This dish features tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, enveloped in a creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese sauce. Garlic, fresh herbs, and a blend of chicken broth with heavy cream create a luscious, flavorful sauce that’s both comforting and elegant. Quick to prepare, it suits a busy evening yet feels indulgent. Garnished with parsley, it pairs beautifully with potatoes, green beans, or rice for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
The smell of melting Boursin cheese still takes me back to my tiny apartment kitchen where I discovered this recipe during a particularly chaotic Tuesday. My roommate walked in mid simmer and literally stopped in her tracks asking what restaurant I had ordered from.
I made this for my sisters birthday dinner last year and she actually asked for the recipe before she even finished her first bite. Something about that garlicky creamy sauce makes people feel instantly at home.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook evenly and stay juicy nestled in that sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Simple seasoning goes a long way here
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: High smoke point means perfect golden searing every time
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the chicken develop that gorgeous crust
- 2 cloves garlic minced: Fresh is best here since it cooks briefly and builds the flavor base
- 200 g Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese: The star of the show no extra seasoning needed
- ½ cup chicken broth: Creates the perfect silky consistency without making the sauce too thin
- ½ cup heavy cream: Makes everything velvety and luxurious
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped: Brightens up all that richness beautifully
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Optional but adds this lovely earthy note that ties everything together
Instructions
- Season and prepare the chicken:
- Pat those chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels then give both sides a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Sear to golden perfection:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat then add chicken and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden and almost cooked through.
- Build the aromatic base:
- Remove chicken and reduce heat to medium then toss in minced garlic for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the magic sauce:
- Add Boursin cheese chicken broth and heavy cream stirring until cheese melts completely into the smoothest most luscious sauce.
- Add fresh herbs:
- Stir in parsley and thyme letting those flavors bloom for a moment.
- Finish together:
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer 7 to 10 minutes turning occasionally until cooked through and sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Final touch:
- Taste and adjust seasoning then scatter extra parsley on top because pretty food tastes better.
This recipe has become my go to for dinner parties because it looks impressive but requires almost no active cooking time. I love hearing that moment of silence when everyone takes their first bite together.
Make It Your Own
Chicken thighs work beautifully here and stay even juicier during the simmer. Sometimes I throw in sautéed mushrooms or spinach right before returning the chicken to the pan.
Serving Ideas
Mashed potatoes are classic for catching all that sauce but crusty bread might be even better. A crisp white wine like Chardonnay cuts through the richness perfectly.
Storage Secrets
This actually reheats beautifully for lunch the next day. The sauce separates slightly but comes back together with a quick gentle warm.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Add a splash of cream when reheating to restore silkiness
- Freeze without the chicken if meal prepping ahead
Some of the best meals are the simplest ones shared with people you love. Enjoy every creamy bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is Boursin cheese and how does it affect the flavor?
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Boursin cheese is a soft, creamy cheese flavored with garlic and fine herbs that adds rich, tangy, and aromatic notes to the sauce, enhancing the overall dish.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
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Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted to add extra juiciness and a slightly deeper flavor; just adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
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Ensure no wheat-based sides like bread are served alongside. The dish itself contains no gluten ingredients if prepared as described.
- → What sides pair well with this chicken dish?
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Steamed green beans, mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp salad complement the creamy, savory flavors nicely for a balanced meal.
- → Can I lighten the sauce without losing flavor?
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Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream reduces richness while maintaining creaminess and flavor in the sauce.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to the sauce?
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Yes, sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach can be stirred into the sauce to add extra texture, flavor, and nutrition.