Discover tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, garlicky Boursin cheese sauce. This French-inspired dish balances creamy textures and aromatic herbs like garlic, thyme, and parsley for a comforting, satisfying main course. Ready in just over half an hour, it pairs beautifully with sautéed vegetables or mashed potatoes, creating a simple yet elegant meal ideal for weeknights.
The first time I made Boursin chicken, I stood over the stove watching that creamy cheese melt into the pan, and my husband actually drifted into the kitchen asking what smelled so incredible. Now its the dinner I make when I want something that feels fancy but takes almost zero effort.
I served this to my inlaws last month during a busy visit, and my motherinlaw put down her fork and asked for the recipe before shed even finished her first bite. Theres something about that velvety garlic herb sauce that makes people feel instantly cared for.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pat them completely dry before seasoning so they develop a gorgeous golden crust
- 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Season generously since this is your main chance to flavor the chicken itself
- 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: The combination gives you that perfect buttery sear without burning
- 2 cloves garlic minced: Let it sizzle just briefly in the pan to mellow the raw bite
- 200 g Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese: This creamy spread is the secret weapon that makes the sauce velvety and rich
- ½ cup chicken broth and ½ cup heavy cream: The broth adds depth while the cream creates that luscious restaurant texture
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped: Fresh herbs brighten all that richness and add beautiful color
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme optional: Adds an earthy note that complements the garlic perfectly
Instructions
- Season and sear the chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat then add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through.
- Build the aromatic base:
- Remove the chicken from the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but dont let it brown.
- Create the creamy sauce:
- Add the Boursin cheese chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Add herbs and finish:
- Stir in the parsley and thyme if using. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and let everything simmer together for 7 to 10 minutes turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
This dish has become my goto when friends have had a tough week or when were celebrating something small but wonderful. Theres something deeply comforting about food that feels indulgent but comes together so simply.
Choosing The Right Boursin
While the original Garlic & Fine Herbs variety is classic, Ive experimented with the pepper and shallot versions too. Each brings a slightly different personality to the dish but all work beautifully with the cream base.
Serving Suggestions That Work
I love serving this over mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles because they soak up every drop of that incredible sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a bright fresh contrast to all that richness.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra depth or stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end. Chicken thighs work beautifully too and stay incredibly juicy through the cooking process.
- Try swapping half the cream for chicken broth if you want a lighter sauce
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving cuts through the richness
- Leftovers reheat surprisingly well for lunch the next day
Serve this with a chilled glass of Chardonnay and watch it become one of those recipes everyone asks for again and again.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
-
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful result. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
-
Steamed green beans, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread complement the creamy sauce well.
- → Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream in the sauce?
-
Half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter, less rich sauce without sacrificing texture much.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
-
Simmer the sauce gently over medium heat and stir frequently to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
- → Can I add vegetables to the dish?
-
Sautéed mushrooms or spinach work well added to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.