If you are craving something creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe is going to be your new favorite weeknight hero. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce made from garlicky, herb-infused Boursin cheese combine to create a simple yet elegant dish that feels like a special occasion every time. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe delivers rich creaminess and aromatic freshness that hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but each one plays a pivotal role in building the depth and texture of the sauce while perfectly complementing the chicken. From the rich Boursin cheese to the fragrant garlic and fresh thyme, every element shines through in this dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein providing tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to a golden brown crust and adding subtle fruity notes.
- 1/2 cup Boursin cheese (garlic & fine herbs): This creamy, flavorful cheese adds a rich, tangy complexity that defines the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings a luscious texture and mellow richness that balances the herbs and garlic perfectly.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and helps to thin the sauce just enough for silky consistency.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and a subtle kick of flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient and harmonize the dish.
- Fresh thyme, for garnish: Adds a pop of green color and a fragrant herbal finish.
How to Make Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Searing the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes. This slow sear develops a beautiful golden-brown crust while locking in the moisture, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Setting the Chicken Aside
Once perfectly cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a plate to rest. This step allows the meat to relax and prevents it from drying out, setting you up for a silky sauce finish.
Step 3: Sautéing Garlic
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for just one minute until fragrant and slightly softened. The garlic infuses the olive oil with its bright, warm notes, which become the flavor base for the sauce.
Step 4: Creating the Boursin Cream Sauce
Next, stir in the Boursin cheese along with heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the cheese to melt smoothly into the cream while the broth adds a subtle savory balance. Cooking the sauce for about 5 minutes thickens it just enough to coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Finishing the Dish
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. This final step warms the chicken through while allowing it to soak up some of the heavenly sauce.
How to Serve Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme not only adds a burst of aromatic freshness but visually elevates the dish. The vibrant green leaves contrast perfectly with the creamy sauce, lending an inviting rustic touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple roasted vegetables or a fluffy bed of mashed potatoes that can mop up every bit of the luscious cream sauce. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad balance out the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try plating each chicken breast atop a swirl of sauce alongside colorful vegetable ribbons or risotto. Alternatively, slice the chicken and arrange it over buttered noodles with extra sauce drizzled on top—comfort and elegance rolled into one.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce actually develops even more flavor after a short rest!
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind cream-based sauces sometimes separate after thawing. To freeze, cool completely, then place in a freezer-friendly container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would bring more richness and stay moist through cooking, which works perfectly with the creamy Boursin sauce.
Is there a substitute for Boursin cheese?
If you can’t find Boursin, a soft herbed cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and fresh herbs makes a good alternative, though the flavor won’t be quite as bold.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, try a coconut cream base with herb seasonings but you’ll lose the signature flavor that Boursin provides. It’s worth keeping dairy here for that authentic taste.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy and able to coat the back of a spoon but still silky enough to drizzle over the chicken without being too stiff or gelatinous.
What wine pairs well with Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a dry Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, herbal flavors wonderfully and balances the richness.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels fancy but comes together in a flash. It’s everything you want for a cozy dinner that delights your taste buds and impresses without fuss. I encourage you to try it soon—once you do, it might just become a permanent favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
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
A creamy and flavorful chicken dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in a rich Boursin cheese sauce infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of chicken broth. This quick stovetop recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare and serves 4, making it perfect for an elegant yet easy weeknight 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 the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm and rest while preparing the sauce.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the now-empty skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the Boursin cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the cheese melts and flavors combine.
- Simmer sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Reincorporate chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, coating them with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 3-4 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish the chicken with fresh thyme leaves, and serve warm with your preferred sides.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- You can add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor during the simmer step.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the delicious Boursin sauce.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness or pound them lightly for even cooking.
- Leftover chicken with sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
