Creamy Chicken Boursin Orzo Bake: A Comfort Food Delight

This Creamy Chicken Boursin Orzo Bake is the ultimate comfort food dish. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly creamy, and surprisingly easy to make. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo pasta, and the irresistible tang of Boursin cheese come together in a symphony of deliciousness that will have your family begging for seconds. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create such a satisfying and memorable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and is straightforward to follow, even for beginner cooks.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The Boursin cheese infuses the entire dish with its signature herby, garlicky, and creamy goodness.
* **Comfort Food at Its Best:** Warm, cheesy, and packed with carbs, this bake is the ultimate comfort food experience.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This bake reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Orzo Pasta:** The base of our bake. Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. Use regular or whole wheat orzo, depending on your preference.
* **Chicken Breast:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the protein of choice. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
* **Boursin Cheese:** The star of the show! Boursin cheese is a soft, creamy cheese infused with garlic and herbs. It adds a ton of flavor and creates a wonderfully creamy sauce. Choose your favorite Boursin flavor, like Garlic & Fine Herbs, Shallot & Chive, or Pepper.
* **Chicken Broth:** This provides the liquid for cooking the orzo and helps create a flavorful sauce. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Heavy Cream:** Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
* **Onion:** Adds a savory base flavor to the dish. Use a yellow or white onion.
* **Garlic:** Enhances the flavor of the Boursin cheese and adds another layer of savory goodness.
* **Olive Oil:** For sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the dish to taste.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, cooked bacon, Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme).

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** A large skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for cooking the chicken, sautéing the vegetables, and simmering the orzo.
* **9×13 Inch Baking Dish:** For baking the orzo mixture in the oven.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For prepping the vegetables and chicken.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Preparation (15 minutes)**

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Prepare the chicken:** Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
3. **Chop the onion and garlic:** Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
4. **Optional: Prepare your add-ins:** Chop any vegetables you plan to add, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

**Cooking the Chicken and Orzo (25 minutes)**

5. **Cook the chicken:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
6. **Sauté the onion and garlic:** Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
7. **Add the orzo and broth:** Stir in the orzo pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. **Stir in the Boursin cheese and cream:** Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If using half-and-half, add it now.
9. **Add the chicken and optional add-ins:** Stir in the cooked chicken and any optional vegetables you are using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**Baking (20 minutes)**

10. **Transfer to baking dish:** Pour the orzo mixture into the prepared baking dish.
11. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden brown.
12. **Optional: Add topping:** During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can sprinkle Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs over the top for added texture and flavor.

**Serving (5 minutes)**

13. **Let it rest:** Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving.
14. **Garnish:** Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or thyme, if desired.
15. **Serve:** Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

* **Use different protein:** Instead of chicken, try using shrimp, sausage, or cooked ham.
* **Add more vegetables:** Feel free to add any vegetables you like to this recipe. Some great options include spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, zucchini, and asparagus.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.
* **Use different cheese:** If you can’t find Boursin cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs.
* **Add some spice:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use gluten-free orzo pasta.
* **Make it ahead of time:** You can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Breadcrumb Topping:** Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese for a crunchy topping. Sprinkle over the orzo bake before baking.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a touch of brightness by adding lemon zest to the orzo mixture.
* **Wine:** Adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the onion and garlic will enhance the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken Boursin Orzo Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad or Caesar salad.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Garlic Bread:** For soaking up the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the orzo bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Storage:** Store leftover orzo bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal (the texture of the orzo may change), you *can* freeze the bake. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 550-650 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

Creamy Chicken Boursin Orzo Bake Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup orzo pasta
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 5.2 ounce package Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor recommended)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins: 1 cup chopped spinach, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers, etc.
* Optional topping: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, chives, thyme)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Add onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in orzo and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until orzo is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in Boursin cheese and heavy cream until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Stir in cooked chicken and any optional vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden brown. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
9. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.
10. Enjoy!

Enjoy Your Creamy Chicken Boursin Orzo Bake!

This Creamy Chicken Boursin Orzo Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked orzo make for a truly satisfying meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and add-ins to create your own unique version. Happy cooking!