There’s something so comforting about a one-pan meal that feels fancy but comes together in a snap. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe with you — it’s rich, flavorful, and just the perfect cozy dinner to make any night of the week.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t tell you how many times this creamy, garlicky chicken skillet has come to my rescue when I want something that tastes indulgent but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. Plus, the Boursin cheese adds this luscious, herby richness that’s just unbeatable.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your pantry or fridge, making this easy to whip up any time.
- Fast and Flavorful: The chicken cooks quickly and the sauce is ready while it rests—perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The Boursin cheese melts into a dreamy sauce that’s both savory and herb-packed.
- Flexible to Customize: You can tweak spices or add veggies to make this dish truly your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays an important role in balancing the flavors and textures of this dish. Plus, many of these staples are either pantry essentials or easy-to-find fresh items, keeping things simple without sacrificing taste.
- Chicken breasts: I like to use boneless, skinless because they cook quickly and evenly, plus they soak up that creamy sauce beautifully.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps with a perfect sear on the chicken.
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper: This spice combo layers flavor and gives the chicken a gentle smoky warmth.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce for that silky, rich mouthfeel.
- Shallots: Cooked down until soft and sweet, they add a delicate onion flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- Garlic: You know I love garlic—it brightens up the sauce and pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- White wine or chicken broth: The wine adds acidity and depth, but if you prefer, more broth works just as well.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and a savory base for the sauce.
- Boursin cheese: This herbed cheese is the star of the show—melting into a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Just a sprinkle at the end adds a pop of color and fresh, grassy notes.
Make It Your Way
I love mixing up this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe depending on what’s in season or my mood. Don’t hesitate to add your favorite veggies or swap herbs to suit your taste.
- Variation: Sometimes I add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms—both add a lovely depth and make the dish even heartier.
- For low-carb options: Skip any starchy sides and pair the skillet with roasted veggies or cauliflower rice instead.
- Make it dairy-free: I’ve experimented with dairy-free herbed cheese spreads which adapt well if you’re avoiding dairy.
- Spice it up: A pinch of chili flakes or fresh cracked pepper can add a nice kick that wakes up the creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
First things first, pat your chicken breasts nice and dry—that helps them brown better. Toss them in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. When your skillet is hot and shimmering with oil, place the chicken in and let it sear without moving for about 3-4 minutes per side. You want a golden crust but avoid burning—add a splash of water if things get too hot too fast. Trust me, this step builds the foundation of flavor.
Step 2: Cook Shallots and Garlic to Soften
Turn your heat down to medium and melt the butter right in the same pan. Toss in thinly sliced shallots and cook them gently until they become soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then add minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant—be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Boursin Sauce
Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan—this means scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom using a wooden spoon. Let the wine reduce for a minute or two. Next, add chicken broth and stir in the whole package of Boursin cheese. Stir gently over medium-low heat until the cheese melts into a smooth, thick sauce. Finish by folding in fresh parsley—it lifts the sauce with its bright flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Serve Hot
Slide the chicken breasts back into the pan, nestling them gently into the sauce. Spoon generous amounts of that heavenly cream right on top. Let everything warm together for a minute or two to meld flavors. Serve immediately while it’s luxuriously creamy and steaming, with an extra sprinkle of parsley or grated parmesan if you like.
Top Tip
From making this dish many times, I learned a few key tricks that make all the difference and help you feel confident in the kitchen!
- Dry Chicken for Better Browning: Don’t skip patting the chicken dry—it prevents steaming and helps you get that golden crust everyone loves.
- Control Your Heat: Medium-high to sear, then medium to low for the sauce; this keeps things from burning and gives time for flavors to develop nicely.
- Use a Wooden Spoon to Deglaze: Scraping the pan brings up all those caramelized bits that pack flavor into your sauce.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: They really brighten the rich sauce at the very end, balancing everything perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right at the end—it adds lovely green flecks and freshness. Sometimes I add chives or even a dusting of parmesan for a little salty tang that complements the creamy cheese sauce.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with a light side like roasted asparagus, garlic butter green beans, or even buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every last bit of that sauce. For a lighter meal, steamed rice or a simple mixed greens salad works beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I sometimes serve this chicken over a bed of linguine tossed with the creamy sauce and herbs, sprinkled with lemon zest for a fun twist. Or, try it atop creamy polenta with roasted cherry tomatoes on the side—it’s a showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep textures optimal. The chicken stays juicy, and the sauce stays creamy without breaking.
Freezing
This dish freezes well for up to 3 months, though I recommend freezing the sauce on its own. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth to refresh the sauce's texture.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a little chicken broth or water helps keep the cream sauce silky and smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can use frozen chicken breasts if you thaw them completely in the fridge before cooking. Cooking from frozen will lead to uneven cooking and dry outsides before the centers are done.
If you can't find Boursin, try using a cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs, garlic, and a bit of parmesan to mimic that herbed, creamy texture and flavor.
Yes! Look for dairy-free herbed cheese alternatives available at many stores, or create your own with vegan cream cheese mixed with herbs and garlic for a similar creamy sauce.
Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously; instead, simmer gently over low to medium heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of broth or wine if it gets too thick or starts to break.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe feels like a little culinary hug. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s simple yet special every time. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) this as much as I do—it’s an easy way to impress family or unwind after a busy day with something downright delicious.
Print
Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This delicious Boursin Chicken recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, flavorful Boursin cheese sauce with shallots, garlic, white wine, and fresh parsley. Perfect for an elegant dinner that's both easy and impressive.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (4-5 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup white wine (or more chicken broth as substitute)
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 (5.2-oz) package Boursin cheese (or ⅔ cup homemade Boursin cheese)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry on both sides. Coat them with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, then toss with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches just below 165°F. Add a splash of water, one tablespoon at a time, to deglaze the pan if the chicken is browning too quickly.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the thinly sliced shallots and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the white wine and use a spoon to scrape the browned bits off the pan bottom to deglaze. Add the chicken broth and then add the Boursin cheese. Stir continuously to melt the cheese into a creamy sauce. Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat to thicken slightly, then stir in the fresh chopped parsley.
- Cover the chicken and serve: Nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan, spoon the creamy Boursin sauce over each piece, and heat everything together for a minute. Serve immediately with additional parsley, chives, or parmesan cheese as garnish if desired.
Notes
- If chicken breasts are large, cut them in half lengthwise to make cutlets and pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- For a creamy Boursin chicken pasta, cook your favorite pasta (e.g., fettuccine) according to package instructions. Toss the drained pasta with the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to thin sauce. Serve chicken on top with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- To make a roasted tomato side dish, place 2 pints of whole cherry tomatoes in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt. Roast at 425°F for about 20 minutes until bursting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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