- Crispy chicken thighs, creamy orzo, and roasted broccolini create a complete meal with balanced textures and flavors in just one pan.
- Garlic-and-herb Boursin cheese melts into the orzo for a rich, velvety pasta that’s brightened with lemon zest and thyme.
- Smart cooking techniques, like starting the chicken in a cold skillet and roasting the broccolini separately, make this dish both efficient and elegant.
This creamy chicken orzo with Boursin cheese is a weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy thanks to its clever technique and rich layers of flavor. The dish begins 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 flavor as everything finishes in the oven.
The real star here 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.
What is Boursin cheese?
Boursin is 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 both versatile and indulgent. If you can’t find Boursin, substitute 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.
Yes, you can use chicken breasts
You can easily substitute chicken breasts for thighs in this recipe, but for the best results, choose bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. The bone helps the meat cook more evenly and stay moist, while the skin locks in flavor and develops a crispy, golden crust. Boneless, skinless breasts will work in a pinch, but they are more prone to drying out. Adjust the cooking time as needed, checking that the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
Notes from the Food & Wine Test Kitchen
- Roast the broccolini while browning the chicken for maximum efficiency.
- Starting the chicken skin side down in a cold skillet guarantees the crispiest results.
- Stirring in the Boursin off the heat yields the creamiest, most luxurious orzo.
Suggested pairing
2023 Los Milics Jules’ Vermentino. This creamy chicken and orzo pairs beautifully with a crisp, citrus-driven white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino, which cuts through the richness of the cheese and chicken while complementing the lemon zest and thyme.
This recipe was developed by Giovanna Vazquez; the text was written by Breana Killeen.
