Let's talk about a recipe that feels a little bit like a secret handshake for home cooks. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table think you fussed for hours, when in reality, you had one brilliant trick up your sleeve.
That trick, of course, is Boursin cheese. This isn't just another chicken dinner. This is your new weeknight superhero, your impromptu dinner party savior, the recipe you'll scribble down for a friend who begs you for the secret.
Imagine this: perfectly pan-seared chicken, golden and juicy, nestled in a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s absolutely exploding with the flavors of garlic, herbs, and rich cheese. It’s comfort food, but it’s elegant. It’s simple, but it’s spectacular.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this creamy, dreamy dish. Here’s what you’ll need, and a little note on why each one matters.
Chicken Breasts: Two large ones. We’ll slice them to create thinner cutlets, which means they cook faster and more evenly, and they become perfect littl vessels for all that sauce.
Garlic Powder: Just half a teaspoon. This gives the chicken itself a foundational, savory flavor that echoes the garlic in the sauce.
Salt & Pepper: To taste. These are your essential flavor boosters, so don’t be shy when seasoning the chicken.
Olive Oil and Butter: One tablespoon of each. The oil has a higher smoke point for a good sear, while the butter adds that irreplaceable, rich flavor and helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Onion: Half a medium onion, chopped. This is the aromatic base of our sauce, adding a subtle sweetness and depth that makes the whole thing taste more complex.
Chicken Broth: Three-quarters of a cup. This forms the liquid base of the sauce, adding a savory backbone that water just couldn't provide.
Boursin Cheese: One 5.2 oz package of the Fine Herbs & Garlic flavor, softened. This is the star. Letting it sit out of the fridge for 20-30 minutes before you start helps it melt into a silky, lump-free sauce effortlessly.
Fresh Parsley: A tablespoon or two, chopped. This is optional, but highly recommended. That little pop of fresh green color and herby brightness at the end just makes the whole dish sing.
The Magic of Boursin Cheese
So, what's the big deal with this little round package? Boursin is a soft, spreadable cheese that’s already pre-mixed with a symphony of flavors. Think of it as a creamy, flavor-packed shortcut.
It melts like a dream, transforming instantly from a crumbly block into the most velvety, herb-flecked sauce you can imagine. It does all the heavy lifting for you, infusing your pan with garlic, herbs, and a delightful tanginess all at once.
How to make Boursin Chicken?
The process is straightforward, but a few key details make all the difference. Follow these steps for a truly unforgettable meal.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each one in half horizontally, as if you were opening a book. This gives you four thinner, more manageable pieces.
Pat them dry with a paper towel—this is the secret to a good sear. Now, season both sides generously with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. They should look nicely coated and ready for the pan.
Step 2: Creating the Perfect Sear
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter. Let the butter melt and the pan get properly hot. You should see a slight shimmer in the oil.
Carefully add the chicken to the hot pan. You should hear a satisfying sizzle. Let it cook, undisturbed, for about 5-6 minutes, until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
Step 3: Building the Flavor Base
Into that same, now-flavor-packed skillet, add your chopped onion. All those little browned bits left from the chicken are pure gold. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and has taken on a little color.
If the pan seems a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add another tiny splash of olive oil. We want the onions to soften, not burn.
Step 4: Crafting the Creamy Sauce
This is where the magic happens. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, using your spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, add the entire package of softened Boursin cheese.
Start stirring. Watch as the cheese melts and marries with the broth, creating a smooth, creamy, and incredibly fragrant sauce. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
Step 5 : The Final Assembly
Stir in the fresh parsley, if you're using it. Then, return the chicken breasts and any juices that have collected on the plate back to the skillet. Spoon that glorious sauce right over the top of each piece.
Let everything warm through together for a couple of minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken and cling to the chicken. If it becomes too thick, a splash of extra broth will loosen it up perfectly.
Tips
For the most tender chicken, avoid moving it around in the pan once you've placed it. Let that crust form! A good sear locks in the juices and creates incredible texture.
Don't skip softening the Boursin. Taking it out of the fridge ahead of time is a small step that guarantees a perfectly smooth, non-grainy sauce. No one wants a lumpy, elegant sauce.
Always taste your sauce before serving. The Boursin and broth can be salty, so you may not need any extra salt. A final crack of black pepper, however, is almost always a good idea.
Ingredient Substitutions
No chicken breasts? Chicken thighs work wonderfully here. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
If you're out of chicken broth, a good vegetable broth can stand in. For a richer, deeper flavor, a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a fantastic substitute for half of the broth.
While the classic Fine Herbs & Garlic Boursin is perfect, don't be afraid to experiment with their other flavors. The cracked black pepper or shallot & chive versions would create a deliciously different profile.
Best Time to Serve This Dish
This Boursin chicken is the ultimate versatile meal. It’s quick and comforting enough for a busy Tuesday night when you need a reliable, no-fuss dinner that feels special.
At the same time, it’s impressive enough for a casual weekend dinner with friends. It looks and tastes like you put in far more effort than you did, making it the perfect centerpiece for a relaxed, social gathering.
It’s also a fantastic option for a cozy date night in. It’s rich, romantic, and pairs beautifully with a simple side and a glass of wine, setting the mood without causing kitchen stress.
How to Store and Reheat
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The sauce will thicken considerably as it chills, which is completely normal.
The best way to reheat it is gently on the stovetop. Place the chicken and sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of broth or water to loosen the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
We don't recommend freezing this dish. Cream-based sauces like this one can separate and become grainy when thawed, losing that lovely silky texture that makes it so good.
Pairing Ideas
When it comes to sides, you want something that can soak up that incredible sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and utterly divine choice. A bed of fluffy rice or buttery orzo works just as beautifully.
For a vegetable side, keep it simple. Roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli provide a nice textural contrast. A simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the sauce perfectly.
And for a drink? A crisp, chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, herbal notes of the dish wonderfully. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is always refreshing.
This easy Boursin Chicken recipe features tender pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luxuriously creamy, herby garlic sauce made with Boursin cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a weeknight dinner hero that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort and everyday ingredients.
ingredients
2large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
0.5teaspoon garlic powder
salt & pepper (to taste)
1tablespoon olive oil
1tablespoon butter
0.5medium onion (chopped)
0.75cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
1(5.2 oz) package Boursin Fine Herbs & Garlic cheese (softened)
1–2tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)
Instructions
1
Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add a splash of oil if the pan is too dry.
4
Pour in chicken broth and add the softened Boursin cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
5
Return the chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm through and allow flavors to meld. Stir in fresh parsley, if using.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning—note that Boursin and broth may provide enough salt. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1 chicken breast half with sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories420kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat26g40%
Saturated Fat12g60%
Cholesterol135mg45%
Sodium680mg29%
Potassium520mg15%
Total Carbohydrate6g2%
Dietary Fiber0.5g2%
Sugars2g
Protein38g76%
Calcium 120 mg
Iron 1.8 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Chicken prep tip: Cutting breasts in half ensures even, quick cooking and better sauce absorption.
Make it creamy: For a richer sauce, replace ¼ cup broth with heavy cream.
Add greens: Stir in 1–2 cups fresh spinach at the end for extra nutrition.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop—do not freeze.