If you’re craving a dinner that’s effortlessly elegant yet incredibly comforting, you’re going to love this One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe. This dish celebrates tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, garlicky sauce made with dreamy Boursin cheese and a touch of cream, all cooked in a single skillet. It’s the perfect marriage of simplicity and rich flavor, making weeknight meals feel a bit more special without extra fuss or mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays an essential role in building the dish’s irresistible creaminess, savoriness, and inviting aroma. With simple pantry staples and that magical Boursin garlic & herb cheese, you’re set to create a show-stopping meal that’s both quick and satisfying.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Your tender protein base, perfect for absorbing that rich sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown crust that locks in the juices.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and a subtle savory background to the sauce.
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese: The star ingredient delivering creamy texture and bold flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky smooth sauce that coats the chicken lovingly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with classic aromatic punch.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Brings a gentle earthiness that balances the richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings to enhance every dimension of flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to finish.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
The journey to creamy, flavorful chicken starts here. Generously season your chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. The thyme adds that subtle herbal note that complements the garlic and cheese beautifully.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once shimmering, place the chicken breasts in and sear each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step not only locks in juices but also gives wonderful color and flavor. After searing, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, the magic is just beginning.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick step awakens the flavors and ensures the garlic is perfectly mellow and not burnt.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. These little bits carry so much flavor—the secret to making the sauce rich and satisfying.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium, then stir in the Boursin garlic & herb cheese and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and your sauce becomes silky smooth. This luscious sauce will be the star attraction, so be patient and enjoy watching the texture transform!
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over each piece. Cover the pan and let everything simmer gently for 8-10 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through while absorbing that rich, garlicky, creamy goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. This final touch livens up the dish visually and adds a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, but don’t hesitate to play around with chopped chives or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra zing. A little green on top always makes the dish feel more vibrant and inviting on the plate.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even a warm slice of crusty artisan bread. Steamed green veggies like asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts provide a nice textural contrast and keep the plate balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve straight from the skillet to the table for that cozy, family-style vibe. Hosting company? Plate each chicken breast individually with a swoosh of sauce beneath and a neat sprinkle of herbs on top. You can even add a few roasted cherry tomatoes for pops of color and sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or easy weeknight meals.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind the sauce’s texture may change slightly. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce slowly on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. Microwaving works in a pinch but be careful to avoid overheating which can cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of Boursin in this recipe?
While Boursin garlic & herb cheese is ideal for that distinctive creamy texture and bold flavor, you could substitute with other soft, creamy cheeses like cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs, but the taste will vary slightly.
Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will bring a juicier, richer taste and can be cooked the same way. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its signature creaminess, so it’s challenging to make it dairy-free without altering the flavor and texture quite a bit. For a dairy-free version, consider coconut milk and dairy-free soft cheese alternatives, but it won’t taste quite the same.
How long can I simmer the chicken in the sauce?
The recommended simmer time is 8-10 minutes to fully cook the chicken while keeping it tender. Cooking longer might dry out the chicken, so sticking close to this window is best.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can season the chicken ahead and keep it refrigerated, or even prepare the sauce base up to the step before adding chicken. Then it’s a quick finish on the day you’re serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together without a hitch, and this One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe hits all those marks with grace. It’s a reliably delicious go-to meal that makes dinner feel like a celebration any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how this creamy, flavorful skillet supper earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Print
One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
This One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful garlic and herb Boursin cheese sauce, all made in a single skillet for easy cleanup. The creamy sauce combined with fresh herbs makes for a comforting and elegant meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to infuse flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, releasing its aromatic flavor.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits, which adds depth to the sauce.
- Make the creamy sauce: Lower the heat to medium and stir in the Boursin garlic & herb cheese and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return chicken to skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top to coat them well.
- Simmer to finish cooking: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- The sauce can be thickened by simmering a few minutes longer if desired.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter dairy alternative.
- Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried thyme for a fresher herbal note.
