Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a velvety garlic-herb Boursin cream sauce. Elegant enough for date night, easy enough for weeknights.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Dietary Info: Gluten-Free | Low-Carb
📝 Ingredients Checklist
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin cheese with garlic & fine herbs
½ cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
½ cup heavy cream
1–2 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, to brighten)
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, lower heat slightly and add chopped shallot. Cook 1 minute. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds more until fragrant.
3. Make the Boursin Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add Boursin cheese, chicken broth, and cream. Stir gently until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Simmer with Chicken
Return seared chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 5–7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken more.
5. Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips for Best Results
🧄 Sauté Gently: Don’t brown the garlic—it should stay fragrant and light in color.
🧀 Use Full-Fat Boursin: It melts best and gives the creamiest texture.
🍋 Lemon Lift: Just a small splash of lemon cuts through the richness perfectly.
🔥 Even Cooking: Pound thicker chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent searing.
🍽 Creamy, Herb-Infused Comfort
This Boursin chicken is decadent without being fussy. It’s rich and flavorful with minimal effort—perfect for cozy nights in, but impressive enough for company. The garlic-herb cheese does the heavy lifting to make the sauce irresistible.
👨🍳 Cooking Walkthrough
Searing the Chicken
Get a good sear to lock in juices and build flavor. Let the chicken rest briefly after searing before returning it to the sauce.
Sauce Consistency
Let the sauce gently simmer, not boil, to avoid curdling the cream. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen.
🧂 Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
Cheese Options:
Can’t find Boursin? Use herb goat cheese, cream cheese + garlic & herbs, or Alouette as a substitute.
Custom Add-Ins:
Add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.
Stir in ½ cup mushrooms for an earthy touch.
A few capers or a splash of white wine adds brightness.
🥗 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve With:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttered egg noodles or pasta
Steamed asparagus or green beans
A crusty baguette to mop up the sauce
Drink Pairings:
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc
Sparkling water with lemon
Light Pinot Noir (if adding mushrooms)
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream. Avoid microwaving for best sauce texture.
Make Ahead:
You can sear the chicken and prep the sauce ahead—store separately and combine to reheat just before serving.
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: ~460 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~4g
Fat: ~32g
Allergens: Dairy
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay juicy—just adjust the cook time.
Q: Can I make this lighter?
A: Use half-and-half instead of cream, and light Boursin if available.
Q: Can I use broth only and skip the cream?
A: You can, but it won’t be as rich or creamy—try thickening with a bit of cornstarch slurry instead.
💬 Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
This Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet is all about comfort with a gourmet twist. It’s easy to love and even easier to make—just one pan, 30 minutes, and zero fuss.
Craving more one-pan meals? Try my [Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken] or [Lemon Parmesan Chicken Orzo Skillet] next!
Let me know if you’d like this recipe in printable or visual card format!