Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe

If you crave a creamy, flavor-packed dinner that comes together quickly in one pan, Boursin Orzo with Chicken will have your weeknights sorted! This dish combines tender bites of seared chicken with silky, cheese-laced orzo and the fresh pop of spinach for a meal that feels downright cozy yet elevates everyday ingredients. The star, Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese, melts into the orzo and infuses every bite with its signature blend of herbs, garlic, and robust creaminess. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone at the table will be asking for seconds!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together to make Boursin Orzo with Chicken truly shine. Each component is chosen to add flavor, texture, or a hint of color, so don’t skip a thing — they all have an important part to play in this creamy, savory masterpiece!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 pound): Use your favorite cut for juicy, protein-packed bites that soak up all the flavor.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve that irresistible golden sear on the chicken and adds subtle richness.
• Orzo pasta (1 cup): This rice-shaped pasta cooks quickly and becomes ultra-creamy, perfect for soaking up all the cheesy goodness.
• Low-sodium chicken broth (2 cups): Keeps the dish from being too salty and infuses the orzo with deep, savory depth.
• Water (1/2 cup): Adds just enough extra moisture for perfectly tender orzo — no sticking or clumping.
• Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese (1 5.2 oz package): The hero of this dish, lending luxurious creaminess and herby, garlicky flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a nutty, salty bite that complements the creamy sauce.
• Fresh spinach, roughly chopped (2 cups): Sneaks in freshness and color while wilting seamlessly into the cheese sauce.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Layers in that extra punch of garlicky savoriness.
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Boosts the depth of flavor so every bite tastes savory and satisfying.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens and balances every flavor in the pan.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the dish.
• Optional: fresh parsley or lemon zest: Gives a pop of color and freshness to your final plating!

How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil warms up, season your chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on all sides. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the chicken, and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden-brown and cooked through. Scoop the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate for later — a little patience here keeps the meat juicy and flavorful!

Step 2: Toast the Orzo

Don’t skip this step: in the same skillet, add the dry orzo pasta and toast it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently until it’s just a shade golden. This brings out a subtle, nutty aroma in the orzo and keeps the finished dish tasting rich and satisfying.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth and the water, then use your spoon to scrape up those delicious browned bits left from cooking the chicken. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the orzo cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. By the end, most of the liquid will be absorbed and the orzo will have a lovely, tender bite.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese and Spinach

Lower the heat and add the Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese and the grated Parmesan. Stir slowly but steadily as the cheese melts into the orzo, creating that signature creamy sauce. Toss in your roughly chopped spinach and stir until it wilts — about 1 minute. The spinach will melt into the sauce, leaving just specks of green throughout.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return your cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet and give everything a gentle stir. Let it cook together for a final 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken is heated through. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Your Boursin Orzo with Chicken is ready to delight!

How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Garnishes

Boursin Orzo with Chicken loves a flourish of something fresh! Scatter chopped parsley, a pinch of lemon zest, or even a little extra grated Parmesan over the top just before serving. Not only does this add visual pop, but it also brings a new layer of bright flavor and aroma—a finishing touch that elevates the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This satisfying one-pan meal can easily stand alone, but if you want to round it out, start with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette. Alternatively, offer roasted seasonal vegetables or some crusty bread for scooping up the creamy sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop behind!

Creative Ways to Present

To impress at a dinner party, serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken in individual shallow bowls and top with a swirl of olive oil and microgreens. For family nights, bring the skillet right to the table for a warm and comforting serve-yourself vibe. Or try stuffing halved, roasted bell peppers with the orzo mixture for a colorful, make-ahead twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Boursin Orzo with Chicken makes terrific leftovers—just scoop any remaining portions into an airtight container and chill in the fridge. The orzo will continue to soak up flavor, and the chicken stays tender. Aim to enjoy within 3 to 4 days for best texture and taste.

Freezing

While it’s possible to freeze leftovers, keep in mind that creamy sauces can sometimes change texture when thawed. If you’d like to freeze, cool your Boursin Orzo with Chicken completely and pack it into freezer-safe containers. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To bring leftover Boursin Orzo with Chicken back to life, place it in a saucepan with a spoonful or two of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking or overcooking the chicken. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between blasts. Add a touch more Boursin cheese if you want to revive the creamy texture!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch?

Absolutely! Just shred or cube rotisserie chicken and add it as directed when returning the chicken to the pan. It’s a fantastic shortcut that still delivers all the flavor, and it makes this Boursin Orzo with Chicken recipe even faster.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes—simply omit the chicken and swap in vegetable broth for chicken broth. You can bulk up Boursin Orzo with Chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty, meat-free option.

What can I substitute for spinach?

If spinach isn’t your favorite, try baby kale, arugula, or even chopped broccoli florets. All will wilt down nicely and add freshness to Boursin Orzo with Chicken without overpowering the flavors.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Boursin Orzo with Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it a few hours in advance, store covered in the fridge, then gently reheat before serving. Stir in a splash of broth or milk while reheating to restore creaminess if needed.

Is there a gluten-free alternative to orzo for this dish?

Look for gluten-free orzo, rice-shaped pasta, or even use rice itself as a substitute. Just adjust the liquid amounts and cooking time to match your chosen ingredient, and you’ll still get the creamy, comforting magic of Boursin Orzo with Chicken.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, with creamy Boursin Orzo with Chicken impressing every time. It’s easy enough for busy nights but elegant enough for special occasions, so don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite go-to. I can’t wait for you to try it—your taste buds are in for a treat!

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