There’s something incredibly comforting about the rich, garlicky flavors of this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness, it feels fancy enough for guests but is surprisingly easy to whip up on a weeknight.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe more times than I can count because it always gets rave reviews. It’s one of those dishes you can make quickly but still impress with bold flavors and a silky sauce that clings to every bite.
- Fast but impressive: From seasoning to sauce, it comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Rich, flavorful sauce: The Boursin cheese melts down into a luscious, creamy sauce that’s bursting with fresh garlic and herbs.
- Versatile and adaptable: You can easily pair it with pasta, veggies, or rice—and tweak seasonings to your taste.
- Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy day two’s dinner just as much as the first.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the fragrant shallots to the creamy Boursin cheese, these pantry-friendly ingredients combine effortlessly into a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for quick cooking and even seasoning.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity, mild richness that helps sear the chicken perfectly.
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper: These seasonings create a warm, savory crust on the chicken.
- Unsalted butter: Brings a silky richness and helps soften the shallots just right.
- Shallots: Milder and sweeter than onions, they add subtle complexity.
- Garlic: The star flavor, aromatic and essential for that bold punch.
- White wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, lifts those flavor-packed bits, and forms the sauce base.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and balanced without overpowering saltiness.
- Boursin cheese: The magic ingredient — creamy, herby, and melts to create that signature sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a fresh herbal finish to the dish.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe depending on what I have in the fridge. You can easily personalize it to fit your taste or dietary needs without losing any of the creamy, comforting vibes.
- Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is swapping white wine for apple cider for a touch of sweetness, especially in fall. It’s a little twist but totally changes the flavor profile in such a good way.
- Dietary swap: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free Boursin to make this recipe dairy-free while keeping that creamy texture.
- Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes during the sauce phase for extra color and nutrition.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken Like a Pro
First off, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick and gives you a better sear. Toss the chicken in olive oil and coat evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. I usually do this right in a large bowl or on a plate to avoid messy hands. The spices form a beautiful, flavorful crust when cooked, so don’t skip this step.
Step 2: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 4 minutes each side, watching for a gorgeous golden crust. Leave them be—flipping too soon can tear the meat. Use a splash of water to deglaze if the pan starts looking too dry or dark. You want to reach just under 165°F internally so the chicken stays juicy.
Step 3: Softening Shallots and Garlic
Turn the heat down to medium and add butter to the pan. Toss in thinly sliced shallots and cook gently for 2-3 minutes until translucent and sweet. Then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about a minute. This step builds the savory base for your sauce, so don’t rush it.
Step 4: Create That Dreamy Cream Sauce
Pour in the white wine (or extra chicken broth if you prefer) to deglaze the pan, scraping off those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add chicken broth and stir in the whole package of Boursin cheese. I love seeing it melt and transform into a velvety sauce. Simmer it gently on medium-low, letting it thicken just a bit, then stir in fresh parsley for a pop of herbal freshness.
Step 5: Bring It All Together and Serve
Nestle your seared chicken back into the creamy sauce and spoon that luscious cheese mixture all over each breast. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of parsley or chives. My family loves pairing this with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Top Tip
From my experience cooking this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe, these tips have really helped me get consistently delicious results, and I hope they’ll do the same for you.
- Even Thickness: If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them gently to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out.
- Patience on Searing: Let the chicken form a good crust before flipping; it makes a big flavor difference.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley at the end brightens the sauce and balances richness perfectly.
- Watch Your Sauce Consistency: Simmer the sauce gently to thicken — if it gets too thick, thin with a splash of broth or pasta water.
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds just the right fresh note against the creamy sauce. Fresh chives or a handful of shaved Parmesan also work beautifully and give a little extra texture and flavor punch.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are garlic butter green beans or roasted cherry tomatoes—both help cut through the richness. Sometimes, I toss cooked fettuccine in the sauce and serve the chicken on top for a full meal in one pan. Mashed potatoes or creamy risotto are also dreamy companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like plating the chicken over a bed of wilted spinach or herbed couscous. Drizzle a little extra sauce over everything and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a wow factor. It feels rustic yet elegant and always gets compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens overnight but a quick warm-up with a splash of broth helps loosen it back to silky perfection.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well. I separate portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce slowly on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the chicken tough.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While Boursin is ideal for its creamy texture and herb blend, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and fresh herbs. It won't be quite the same but still delicious.
Pounding the breasts to an even thickness and not overcooking are key. Use a meat thermometer to pull chicken off the heat just before 165°F to keep it juicy.
Yes! Just ensure the chicken broth and any added ingredients are gluten-free. This recipe naturally contains no gluten ingredients.
Garlic green beans, roasted cherry tomatoes, buttery mashed potatoes, or light pasta tossed in olive oil all make excellent sides that balance the creamy chicken beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s simple, flavorful, and genuinely comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate—and I’m excited for you to experience that same cozy satisfaction in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to be a favorite that’s requested again and again. Enjoy!
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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
Description
This Boursin Chicken recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, flavorful Boursin cheese sauce with shallots, garlic, and fresh parsley. It's a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 (4-5 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup white wine (or more chicken broth)
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 (5.2-oz) package Boursin cheese (or ⅔ cup homemade Boursin cheese)
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry on both sides. Coat them in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then toss with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to evenly season.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches just below 165°F. Add a splash of water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to deglaze the pan if the chicken browns too quickly.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pan. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits. Add the chicken broth, then stir in the Boursin cheese until fully melted and incorporated. Allow the sauce to simmer over medium-low heat to thicken slightly. Stir in the fresh parsley.
- Cover the chicken and serve: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan and spoon the creamy Boursin sauce over each piece. Serve immediately garnished with additional parsley, chives, or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- If chicken breasts are large, slice in half lengthwise to create cutlets and pound to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- For a creamy Boursin chicken pasta, cook your favorite pasta like fettuccine. Toss drained pasta with the creamy sauce, adding pasta water to thin if needed. Serve chicken atop the pasta 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, sprinkle with kosher salt, and roast at 425°F for about 20 minutes until bursting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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