → What oil is recommended for frying arancini?
Vegetable oil is ideal due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, allowing for even, crispy frying.
- → How should arancini be served for best taste?
Serve hot with optional accompaniments like marinara sauce or garlic aioli to complement the crispy exterior and creamy filling.
- → Can leftover cooked chicken be used for the filling?
Absolutely, leftover roast chicken works well and adds convenience without compromising flavor.