Creamy Chicken Orzo with Boursin Cheese: A Weeknight Dinner Delight
Looking for a weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-worthy meal? Look no further than this creamy chicken orzo with Boursin cheese recipe. With clever techniques and rich layers of flavor, this dish is sure to impress.
The dish starts with chicken thighs seasoned simply and cooked skin side down in a cast-iron skillet until the fat renders and the skin turns golden and crisp. At the same time, broccolini roasts in the oven until tender and slightly charred, adding both efficiency and balance to the meal. Once browned, the chicken is nestled into the skillet with toasted orzo and simmering broth, allowing the pasta to absorb savory flavors as everything finishes in the oven.
The real star of this dish is the creamy garlic-and-herb Boursin cheese melted into the orzo, along with fresh thyme and lemon zest. The result is luxuriously creamy pasta with a subtle tang, balanced by the brightness of citrus and herbs. The crispy chicken provides hearty satisfaction, while the broccolini contributes freshness and crunch.
What makes this dish so appealing is its combination of indulgence and ease. While the flavors are layered and sophisticated, the preparation requires only a handful of pantry staples and smart cooking techniques. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner, a meal to impress guests, or simply a new weeknight favorite, this recipe delivers elegance with efficiency. It’s proof that a balanced, complete meal can be both simple and spectacular.
If you’re wondering what Boursin cheese is, it’s a soft, spreadable cow-milk cheese from France blended with garlic, herbs, and spices for a rich, creamy flavor. Its texture melts beautifully into sauces, pasta, and spreads, making it versatile and indulgent. If you can’t find Boursin, you can substitute it with whipped cream cheese or goat cheese mixed with garlic and fresh herbs. Alternatively, mascarpone or ricotta blended with garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and dried chives can provide a similarly creamy base with a slightly milder taste.
For those who prefer chicken breasts, you can easily substitute them for thighs in this recipe. Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for the best results. The bone helps the meat cook evenly and stay moist, while the skin develops a crispy, golden crust. Boneless, skinless breasts will work but are more prone to drying out. Adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
Some tips from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen include roasting the broccolini while browning the chicken for maximum efficiency, starting the chicken skin side down in a cold skillet for the crispiest results, and stirring in the Boursin off the heat for the creamiest orzo.
To pair this creamy chicken orzo with Boursin cheese, consider a crisp, citrus-driven white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino. These wines cut through the richness of the cheese and chicken while complementing the lemon zest and thyme.
This recipe, developed by Giovanna Vazquez, is a delightful weeknight dinner option that combines elegance with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and simple preparation.
