Chicken with Boursin Sauce is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal. Featuring tender, pan-seared chicken smothered in a velvety sauce made with Boursin cheese, garlic, and fine herbs, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. The delicate balance of creamy cheese and aromatic herbs creates a luxurious dish that’s both comforting and impressive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Luxurious Flavors: The creamy Boursin cheese with garlic and fine herbs adds depth and richness to every bite, elevating simple chicken into a gourmet experience.
- Quick and Easy: Despite its elegant taste, this recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under 40 minutes, making it suitable for busy schedules.
- Versatile Pairings: This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, allowing you to customize the meal to your liking.
- Impressive Presentation: Perfect for a dinner party or romantic meal, the creamy sauce and tender chicken make for a visually appealing and satisfying plate.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples and Boursin cheese, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Boursin cheese with garlic and fine herbs
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat slightly and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Sauce Base: Deglaze the skillet by adding chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the Boursin Cheese: Stir in the Boursin cheese, whisking until it melts into the broth and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Incorporate the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly.
- Return the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are fully coated in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Finish and Garnish: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve: Plate the chicken with the sauce draped over the top and serve alongside your favorite side dishes.
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken with turkey cutlets, pork chops, or even salmon fillets for a different take on the recipe.
- Herb Choices: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives to the sauce.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Vegan Alternative: Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives and use a vegan cream cheese spread for the sauce.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the sauce for a subtle heat.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms alongside the garlic for extra texture and an earthy flavor boost.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
- Freezing: The sauce may not freeze well due to the cream content, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Boursin cheese with garlic and fine herbs with other soft, creamy cheeses like cream cheese or goat cheese. For added flavor, mix in minced garlic and fresh herbs.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
This chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans.
3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat them just before serving.
5. What if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
6. Can I use skin-on chicken breasts?
Yes, but keep in mind that the cooking time may increase slightly. Sear the skin side first for added crispiness.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth and Boursin cheese to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing ingredients.
8. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Sauté vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini before adding the chicken back to the skillet.
9. How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).
10. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking for even results.
Conclusion
Chicken with Boursin Sauce with Garlic and Fine Herbs is the perfect recipe for anyone looking to elevate their home-cooked meals without unnecessary hassle. Its creamy, herbaceous sauce pairs beautifully with tender chicken, creating a dish that’s versatile enough for a casual family dinner or a sophisticated dinner party. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple yet indulgent this recipe can be!
Chicken with Boursin Sauce with Garlic and Fine Herbs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken with Boursin Sauce is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken smothered in a rich sauce made with Boursin cheese, garlic, and fine herbs. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 5 oz Boursin cheese with garlic and fine herbs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce heat slightly and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Create the Sauce Base: Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add Boursin Cheese: Stir in the Boursin cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Return the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts back in the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Finish and Garnish: Taste the sauce, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve hot with your choice of sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken separately (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: Pan-Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Keywords: Chicken with Boursin Sauce Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Easy Weeknight Chicken Recipe Pan-Seared Chicken with Sauce Elegant Chicken Dinner
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