There’s a moment I’ll never forget: my first attempt at a “fancy” dinner for my partner. I didn’t have much cooking experience, but I wanted something that felt restaurant-worthy without the stress. That’s when I stumbled upon a creamy chicken recipe using a cheese I’d never tried before—Boursin. The result? A surprisingly effortless, melt-in-your-mouth dish that had us both going back for seconds.
This Chicken with Boursin Sauce with Garlic with a rich Boursin sauce is ideal for beginner cooks. It’s an easy sheet pan dinner in spirit, only requiring one pan on the stovetop. It’s quick, with under 30 minutes of active cooking, and feels indulgent while still falling into the category of quick and healthy meals, especially when paired with greens or whole grains. The flavor? Out of this world. The process? Foolproof.
Why This Recipe is Special
This dish stands out because it blends simplicity with elegance. The star ingredient, Boursin cheese with garlic and fine herbs, does all the heavy lifting when it comes to flavor. You don’t need a spice cabinet full of exotic ingredients or years of culinary training. With a few everyday pantry staples, you’ll create a velvety, aromatic sauce that hugs every bite of juicy chicken. Plus, this is a great base recipe to customize with what you have on hand—perfect for new cooks still building confidence.
Ingredients and Preparation
Chicken Breasts
These are lean, protein-rich, and a perfect blank canvas for bold sauces. You can substitute with boneless thighs for more richness or even use turkey cutlets.
Boursin Cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs)
The key to the entire dish. This cheese melts into a creamy sauce with a bold garlic and herb flavor that elevates everything it touches. If you can’t find Boursin, use a garlic and herb cream cheese or a soft goat cheese with fresh herbs as a backup.
Heavy Cream
Adds lusciousness and body to the sauce. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or whole milk with a teaspoon of flour to thicken.
Chicken Broth
Adds depth and balances the richness. Vegetable broth also works if you’re going vegetarian.
Minced Garlic
Enhances the sauce’s aromatic base. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh is best.
Butter and Olive Oil
Used to sear the chicken and build flavor. You can use just one if preferred, but the combination provides both depth and crispness.
Salt, Pepper, and Dried Thyme
Simple seasonings that bring out the flavor in both the chicken and sauce. Thyme pairs beautifully with the herby cheese, but oregano or rosemary work too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps them brown properly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of dried thyme. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a small pat of butter. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set aside; they don’t need to be fully cooked yet.
Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. If needed, add a small amount of butter to the pan, then stir in your minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan—these add amazing flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and then crumble in the Boursin cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some sauce over each piece. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for about 7 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). The sauce will thicken slightly during this time.
Step 5: Serve the chicken hot, spooning a generous amount of sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra thyme if you’d like.
Beginner Tips and Notes
Avoid Overcooking Chicken: If you’re unsure whether it’s done, a meat thermometer is your best friend. 165°F is your target for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
Make Melting Easy: Let your Boursin sit at room temperature while prepping. This helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
Sauce Too Thin? Simmer for a few more minutes or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water to thicken.
Don’t Skip the Deglaze: Scraping up those brown bits with broth gives your sauce incredible depth, like a secret chef’s trick.
Low on Tools? No problem. You only need one skillet, a spatula, and a spoon. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, just slice into the thickest part of the chicken—if the juices run clear and it’s white throughout, you’re good.
Serving Suggestions
To round out your easy sheet pan dinner vibe, serve the chicken over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles. Roasted green beans or broccoli make excellent veggie sides. Want to keep it light? A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.
A hunk of crusty bread is highly recommended to mop up every drop of sauce. And if you’re feeling fancy, pour a glass of crisp white wine—Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc both work beautifully.
Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can break the sauce.
Conclusion
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a partner, or guests, this Chicken with Boursin Sauce with Garlic with creamy Boursin sauce is one of those quick and healthy meals that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, comforting, and endlessly customizable. If you’re new to cooking, this dish is a confidence booster—and if you’re a seasoned home chef, it’s one you’ll come back to again and again.
Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and let us know how it turned out. Your kitchen adventures are just beginning!
FAQ About Chicken with Boursin Sauce with Garlic
1. What is Boursin cheese, and can I substitute it?
Boursin is a soft, spreadable cheese infused with garlic and fine herbs, giving it a rich, herby flavor. If unavailable, you can substitute with garlic and herb cream cheese or a soft goat cheese mixed with fresh herbs.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce over low heat and cook or reheat the chicken until warmed through.
3. Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! The ingredients used—chicken, Boursin cheese, cream, and broth—are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the packaging of your chicken broth and cheese to ensure no hidden gluten.
More Relevant Recipes
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- Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Skillet
- Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes
Chicken with Boursin Sauce with Garlic and Fine Herbs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy Boursin cheese sauce infused with garlic and fine herbs. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin Cheese with Garlic and Fine Herbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom to deglaze. Stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer in the sauce for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm over pasta, rice, or with roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for additional flavor and texture.
- Substitute the chicken breasts with boneless thighs for a juicier option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg