This elegant Boursin Chicken is a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly simple to make at home. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and bathed in a rich, creamy sauce featuring the distinctive flavor of Boursin cheese. It's an impressive dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Boursin Chicken recipe will quickly become a family favorite for several reasons. First, it's incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy Boursin cheese, savory chicken broth, and rich heavy cream creates a sauce that's absolutely divine – silky, flavorful, and perfect for spooning over the juicy chicken breasts. Plus, this is a one-pan wonder that starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven, minimizing cleanup time. The elegant presentation and complex flavors will make your dinner guests think you spent all day cooking, when in reality, you'll have this impressive dish on the table in under an hour.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide the perfect canvas for the rich, creamy sauce in this recipe. They cook up tender and juicy, absorbing all the wonderful flavors around them. For best results, try to select chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking.
Olive oil helps create that beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken, adding both color and flavor. It has a higher smoke point than some other oils, making it ideal for the initial high-heat cooking stage.
Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken. Don't be shy here – proper seasoning makes a world of difference in the final dish.
Butter adds richness to the sauce and helps create a silky texture. Its slightly nutty flavor complements the Boursin cheese beautifully.
Chicken broth forms the savory foundation of the sauce, adding depth while helping to deglaze the pan and incorporate all those delicious browned bits from cooking the chicken.
Heavy cream creates that luxurious, velvety texture that makes this dish so special. Its richness balances perfectly with the tangy notes from the cheese.
Boursin garlic and herb cheese is the star ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive flavor profile. This soft, creamy cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, infusing it with notes of garlic and herbs that elevate the entire dish.
Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish. The vibrant green color and subtle herbaceous flavor cut through the richness of the sauce and add visual appeal.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Boursin cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
This Boursin Chicken recipe yields 4 generous servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. Each serving contains approximately 485 calories, providing a satisfying main course that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
The recipe comes together in just 40 minutes total – 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. This efficiency makes it an excellent option for weeknight dinners when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Variations
Sun-Dried Tomato Boursin Chicken: Add ¼ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a tangy, sweet complement to the creamy cheese.
Spinach and Mushroom Boursin Chicken: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and 2 cups of fresh spinach before making the sauce, then incorporate them for a vegetable-rich variation.
Lemon Herb Boursin Chicken: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness.
Bacon Boursin Chicken: Cook 4 slices of bacon until crisp, crumble, and add to the sauce for a smoky flavor profile.
White Wine Boursin Chicken: Replace half the chicken broth with dry white wine for a more complex, sophisticated sauce.
Spicy Boursin Chicken: Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a gentle heat that balances the creaminess.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover Boursin Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly when chilled, but this is normal.
Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, be aware that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. If you choose to freeze it, store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating in the Oven: For best results, reheat Boursin Chicken in a 325°F oven. Place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Reheating on the Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Microwave Reheating: If you're in a hurry, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel and heat on 70% power in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring the sauce occasionally.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They're naturally more moist and flavorful than breasts, but they may require slightly different cooking times. Sear them as directed, but you might need to adjust the oven time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I substitute for Boursin cheese if I can't find it?
If Boursin isn't available, you can substitute a combination of 4 ounces of softened cream cheese mixed with ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, dried parsley, dried chives, and a pinch of dried thyme. Alternatively, goat cheese or mascarpone mixed with herbs will provide a similar creamy texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Boursin Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure to check your chicken broth label to ensure it doesn't contain any gluten additives.
What side dishes pair well with Boursin Chicken?
This rich, creamy chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a fresh salad. For a more substantial meal, serve it with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare this dish a few hours ahead and reheat it gently before serving. However, for the best texture and flavor, it's preferable to make it just before you plan to eat. The sauce may thicken upon standing, so you might need to thin it with a little chicken broth when reheating.
What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?
If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish after completing the stovetop steps. Cover with foil and bake as directed in the recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy products for its signature creamy texture and flavor. While you could attempt it with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and dairy-free cheese, the result would be quite different from the original dish.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The most reliable way to check chicken doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. The chicken should register 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a breast – the meat should be opaque and white throughout with no pink remaining.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or peas would all be delicious additions. Add heartier vegetables like mushrooms during the initial sauté stage, and more delicate items like spinach or peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
What type of white wine works best if I want to add it to the sauce?
If incorporating wine, choose a dry, crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or unoaked Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines as they can make the sauce too sweet. Remember that the alcohol will cook off, leaving just the flavor behind.
Conclusion
Boursin Chicken represents comfort food at its finest – simple yet sophisticated, familiar yet special. The creamy, herb-infused sauce transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal that feels like a special occasion, even on a busy weeknight. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility – it's equally appropriate for a casual family dinner as it is for entertaining guests.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of flavors and textures: tender, juicy chicken paired with a velvety, richly flavored sauce that's impossible to resist. The garlic and herbs from the Boursin cheese infuse every bite with aromatic complexity, while the cream provides luxurious richness.
Master this Boursin Chicken recipe, and you'll have a reliable, impressive dish in your cooking repertoire that brings restaurant-quality dining to your home table with minimal effort. Serve it with your favorite sides, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy a meal that feels special, no matter the occasion.
Boursin Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A creamy and savory chicken dish featuring Boursin cheese that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This easy recipe combines succulent chicken with a rich, flavorful cheese sauce.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon butter
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic and herb cheese
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Boursin cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute Boursin cheese with other herb-flavored cream cheese if desired.
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
