Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies Recipe
This creamy Boursin Orzo Bake with Chicken and Veggies is a comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and garlicky Boursin cheese. The orzo simmers in flavorful chicken broth until perfectly tender, then is baked to creamy perfection with spinach and Parmesan. Easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, it makes a delicious dinner for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Cheese
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
Seasoning and Fats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the orzo and chicken mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium heat. Add the diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Toast the Garlic and Orzo: In the same pan, add minced garlic and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked orzo and toast for an additional minute to enhance its flavor.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Place the Boursin cheese in the center of the mixture.
- Combine and Bake Covered: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix slightly to combine. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the orzo to cook and absorb the flavors.
- Add Spinach and Parmesan, Then Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and stir in baby spinach and Parmesan cheese, if using. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 5 to 10 minutes until the orzo is tender and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs or breast depending on your preference.
- Adding the Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and creaminess.
- If you don’t have fresh basil or parsley, dried herbs can be used, but fresh is recommended for garnish.
- The dish can be prepared ahead up to step 5 and refrigerated before baking.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the Boursin with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and omit the Parmesan.
Keywords: Boursin orzo bake, chicken and veggies, creamy orzo casserole, one-pan dinner, easy baked chicken recipe, garlic herb cheese recipe
