I remember cozy Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house. The air would be thick with delicious aromas, and the table always groaned under the weight of comforting food. One dish, in particular, stands out: a simple but elegant chicken dish bathed in a creamy, savory sauce. It wasn’t fussy, it was easy to make, and everyone devoured it. This Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce recipe is my modern take on that memory – a dish that captures that same feeling of warmth and contentment, but with a touch of French flair. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight, but special enough for a weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another chicken recipe. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Here’s why you’ll fall for it:
- Effortless Elegance: The richness of the Boursin cheese and cream creates a sauce that feels fancy, but the recipe itself is surprisingly simple.
- Fast & Easy: From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes. Perfect when time is short!
- Family-Friendly: Kids (and adults!) love the creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides – from comforting mashed potatoes to zesty steamed vegetables.
- Minimal Ingredients: It uses readily available ingredients, ensuring it’s always within reach.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium is preferred)
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor is classic, but explore other varieties!)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but adds a delightful tang)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Let’s Get Cooking! – Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe breaks down beautifully into easily manageable steps. Let’s get started!
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy – seasoning is key!
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Wait until the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure! Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce Base:
Lower the heat to medium. Now, let’s build the flavor! In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. You want that lovely garlic aroma to fill your kitchen. Be careful not to burn the garlic, though – burnt garlic is bitter!
4. Deglaze with Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth to “deglaze” the pan. This means lifting up all those browned bits stuck to the bottom – those are packed with flavor! Scrape up everything with a wooden spoon. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
5. Melt the Boursin:
Add the entire package of Boursin cheese to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This usually takes just a minute or two.
6. Add Cream and Dijon (Optional):
Stir in the heavy cream. If you’re using Dijon mustard, add it now. The mustard adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese and cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, or until it’s slightly thickened.
7. Return Chicken to Sauce:
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the delicious Boursin cream sauce over the top, ensuring each chicken breast is nicely coated. Let it simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb all those wonderful flavors.
8. Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Let’s elevate this dish even further!
Tips for Success:
- Pound the Chicken Thin: For even faster cooking and more tender chicken, pound the breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap before pounding.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and prevents proper searing.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: The Boursin cheese is the star of the show – choose a good quality brand for the best flavor.
Flavor Variations:
- Lemon Herb: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy twist.
- Mushroom Magic: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- Different Cheese: While Boursin is incredible, try other creamy cheeses like Neufchâtel or even a mild goat cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
This Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas:
- Classic Comfort: Serve over creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice.
- Veggie Delight: Pair with steamed asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
- Pasta Perfection: Toss with your favorite pasta (fettuccine or penne work well) for a complete meal.
- Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some crusty bread for soaking up that glorious sauce!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per Serving – based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 35-45g
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Your New Favorite Comfort Food Awaits!
So there you have it – a simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious Chicken with Boursin Cream Sauce. It’s a recipe that’s guaranteed to become a regular in your rotation. Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name; it’s easier to make than you think! Give it a try tonight, and taste the warmth of home. I’d love to hear how it turns out! Share your creations and tag me – happy cooking!
