If you’re craving a comfort meal that feels indulgent but comes together with no fuss at all, look no further than this One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender chicken breasts enveloped in a velvety garlic and herb sauce made with that dreamy Boursin cheese you love. Every bite is bursting with flavor, and since it all cooks in one pan, cleanup is a breeze. This recipe perfectly balances richness and freshness, making it a go-to dinner to wow family or impress guests anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients make this One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe shine. Each element adds a crucial layer of taste, texture, or aroma that works in harmony to create a dish that’s elevated yet approachable. Gather these essentials to get started:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the creamy goodness perfectly.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken to a gorgeous golden brown, adding depth and texture.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds a light, savory base for the sauce and enhances moisture.
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese: Brings the signature creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavor that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and decadent without overpowering the herbs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant kick that complements the Boursin perfectly.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Imparts an earthy, aromatic note that lifts the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of color and fresh brightness at the end.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken
Start by sprinkling both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. This simple seasoning is key to layering flavor beneath the creamy sauce and ensures every bite is well seasoned.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear them until they develop a beautiful, golden crust, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and adds a wonderful texture contrast to the tender interior. Once browned, set the chicken aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Then, pour in the chicken broth while scraping up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits pack serious flavor and form the foundation of your sauce.
Step 4: Melt the Magic—Add Boursin and Cream
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the Boursin garlic & herb cheese along with the heavy cream. Stir constantly until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken. This creamy mixture is really what sets this dish apart.
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them to keep them cozy. Cover the pan and let everything simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The simmering process lets the chicken absorb all the herbal, garlicky, cheesy goodness from the sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Not only does it add a vibrant splash of green, but its freshness cuts through the richness, giving each bite a lovely balance.
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is classic, but you could also try finely sliced chives or a few fresh thyme leaves. They bring extra brightness and elevate the look of your plate beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or even garlic herb couscous are perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious pan sauce. For some greens, lightly sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus add a lovely crisp contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try slicing the chicken and artfully fanning it out over a bed of risotto or polenta, drizzling the sauce generously over the top. Serving it family-style straight from the skillet also creates a warm, inviting vibe that encourages everyone to dig in and share the moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay moist, and the sauce will thicken slightly but remain delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but since it contains cream and cheese, the texture may change a bit upon thawing. To freeze, place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and consume within two months for best flavor.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to restore the creamy consistency. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can revive the sauce if it’s too thick.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
Boursin cheese is what gives this recipe its signature garlic and herb flavor, but if you can’t find it, cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and fresh herbs can be a decent substitute, just keep in mind the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on cheese and cream for its creamy texture and flavor, but you could try substituting dairy-free cream alternatives and a dairy-free garlic herb cheese. The result won’t be quite as rich, but it can still be delicious.
What can I serve with One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe if I’m avoiding carbs?
Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or cauliflower rice make excellent low-carb sides that complement the creamy sauce beautifully without adding extra starches.
Can I cook this recipe with chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully and add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink in the center. The simmering step with the sauce also helps ensure thorough cooking gently and evenly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe enough — it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy, spoiled, and effortlessly put together all at once. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how wonderfully it tastes. Give it a go and get ready to addict your taste buds to creamy, garlicky perfection!
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 is a delicious and easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich, creamy garlic and herb sauce made with Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish delivers comforting flavors with minimal cleanup.
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 Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to enhance their flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet to incorporate rich flavors into the sauce.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- If Boursin cheese is unavailable, cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs can be a substitute.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
