If you love creamy, herby dishes that are quick to whip up and packed with flavor, then you are going to fall head over heels for Boursin Chicken. This dish is all about juicy, tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy Boursin cheese sauce that’s bursting with garlic, herbs, and a bit of tang. It’s an elegant meal that feels special enough for a dinner party but is simple enough to make on a weeknight. You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket because it’s the perfect way to elevate your usual chicken routine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Boursin Chicken is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually super easy to make. The star of the show is, of course, the Boursin cheese—a soft, spreadable cheese that’s blended with garlic, herbs, and spices. When you melt it into a creamy sauce, it creates a dreamy coating for the chicken. The result is a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly comforting. Whether you’re serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad, this chicken dish will steal the show!
Ingredients
(Note: A full list of ingredients is provided below)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Boursin cheese (garlic and herb flavor)
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts (or thighs) generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside to rest while you make the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken. Once the broth is simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Now, add the Boursin cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts into the sauce. The sauce should become thick, creamy, and rich. If you want to add an extra touch of flavor, throw in some fresh thyme or rosemary at this point. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to warm through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the chicken on a plate with a generous spoonful of the creamy Boursin sauce. You can garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a little extra cracked pepper if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: If you prefer more flavor and juiciness, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They will stay tender and flavorful, and the sauce will cling beautifully to the chicken.
- Make It Lighter: If you want to lighten things up, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute the Boursin cheese with a lower-fat cheese. The flavor might be slightly different, but it’ll still be delicious.
- Add a Little Kick: For a little extra heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce when you’re simmering the chicken broth.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Herb Variations: While Boursin cheese is already packed with garlic and herbs, feel free to add fresh chopped herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: If you’re going meat-free, you can substitute the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms. Just cook them until golden and tender before adding the sauce.
- Different Cheeses: If you’re not a fan of Boursin, you can use other soft cheeses like goat cheese, cream cheese, or even a mild ricotta. These alternatives will create a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will change a bit.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Boursin Chicken is rich and creamy, so it pairs perfectly with a lighter side dish. Serve it with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to balance the richness. You can also go for a fresh salad with a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess of the sauce. For something heartier, mashed potatoes or a fluffy rice pilaf would soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to the desired consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, store them separately, and then reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Just be careful not to overcook the chicken when reheating.
2. Can I use Boursin cheese in a different flavor?
Absolutely! Boursin comes in several flavors like Shallot and Chive, or even a version with black pepper. Feel free to experiment with different varieties to find your favorite flavor combination.
3. Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?
Yes, you can definitely use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken will take a little longer to cook through.
4. What if I can’t find Boursin cheese?
If you can’t find Boursin cheese, you can use a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs to make your own herbed cheese base. It won’t have exactly the same flavor, but it will still make a creamy, herby sauce for the chicken.
Conclusion
Boursin Chicken is the perfect dish for those days when you want something creamy and indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken and a rich, herby cheese sauce makes for an unforgettable meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
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Boursin Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, French
Description
Boursin Chicken is a creamy, herby chicken dish smothered in a rich Boursin cheese sauce. Bursting with garlic, herbs, and a touch of tang, it’s quick to make and packed with flavor. This dish feels special enough for a dinner party but is simple enough for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 4 breasts (about 6 oz each)
- Boursin cheese (garlic and herb flavor) – 8 oz (1 package)
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (240 ml)
- Chicken broth – 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Olive oil – 1-2 tablespoons (for cooking)
- Garlic – 2 cloves (minced)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional) – 1-2 sprigs (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper – to taste (about 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper)
Instructions
-
Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside to rest. -
Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce:
In the same skillet, add more olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and simmer. Stir in heavy cream and let it thicken for 2-3 minutes. Add Boursin cheese and stir until melted into the sauce. Add fresh herbs (optional) and season with salt and pepper. -
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. -
Serve:
Serve the chicken with a generous spoonful of creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or cracked pepper if desired.
Notes
- Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for added flavor and juiciness.
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and choose a lower-fat Boursin cheese.
- Add Heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg