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Baked Chicken and Orzo with Broccoli, Boursin, and Lemon Recipe

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4.2 from 50 reviews

This comforting Baked Chicken and Orzo casserole combines tender, seasoned chicken with creamy orzo pasta, fresh broccoli, and rich Boursin cheese. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a golden cheesy topping, this one-dish meal is flavorful, creamy, and perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Seasoning Mix

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Chicken and Base

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 16 ounces uncooked orzo
  • 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • 4 cups small broccoli florets

Cheese and Garnish

  • 1 package (5.3 oz) Boursin cheese, garlic & fine herbs
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons sliced chives, plus more for garnish
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Combine Seasonings: In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly.
  3. Season Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with half of the seasoning mixture. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Add the remaining seasoning mixture, finely diced shallot, minced garlic, uncooked orzo, chicken broth, heavy cream, and half of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the baking dish. Stir everything together thoroughly until combined. Press the orzo down into the broth so that it is fully submerged.
  5. Add Broccoli and Boursin: Evenly scatter the broccoli florets over the top of the mixture. Nestle the entire block of Boursin cheese in the center, gently pressing it down so it is partially submerged in the liquid.
  6. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The Boursin cheese will become soft and melty.
  7. Finish Casserole: Remove the foil and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and sliced chives to the dish. Stir everything together to combine; the softened Boursin will melt into the orzo and broth, creating a creamy sauce. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Broil: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the Parmesan melts and turns a golden brown color.
  9. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra sliced chives for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve warm and enjoy!
  10. Share the Love: If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a 5-star rating and review to spread the word!

Notes

  • Make sure the orzo is fully submerged in the broth before baking to ensure even cooking.
  • Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to confirm it is 165°F for safe consumption.
  • For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the dish may be less creamy.
  • Feel free to swap broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or asparagus depending on preference.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/baked-chicken-and-orzo-with-broccoli-boursin-and-lemon-recipe/