Boursin Orzo Chicken Recipe

Creamy Boursin Orzo Chicken Recipe: A Comforting Family Feast

When the comfort of creamy boursin orzo chicken hits your palate, pure culinary magic unfolds.

Tender chicken pieces nestle into a bed of silky, herb-infused orzo pasta.

The boursin cheese melts seamlessly, creating a luxurious sauce that coats every single grain.

Weeknight dinners rarely taste this elegant and satisfying.

Each forkful promises a blend of rich, creamy textures and savory herbs.

Simple ingredients come together to craft an extraordinary meal that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Dive into this delectable dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly spectacular.

FAQs

  • What is orzo?

Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian cooking. It looks like rice but is actually a type of pasta made from wheat flour.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?

Yes, you can substitute Boursin with cream cheese or goat cheese for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

  • How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and replace it with extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to keep the protein content high.

Boursin Orzo with Chicken Features

Boursin Orzo with Chicken Features
  • Speedy Comfort Meal: Whip up a delicious, creamy chicken and orzo dish that comes together quickly with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Versatile Kitchen Magic: Perfect for using leftover chicken, adapting with different vegetables, and satisfying both adults and kids with its rich, cheesy goodness.
  • One-Pot Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a single-pot recipe that combines protein, pasta, and greens in one delightful, stress-free cooking experience.
  • Gourmet-Meets-Simple Charm: Elevate your weeknight dinner with a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive but requires basic cooking skills and everyday ingredients.

Boursin Orzo with Chicken Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Orzo: A small, rice-shaped pasta that creates a creamy and comforting base for this dish.
  • Chicken: Protein that adds substance and hearty flavor to the orzo recipe.
  • Boursin Cheese: A soft, creamy French cheese that provides rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a deep, savory flavor profile for the dish.
Liquid and Supporting Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall taste of the orzo.
  • Spinach: A fresh, green vegetable that adds color, nutrition, and a light, earthy note to the recipe.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Create a flavorful base for sautéing and add richness to the dish.

Cooking Steps for Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Cooking Steps for Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat a combination of oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions and let them dance around the pan until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Toast Pasta Perfection

Add minced garlic and orzo to the pan.

Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes, allowing the orzo to develop a golden, nutty aroma that will elevate the entire dish’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth into the pot, watching it bubble and interact with the toasted orzo.

Maintain a gentle simmer while stirring frequently.

Keep an eye on the liquid, adjusting heat to ensure smooth cooking for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Cheese Transformation

Introduce Boursin cheese to the pan, stirring until it completely melts and creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every single orzo grain.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Remove the pot from heat.

Gently fold in:
  • Fresh spinach leaves
  • Cooked chicken pieces

Cover the pot and let it rest for 5 minutes.

The residual heat will wilt the spinach and warm the chicken, creating a perfectly harmonious one-pot meal.

Orzo and Chicken Cooking Tips

  • Toast orzo carefully to develop a nutty, rich flavor without burning, which adds depth to the entire dish.
  • Stir Boursin gradually and off the heat to prevent separation and ensure a creamy, smooth texture.
  • Add fresh spinach at the end and let residual heat gently wilt leaves, maintaining their bright green color and nutrients.
  • Use pre-cooked chicken and let it warm through with residual heat to prevent overcooking and drying out the meat.
  • Adjust simmering heat to prevent liquid from evaporating too quickly, ensuring orzo cooks evenly and absorbs flavors.

Boursin Orzo Chicken Flavor Options

  • Vegetarian Orzo Swap: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or cubed extra-firm tofu for a plant-based protein option.
  • Mediterranean Style: Substitute Boursin with crumbled feta cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free orzo or quinoa instead of traditional orzo pasta to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
  • Spicy Herb Variation: Incorporate red pepper flakes and fresh herbs like basil or parsley to boost flavor complexity and add a zesty kick.

Serving Boursin Orzo Chicken Bowls

  • Cozy Family Dinner: Serve this creamy orzo directly in warm, shallow bowls garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
  • Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Mound the orzo on a large white platter, arrange sliced chicken on top, and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for a sophisticated presentation.
  • Healthy Lunch Makeover: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers with a side of crisp mixed green salad for a balanced, protein-packed midday meal that reheats beautifully.
  • Gourmet Side Dish Twist: Pair this orzo with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to elevate the dish and add extra nutritional value.

Storing Boursin Orzo and Chicken

  • Store the Boursin orzo with chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Cover the container with a tight lid to maintain moisture and prevent the orzo from absorbing excess refrigerator odors.
  • Warm the dish in a microwave or skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore its creamy texture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
  • While technically freezable, the creamy Boursin cheese may separate or become grainy when thawed, so fresh preparation is recommended for the best taste and texture.
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Boursin Orzo Chicken Recipe

Boursin Orzo Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy Boursin orzo chicken brings Mediterranean comfort to your dinner table with its rich, cheesy embrace. Effortless preparation meets gourmet flavor, making you crave this simple yet elegant meal that promises pure culinary satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
  • 1 cup (200 g) uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2.5 cups (590 ml) chicken or vegetable broth

Protein and Vegetables:

  • 2 cups (280 g) cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
  • 2 cups (60 g) packed fresh baby spinach

Aromatics and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (5.2 ounces/150 g) package Boursin cheese, softened
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, melt butter and oil over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  2. Introduce minced garlic and orzo to the skillet, continuously stirring to achieve a golden-brown toasted appearance and release nutty aromatics, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Carefully pour chicken broth into the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  4. Reduce heat to low and incorporate Boursin cheese, stirring methodically until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy and smooth texture throughout the orzo.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and fold in fresh spinach and pre-cooked chicken pieces, covering the pan for 4-5 minutes to allow spinach to wilt and chicken to warm evenly.
  6. Fluff the orzo with a fork, ensuring all ingredients are well-distributed, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

  • Toast orzo carefully to prevent burning, stirring constantly for even golden color and nutty flavor enhancement.
  • Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels and allow Boursin’s creamy taste to shine through.
  • Swap chicken with tofu or white beans for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and texture.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth cooking flow and prevent overcooking delicate components like spinach.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 463
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 72 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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