If you are craving a dish that feels both indulgent and effortlessly elegant, this Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, golden chicken breasts perfectly seared and bathed in a luxuriously creamy sauce infused with the rich, herby flavors of Boursin cheese. It’s a simple recipe that transforms a weeknight dinner into something truly special, with every bite delivering a warm hug of flavor that feels homemade yet restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly quick to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, and each one plays a crucial role. From the juicy chicken breasts that form the base, to the aromatic garlic that layers flavor, and the silky cream and Boursin cheese that create the sauce’s signature richness, everything comes together beautifully with just a handful of essentials.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts for uniform cooking and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps get that perfect golden crust on the chicken.
- 1/2 cup Boursin cheese (garlic & fine herbs): This creamy, flavorful cheese is the soul of the sauce, bringing herby, garlicky goodness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Provides the luscious texture and luxurious mouthfeel that make the sauce irresistible.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and balances the richness of the cream.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brightens and intensifies the sauce with its aromatic punch.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors together.
- Fresh thyme, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a light herbal note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This step ensures your chicken will cook evenly and develop a gorgeous golden crust that locks in juices and flavor.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Generously sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts. Arrange them in the hot skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink inside, juicy, and inviting.
Step 3: Remove Chicken and Sauté Garlic
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for roughly one minute until fragrant. This quick step unlocks the warm, pungent aromas that elevate the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Boursin Sauce
To the garlic, add Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This combination melts into a silky sauce packed with herbal and creamy goodness.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Allow the sauce to simmer for about five minutes. During this time, it will thicken slightly, becoming the perfect consistency to coat the chicken beautifully without overpowering it.
Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Sauce
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the luscious sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, warming the chicken through and allowing it to soak up those delicious flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Finish
Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the skillet just before serving. This final touch not only brightens the flavors but also adds a lovely visual appeal, inviting everyone to dig in.
How to Serve Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme is the star garnish here, providing a subtle herbal lift that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. If you love a bit of color and extra texture, thinly sliced green onions or a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper also work wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles soak up the sauce effortlessly, while roasted or steamed vegetables add freshness and balance. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a brilliant contrast to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the chicken sliced on a bed of buttery polenta with sauce drizzled artfully over the top. Alternatively, plating each breast whole with a generous spoonful of sauce and scattered herbs creates a rustic yet refined look. Don’t forget to serve with warm crusty bread for mopping up every last bit of that divine sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, let the chicken cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce might thicken upon refrigeration but reheats beautifully with a little gentle stirring.
Freezing
This Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe freezes well, too. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to retain flavor and texture, and reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly and loosen the sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating helps maintain that perfect, creamy consistency without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and will add a little extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can cook quicker or slower depending on their size.
Is Boursin cheese essential, or can I substitute another cheese?
Boursin cheese is the magic behind the signature flavor here, but if you can’t find it, a creamy garlic-and-herb cheese spread or a soft goat cheese mixed with herbs can be a good alternative.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture and flavor, so it’s a bit tricky to adapt. However, using coconut cream and a dairy-free garlic herb spread could work for a similar effect, though the flavor profile will differ.
How can I make this recipe for a larger crowd?
Simply multiply the ingredients based on the number of servings you need. Cooking the chicken in batches or using a larger skillet will help ensure even cooking and keep the sauce rich and creamy.
What wine pairs best with Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the creamy, herby sauce beautifully. These wines balance richness with vibrant acidity, making each bite even more delightful.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe is a genuine showstopper that feels fancy but is easy enough for any night of the week. Its winning combination of tender chicken and smoky-herb cream sauce makes it a comforting yet elevated dish you’ll want to come back to again and again. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner classic!
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Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
Tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy Boursin cheese sauce flavored with garlic and fine herbs. This easy stovetop recipe is ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and elegant dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Boursin cheese (garlic & fine herbs)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in the Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth into the skillet. Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer sauce: Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a creamy, flavorful base.
- Return chicken to skillet: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce and coat them thoroughly. Simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the chicken with fresh thyme sprigs before serving to add a burst of herbal aroma and visual appeal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes to make a complete meal.
- If Boursin cheese is unavailable, cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs can be used as a substitute.
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly sized to cook uniformly.
