If you are looking for a comforting yet elegant dinner that comes together effortlessly, look no further than this One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe. This dish combines tender, golden chicken breasts with a luscious, garlicky Boursin cheese sauce that’s rich and velvety. It’s a perfect weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The magic lies in how all the flavors come together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze and dinner absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe plays a key role, whether it’s adding depth of flavor, creaminess, or that perfect herbaceous touch. The list is simple but essential, allowing the star ingredients to shine.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base that soaks up all the wonderful sauce flavors.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to a beautiful golden color while adding a subtle fruity note.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Lifts the browned bits from the pan and keeps the sauce light yet flavorful.
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese: The creamy, garlicky heart of the sauce that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, making it irresistibly silky.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with fresh garlic aroma and a punch of flavor.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Brings a subtle earthy, floral note that complements the creamy cheese beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every element without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright finish and lovely contrast to the creamy sauce.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by seasoning each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. This step is crucial because it layers the dish with flavor from the start, ensuring every bite tastes perfectly balanced.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook until they develop a golden-brown crust, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This not only locks in juices but also builds a flavorful base for the sauce. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside safely.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to release its fragrance without burning, which will add that irresistible aroma to your dish.
Step 4: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, and gently scrape up all the golden bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce beautifully.
Step 5: Stir in Boursin Cheese and Cream
Turn the heat down to medium and add the Boursin garlic & herb cheese along with the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce has a smooth, creamy consistency that will coat the chicken perfectly.
Step 6: Return Chicken and Simmer
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon some sauce over the top. Cover the pan and let everything simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes. This slow simmer allows the chicken to cook through while soaking up all the luscious flavors of the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken. This simple step adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color, making the dish as visually inviting as it is delicious.
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the go-to garnish, but you can also try finely grated lemon zest, which adds a delightful brightness that cuts through the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few fresh thyme leaves works wonderfully as well.
Side Dishes
This One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fluffy rice pilaf. These sides soak up the irresistible sauce, making every bite rich and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the chicken over buttered egg noodles or creamy polenta to turn this homey dish into something truly elegant. You can also spoon the sauce over roasted vegetables for a colorful and balanced plate. The sauce’s versatility means you can tailor the presentation to fit any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together ensures the flavors deepen, making your next meal even more delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare ahead. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating can help revive the sauce’s richness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin cheese is what gives this dish its signature creamy garlic-herb flavor, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs. However, the unique texture and seasoning of Boursin really elevate the sauce.
Is it okay to use bone-in chicken breasts?
Bone-in chicken breasts can work, but they may require longer cooking time. Adjust the simmering step accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe depends on the creamy, cheesy sauce, so making it fully dairy-free is tricky. However, you could try substituting Boursin with a dairy-free cream cheese spread and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream, keeping in mind the flavor will be quite different.
What wine pairs well with One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the richness of the creamy sauce beautifully. These wines cut through the creaminess without overwhelming the subtle herb and garlic notes.
Can I add vegetables to cook in the same pan?
Absolutely! Adding chopped mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes can enhance the dish by bringing extra texture and flavor. Just sauté them after removing the chicken and before adding garlic to keep everything balanced.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to make when I want something comforting and impressive without the fuss. The ease of cooking everything in one pan combined with the decadent sauce makes it a winning dish every time. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your weekly meal 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 is a flavorful and comforting meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy garlic and herb sauce made with Boursin cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish comes together quickly on the stovetop, delivering a deliciously creamy sauce with aromatic thyme and garlic, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 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
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to enhance their flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, creating a flavorful crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the savory flavors into the sauce.
- Add cheese and cream: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return chicken to skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them to coat evenly.
- Simmer the chicken: Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving to add color and a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- If Boursin cheese is unavailable, cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs can be used as a substitute.
- Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a brighter herbal flavor, adjusting the quantity accordingly.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken during searing to keep it moist and tender.
