Looking for a weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes? This Boursin Orzo with Chicken is your answer. It’s cozy, creamy, and full of flavor thanks to the magic of Boursin cheese — that rich, herbed, spreadable cheese that melts into a luscious sauce. Paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked orzo pasta, this dish is one-pan comfort food at its finest.
The orzo absorbs the flavors of garlic, herbs, and juicy seared chicken while staying tender and creamy — a meal that tastes like it came straight from a bistro kitchen, but is made easily at home.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups orzo pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onion for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the orzo
Add the uncooked orzo to the pan and stir to coat it in the onion-garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Add Boursin and chicken
Stir in the Boursin cheese until melted and creamy. If using, add heavy cream and Parmesan for extra richness. Fold the cooked chicken back into the pan.
5. Finish and serve
If adding spinach or kale, stir it in now until wilted (about 1–2 minutes). Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
🍽 Nutrition Info (per serving – serves 4)
- Calories: 560
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on added cream or greens.
✅ Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time — just fold it in after the orzo is cooked.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Want it lighter? Use light Boursin and skip the heavy cream.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp side salad
- Pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
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