Creamy Boursin Chicken

The first time I made this, I was running late and my sister had just dropped by unexpectedly. I grabbed a wheel of Boursin from the fridge, thinking I would just make something quick, and ended up with the creamiest, most luxurious chicken dish that has now become my go-to for surprise guests.

Last winter, my neighbor smelled this cooking through our shared wall and actually knocked on my door to ask what I was making. Now she requests it every time she comes over, and I always keep an extra wheel of Boursin in the fridge just in case.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pound them to even thickness so they cook uniformly and stay tender
• 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Season generously since this is your main chance to flavor the meat itself
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use this to get a good sear without burning the butter
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the chicken develop that golden crust
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential here, do not even think about using the jarred stuff
• 200 g Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese: Let it come to room temperature while you cook the chicken for easier melting
• ½ cup chicken broth: This creates the perfect base and helps thin the Boursin into a sauce
• ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce velvety and luxurious
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs make all the difference, plus extra for garnish
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Optional but adds a lovely earthy note that complements the Boursin

Instructions

Season the chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper

Sear to perfection:

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through

Build the flavor base:

Reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it

Create the sauce:

Add Boursin cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce

Add the herbs:

Stir in fresh parsley and dried thyme, letting them infuse the sauce as it simmers

Finish together:

Return chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer for 7 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened beautifully

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My husband asked me to make this for his birthday dinner instead of going out to a restaurant. That was three years ago, and now it is become our special occasion tradition, served with the good wine and real napkins.

Make It Your Own

Chicken thighs work beautifully here and stay juicier than breasts, especially if you are planning to reheat leftovers the next day. For a lighter version, half and half substitutes surprisingly well for heavy cream, though the sauce will not be quite as rich.

Perfect Pairings

Mashed potatoes are my favorite because they soak up every drop of that incredible sauce, but crusty bread runs a close second. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a fresh element that balances all the creaminess.

Winning Combinations

Sautéed mushrooms or spinach can be added directly to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor. A crisp Chardonnay cuts through the richness perfectly.

• Use a good quality chicken broth because it really does affect the final flavor
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices redistribute
• Double the sauce if you are serving this with pasta or rice

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This is the kind of recipe that makes people think you are a better cook than you actually are, and I am totally okay with that.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is Boursin cheese?

Boursin is a soft, creamy cheese flavored with garlic and fine herbs, adding a rich, aromatic taste to dishes.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted for a juicier, more flavorful result, adjusting cooking time as needed.

→ How do I ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy?

Stir the Boursin cheese into warm chicken broth and cream over medium heat until fully melted and combined.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Steamed green beans, mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty bread complement the rich flavors nicely.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, it's gluten-free when served without bread or wheat-based sides; always check ingredients to confirm.

→ Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely, adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach enhances flavor and nutrition without overpowering the dish.