Cheesy Chicken Orzo Bake

If you’re looking for a delicious, hearty meal that’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight, look no further!

This Cheesy Chicken Orzo Bake is the perfect combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and flavorful orzo pasta, all baked together in a single dish. With the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, along with a creamy Boursin cheese center, this one-pan wonder is a true comfort food classic that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

The best part? Minimal prep and cleanup—making it an ideal choice for a hassle-free, satisfying dinner.

What Makes This Dish a Winner in My Household?

Let me tell you, this Cheesy Chicken Orzo Bake has become a staple in my home! It’s one of those meals that hits the sweet spot for both simplicity and comfort—plus, the fact that it all cooks in one dish is a major bonus (less cleanup!). My family absolutely loves it. The creamy Boursin cheese melts right into the orzo, creating a rich and flavorful sauce that wraps around each bite. And don’t even get me started on the sun-dried tomatoes—they add the perfect burst of tangy sweetness that balances everything out.

Even my picky eaters went back for seconds, which is a huge win in my book. This bake is hearty enough to be satisfying but still feels light and fresh thanks to the spinach and lemon juice. It’s quickly become a go-to comfort meal that everyone looks forward to, and I love that I can throw it together in under an hour. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on regular rotation in your kitchen too!

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Orzo Bake:

1. Chicken Breast:

   • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into small, even pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. You can also substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier, richer flavor.

2. Orzo Pasta:

   • Orzo is a rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.

3. Boursin Cheese:

   • The star of this dish! Boursin is a creamy, herb-flavored cheese that melts into the orzo, creating a luscious sauce. If you can’t find Boursin, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs and garlic.

4. Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

   • These add a punch of concentrated sweetness and tang. Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a softer texture, or rehydrate dry-packed ones in hot water before using.

5. Spinach:

   • Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. You can also use frozen chopped spinach—just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.

6. Chicken Broth & Water:

   • Using a combination of chicken broth and water keeps the dish flavorful without overwhelming it. You can replace water with more broth for a richer taste.

7. Lemon Juice:

   • Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the cheese. If you want a milder flavor, use half the lemon or skip it.

8. Seasonings (Italian Seasoning & Paprika):

   • Italian seasoning adds a classic herb blend, while paprika gives a touch of warmth and color. Adjust to your preference or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat!

Print

Cheesy Chicken Orzo Bake

Yield 3-4

Author Kim Alexander

Prep time

10 Min

Total time

10 Min

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tbsp paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 (5.2 oz) package of Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs)
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1.5 cups uncooked orzo pasta
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra cheesiness)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large baking dish, toss the diced chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Add in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Stir until everything is mixed evenly.
4. Make a small well in the center and place the Boursin cheese in the middle.
5. Pour the lemon juice, chicken broth, and water around the dish, ensuring it’s distributed evenly.
6. Add the orzo, spreading it around the dish and making sure it’s submerged in the liquid.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the orzo is tender. Halfway through baking, you can gently stir around the cheese to combine it into the sauce.

Notes

• Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. This helps avoid undercooked or overcooked pieces.
• If using a different type of pasta, check the cooking instructions. Some may require more or less liquid, so adjust accordingly.
• Keep an eye on the bake towards the end of the cooking time. Orzo can become mushy if overcooked, so it’s better to test for doneness a couple of minutes before the timer goes off.
• For extra flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving. They add a pop of color and freshness.
• For a creamier texture, stir the Boursin cheese into the dish halfway through baking. This allows the cheese to melt into the orzo more thoroughly.
• Allow the dish to sit for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier as it firms up slightly.
• If you want to switch things up, try adding shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top before baking for a golden, cheesy crust.
• This dish makes excellent leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

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