If you’re looking for a dinner that’s equal parts comforting and impressive, Boursin Orzo with Chicken absolutely needs a spot at your table. Creamy, garlicky orzo wraps around tender chicken breasts, vibrant spinach, and just the right sprinkle of cheese, making every bite both cozy and restaurant-worthy. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special—delicate orzo soaks up all the Boursin cheese goodness, while chicken keeps things hearty and satisfying. It’s my go-to for weeknights and gatherings alike whenever I want to wow the crowd and still get dinner on the table fast!

Boursin Orzo with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Boursin Orzo with Chicken lies in its simplicity: everyday staples come together to create big flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in the dish’s creamy texture, layered taste, and downright irresistible aroma!

Olive Oil: Adds silky richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully for extra flavor in every bite.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy, and the perfect canvas for all the seasonings and creamy sauce to shine.
Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with lovely savory notes—don’t be tempted to skip!
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a gorgeous pop of color to the finished dish.
Salt: Essential for balancing and intensifying every other flavor.
Black Pepper: Brings a welcome hint of heat to complement the richness.
Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta is the star—soaks up the creamy sauce and binds everything together.
Chicken Broth: Cooks the orzo, lending loads of savory depth.
Heavy Cream: Makes the whole dish lusciously silky and indulgent.
Boursin Cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs): The magic ingredient for a creamy, herby finish you’ll crave!
Fresh Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and freshness; wilts perfectly into the sauce.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): Layers on extra umami and sharpness—perfect for cheese lovers.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Brings a final hit of color and herby fragrance right before serving.

How to Make Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning both sides generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple blend gives the chicken an irresistible flavor and a touch of color that will stand out in the creamy orzo.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and let it sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you move onto the orzo.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want all those yummy chicken bits!), pour in your dry orzo. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes as it toasts and picks up a gorgeous nutty aroma. This extra step brings even more flavor into your Boursin Orzo with Chicken.

Step 4: Add Broth and Cook the Orzo

Pour in the chicken broth, give everything a good stir, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let the orzo cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring every now and then. The orzo should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed, creating a risotto-like base.

Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Boursin Cheese

Turn the heat to low and add the heavy cream along with the Boursin cheese, crumbling the cheese as you go. Stir and watch as everything melts together into a creamy, garlicky sauce that perfectly coats every piece of orzo. This is when the magic of Boursin Orzo with Chicken really happens!

Step 6: Add the Spinach

Toss in the chopped fresh spinach. It will wilt down quickly, adding beautiful green flecks and a little earthiness to the dish. Cook for just 1 to 2 minutes—don’t let the spinach overcook, you want it just tender.

Step 7: Return the Chicken

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the creamy orzo on top. Let everything heat through for a couple minutes so the flavors fully meld and the chicken is piping hot.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan and fresh parsley over the top for that final finishing touch. Serve your Boursin Orzo with Chicken straight from the skillet and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Boursin Orzo with Chicken

Garnishes

I’m all about the finishing touches! A generous dusting of grated Parmesan gives a salty, umami hit, while a shower of fresh parsley brings color and freshness. You could even shave a little lemon zest on top for brightness if you’d like.

Side Dishes

Boursin Orzo with Chicken is deliciously rich, so I love serving it with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some roasted asparagus to balance things out. A crusty baguette never hurts for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try slicing the chicken and fanning it over the orzo for an elegant presentation. Or, serve the orzo and chicken in deep bowls and let folks add their own garnishes—think sundried tomatoes, more herbs, or even toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Boursin Orzo with Chicken tastes just as dreamy the next day! Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but it’s easy to get back its creamy texture.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce is best fresh, you can freeze portions if you like. Place cooled Boursin Orzo with Chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat Boursin Orzo with Chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The key is to warm everything slowly so the sauce doesn’t split and the chicken stays moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in Boursin Orzo with Chicken and bring a bit more richness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

What can I substitute for Boursin cheese?

If you can’t find Boursin, a mixture of softened cream cheese with minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs can give you a similar creamy, herby result. Go for about 5 ounces, just like the original.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can lighten Boursin Orzo with Chicken by swapping out heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk and using less cheese, though the sauce will be a bit less rich—still delicious, though!

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Stir in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or even cherry tomatoes along with the spinach to add more color, flavor, and nutrition to your Boursin Orzo with Chicken.

What type of orzo should I use?

Any standard orzo pasta will work well for this recipe. If you prefer, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free orzo—just adjust cooking times slightly and add extra liquid if needed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving creamy comfort that doesn’t compromise on flavor, I can’t recommend Boursin Orzo with Chicken enough. It’s easy enough for a hectic weeknight, yet fancy enough for company—the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Give it a spin, and I promise, your dinner table is about to get even more delicious!