If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinners without spending hours in the kitchen, this Chicken with Boursin Cheese Sauce Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luxuriously creamy sauce flavored with herby Boursin cheese and a subtle hint of garlic. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to pull together. Once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite that keeps people coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken with Boursin Cheese Sauce Recipe plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the rich creaminess of the Boursin cheese to the bright touch of fresh thyme, every element is essential for that unforgettable experience.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide a lean and tender canvas that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that ensures a golden sear and locks in moisture.
- 1/2 cup Boursin cheese (garlic & fine herbs): This herb-infused cheese is the star of the show, bringing a creamy, garlicky punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and helps thicken the sauce to the perfect velvety consistency.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Provides depth and balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor with its aromatic bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that highlight and enhance every ingredient.
- Fresh thyme, for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal note and beautiful color contrast.
How to Make Chicken with Boursin Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Start by warming a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This ensures a nice sear on the chicken breasts, which locks in juices and creates a beautiful golden crust that’s packed with flavor.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Next, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them carefully into the hot skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You want that perfect golden brown color, and the chicken should be cooked through while staying juicy on the inside.
Step 3: Set the Chicken Aside
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This step is important because it allows the sauce to take center stage without overcooking the chicken.
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant. This builds the base flavor of your sauce, giving it a warm and inviting aroma that sets the stage for the creamy elements to come.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce
Stir in the Boursin cheese along with the heavy cream and chicken broth. Mix everything until the cheese starts melting into the liquids, creating a luscious sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—you want it to get cozy and thick without boiling vigorous.
Step 6: Let the Sauce Thicken
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes. This step lets it thicken just enough to coat the chicken beautifully, delivering that indulgent texture without being too heavy or runny.
Step 7: Return Chicken to Sauce
Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce so they soak up some of that creamy goodness. Let everything simmer together for 3 to 4 more minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and full of flavor.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling fresh thyme over the top. It adds not only a burst of color but a subtle herbal lift that complements the rich sauce perfectly.
How to Serve Chicken with Boursin Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme is classic, but feel free to add a little cracked black pepper or even a few chopped parsley leaves for extra brightness. The garnishes add a lovely contrast in both color and freshness, making your plate inviting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, which soak up the sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a crisp mixed green salad bring balance and a pop of color to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually stunning plate, slice the chicken breasts slightly and fan them atop a bed of rice or pasta before drizzling the Boursin sauce over everything. This way, every bite lets the sauce mingle with the grains, delivering flavor from the first to the last forkful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken with Boursin cheese sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
Freezing
Although the sauce is creamy, you can freeze individual portions of the chicken and sauce together if wrapped tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge and use within one month for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or broth while reheating helps keep the sauce silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
Absolutely! While Boursin gives this recipe its signature herb and garlic flavor, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs and garlic powder or even goat cheese for a tangier twist.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides the richness and silky texture that makes the sauce so indulgent. You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, but the sauce will be thinner and less creamy.
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and often stay juicier. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the creamy, herbaceous flavors perfectly, balancing richness with bright acidity.
How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
To avoid splitting, simmer the sauce gently on low heat after adding the cream and Boursin. High heat can cause the cream to separate. Also, reheating slowly and stirring helps maintain a smooth sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Boursin Cheese Sauce Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire!
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Chicken with Boursin Cheese 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
A creamy and flavorful chicken dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, then smothered in a rich Boursin cheese sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of cream. This elegant yet simple skillet recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sophisticated meal for guests.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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, preparing the pan to cook the chicken evenly.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in the hot skillet for 6-7 minutes per side, until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through internally.
- Remove Chicken: Take the cooked chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not burnt, enhancing the flavor base for the sauce.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth into the skillet, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop a rich, creamy texture.
- Finish Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 3-4 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and infused with the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken with fresh thyme leaves before serving to add a fragrant herbal note and an appealing presentation.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- If Boursin cheese is unavailable, a soft herb and garlic cream cheese can be a substitute.
- For a lower fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad to complete the meal.
