The creamy, herb-infused goodness of Boursin chicken creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with promises of comfort and luxury. This restaurant-quality dish combines tender chicken breasts with the rich, garlicky notes of Boursin cheese for a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together with surprising ease. Boursin chicken transforms ordinary chicken into a memorable dining experience that works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. You’ll learn how to create perfectly juicy chicken enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Boursin chicken recipe stands out as a crowd-pleaser for numerous compelling reasons. First, the contrast between the golden-brown, slightly crispy exterior of the chicken and the lusciously creamy sauce creates a textural symphony that delights with every bite. The Boursin cheese melts into a silky sauce that clings to the chicken, infusing it with herbs and garlic that elevate the humble chicken breast to gourmet status.
The beauty of this dish lies in its impressive presentation coupled with its remarkable simplicity. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal that looks and tastes like it required hours of preparation. The recipe is wonderfully versatile, pairing beautifully with everything from roasted vegetables to fluffy rice or pasta.
For home cooks seeking flavor without fuss, Boursin chicken delivers that perfect balance of sophisticated taste and straightforward preparation. The ingredients are readily available, making this an accessible luxury you can enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients
For this delectable Boursin chicken recipe, you’ll need:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs variety)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
The star ingredient, Boursin cheese, is a soft, creamy French cheese infused with herbs and garlic that melts beautifully into the sauce. For best results, use chicken breasts of even thickness (about ¾-inch thick) to ensure uniform cooking. The combination of chicken broth and heavy cream creates the perfect base for the velvety sauce that defines this dish.
Pro Tips
Properly Prepare Your Chicken: For the juiciest Boursin chicken, ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness by gently pounding thicker parts with a meat mallet. This not only promotes even cooking but also tenderizes the meat. Room temperature chicken sears more effectively than cold chicken straight from the refrigerator, so let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
Perfect Your Searing Technique: The key to developing maximum flavor is achieving a golden-brown crust on your chicken. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan heated to medium-high heat. Once you place the chicken in the pan, resist the urge to move it for at least 4-5 minutes to allow proper caramelization. Only flip once to maintain that perfect crust.
Master the Sauce Consistency: For the ideal sauce texture in your Boursin chicken, add the cheese in small pieces rather than all at once and whisk constantly until smooth. If your sauce becomes too thick, thin it with additional chicken broth one tablespoon at a time. For extra richness, mount the sauce with a tablespoon of cold butter at the very end, whisking it in off the heat for a glossy finish.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and begins to foam slightly. Carefully place the chicken in the hot pan and sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 2: Create the Base for Your Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these bits contain concentrated flavor that will enhance your Boursin chicken sauce.
Step 3: Develop the Creamy Sauce
Add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning to the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it begins to reduce slightly. Break the Boursin cheese into small chunks and add them to the simmering liquid, whisking constantly until the cheese completely melts and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes to warm the chicken through and allow it to absorb some of the sauce’s flavors. Garnish your finished Boursin chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite sides to soak up the delicious sauce.
Variations
Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Chicken: Transform your Boursin chicken by adding 2 cups of fresh spinach and ¼ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce just before returning the chicken to the pan. The spinach will wilt into the creamy sauce while the sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tart flavor contrast that complements the creamy Boursin perfectly. This Mediterranean-inspired variation adds beautiful color and additional nutrients to the dish.
Mushroom Boursin Chicken: For an earthy, umami-rich version, sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix) in the pan after removing the chicken and before adding the garlic. Cook the mushrooms until golden brown and they’ve released their moisture, then proceed with the sauce as directed. The mushrooms add a wonderful texture contrast and make the dish even more substantial and satisfying.
Lemon Herb Boursin Chicken: Brighten up your Boursin chicken recipe by adding the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce along with 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like thyme, tarragon, or dill. This variation offers a lighter, more citrus-forward profile that’s perfect for spring and summer meals while still maintaining the dish’s signature creaminess.
Storage and Serving
Boursin chicken stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Refrigerate any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat or in a microwave at 50% power to prevent the sauce from separating and the chicken from becoming tough. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to revive the sauce’s consistency.
For serving, this versatile dish pairs wonderfully with numerous sides. Try it over buttered egg noodles or al dente pasta, which provides the perfect vehicle for the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside roasted asparagus, haricots verts, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Create an elegant presentation by slicing the Boursin chicken on a bias and fanning it over a bed of garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, then drizzling the sauce overtop and finishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and cracked black pepper.
FAQs
Can I use other flavors of Boursin cheese?
Absolutely! While the Garlic & Fine Herbs variety is classic for Boursin chicken, you can experiment with other flavors like Shallot & Chive or Cracked Black Pepper for different taste profiles. Each variety will bring its unique character to the dish while maintaining the signature creaminess.
What can I substitute for Boursin if I can’t find it?
If Boursin is unavailable, use 4 ounces of cream cheese mixed with 1 teaspoon of herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning, plus an extra clove of minced garlic. While not identical to the Boursin chicken recipe, this will create a similarly creamy, herb-infused sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Boursin chicken up to a day ahead. Reheat it covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, Boursin chicken naturally fits keto guidelines as it’s low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein. Just be sure to pair it with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in more tender meat. Adjust cooking time accordingly (usually 2-3 minutes longer per side) and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Conclusion
This Boursin Chicken is comfort food at its finest — creamy, aromatic, and surprisingly simple to create despite its restaurant-quality impression. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion without demanding hours in the kitchen. The way the herb-infused cheese melts into a velvety sauce that coats each bite of tender chicken creates a meal that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. Whether you’re cooking to impress guests or simply treating yourself to something special, this Boursin Chicken delivers satisfaction in every bite.
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Boursin Chicken Recipe
Description
Creamy Boursin cheese melts into tender chicken breasts, creating a restaurant-worthy dinner that’s surprisingly easy and ready in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs variety)
1 cup chicken broth
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and foaming.
- Add chicken breasts to the hot pan and sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Break Boursin cheese into chunks and add to the simmering liquid, whisking until completely melted and smooth.
- Simmer sauce for another 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top, and simmer for 1-2 minutes more.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.