This Creamy Garlic Herb Boursin Chicken is an elegant yet effortless dinner that transforms simple chicken breasts into a gourmet meal in under 30 minutes. By using Boursin cheese as the base for the sauce, you get an instant explosion of savory garlic and fine herbs without needing a long list of spices.
With tender, golden-seared chicken smothered in a rich, velvety white sauce, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: The dish is incredibly rich and savory, highlighting the distinct taste of garlic and herbs from the Boursin cheese, balanced by the sweetness of sautéed onions.
- Texture: Juicy, thin chicken cutlets are coated in a smooth, thick, and creamy sauce that melts in your mouth.
- Time: 10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cook time.
- Difficulty: Easy. The cheese does all the work for you, creating a foolproof sauce every time.
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a large skillet (stainless steel or non-stick) to sear the chicken and simmer the sauce. A sharp knife is needed to butterfly the chicken breasts into cutlets. The ingredients rely on fresh poultry, basic aromatics, and the star of the show: a package of Boursin Fine Herbs & Garlic cheese.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Breasts – You need 2 large chicken breasts. Cutting them lengthwise into 4 thinner pieces ensures they cook quickly and remain tender without drying out.
- Boursin Cheese – This soft, crumbly cheese melts beautifully to thicken the sauce while adding intense flavor. Ensure it is softened so it blends easily into the broth.
- Chicken Broth – This acts as the liquid base. Using low sodium broth is recommended because the cheese and added salt can make the dish salty.
- Onion – Chopped medium onion adds texture and a savory aromatic base to the sauce.
- Butter & Olive Oil – A combination of both is used to sear the chicken for flavor and color.
- Garlic Powder – Used to season the chicken directly before searing.
- Parsley – Fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to cut through the rich dairy.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Vegetables – Sliced mushrooms or fresh spinach can be sautéed with the onions to add more nutrition and texture to the sauce.
- Chicken Thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute if you prefer dark meat; just adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Broth – Vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken broth if preferred.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Herb Boursin Chicken
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to get 4 thinner pieces. Season them with the garlic powder and some salt & pepper.
- Sear: Add the oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat and let it heat up for a few minutes. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes/side or until cooked through, then transfer it to a plate.
- Sauté Onions: To the skillet, add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes or until softened and lightly browned. If the pan seems dry, add a small splash more olive oil.
- Make the Sauce: Add the chicken broth and the softened Boursin cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until you’ve got a smooth sauce. Let it bubble for 5 minutes, then stir in the chopped parsley if using.
- Combine and Serve: Add the chicken (and any plate juices) back into the skillet and let it warm through for a couple of minutes. The sauce should be thicker by now (you can always cook it a bit longer if need be). If it’s too thick, you can add another splash of chicken broth. Season with salt & pepper if needed and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: Don’t wipe out the pan after cooking the chicken! The brown bits left on the bottom (fond) are packed with flavor and will lift up when you add the broth, giving the sauce a deeper, savory taste.
Recipe Tips
- Softened Cheese: Take the Boursin out of the fridge when you start prepping. If the cheese is too cold, it will take longer to melt into the broth.
- Check the Salt: The cheese is naturally salty. Taste your sauce at the very end before adding any additional salt to avoid over-seasoning.
- Simmering: Letting the sauce bubble for 5 minutes is crucial. This reduces the broth and melds it with the cheese to create a sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
FAQs
- What is Boursin cheese? It is a soft, creamy cheese brand that is flavored with various herbs and spices. It is similar to cream cheese but with a more crumbly texture and potent flavor.
- Can I freeze this? Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen and reheated. It is best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.
- Is this keto-friendly? Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making it an excellent keto option.
Serving Suggestions
- Potatoes: Serve over mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy garlic sauce.
- Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus pairs perfectly.
- Bread: Crusty French bread is essential for wiping the plate clean.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Creamy Garlic Herb Boursin Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Garlic Herb Boursin Chicken is an elegant yet effortless dinner that transforms simple chicken breasts into a gourmet meal in under 30 minutes. By using Boursin cheese as the base for the sauce, you get an instant explosion of savory garlic and fine herbs without needing a long list of spices. With tender, golden-seared chicken smothered in a rich, velvety white sauce, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion.
Ingredients
The Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
The Creamy Sauce
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3/4 cup chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin Fine Herbs & Garlic cheese, softened
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise (horizontally) to create 4 thinner cutlets.
Season
Rub the cutlets evenly with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Sear
Add the olive oil and butter to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook: Once hot, sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Sauté Onions
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), add the chopped onions. Cook: Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned. If the pan is too dry, add a small splash of olive oil.
Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and add the softened Boursin cheese. Simmer: Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Let it bubble gently for 5 minutes to thicken. Stir in the chopped parsley.
Combine & Serve
Return the chicken (and any juices from the plate) to the skillet.
Warm
Let it simmer for 2 minutes to warm the chicken through and coat it in the sauce. Taste and season with extra pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
The Flavor Base: Do not wipe the pan after searing the chicken! The brown bits stuck to the bottom (called fond) are packed with flavor. When you add the broth, scrape these bits up to give the white sauce a deep, savory richness.
Cheese Tip: Take the Boursin cheese out of the fridge when you start prepping. If it is room temperature, it melts into the broth instantly; if it’s cold, it may take longer to smooth out.
Salt Warning: Boursin cheese is naturally salty. Taste your sauce at the very end before adding any additional salt to avoid over-seasoning.
Add Veggies: To make this a one-pan complete meal, sauté sliced mushrooms or fresh spinach along with the onions in Step 3.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Poultry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cutlet with Sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: boursin chicken recipe, creamy garlic chicken, 30 minute chicken dinner, keto chicken recipes, boursin cheese sauce, easy gourmet dinner, skillet chicken
