If you’re craving a dish that’s both elegant and effortless, the One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish takes tender chicken breasts and elevates them by simmering in a luscious, garlicky Boursin cheese sauce that’s rich, silky, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal when friends come over, it’s a comforting yet sophisticated recipe that cooks all in one pan, which means less mess and more time to savor every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe’s magic lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a unique role, from the creamy texture of the Boursin cheese to the fragrant depth brought by garlic and thyme. Together, they combine to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and inviting aromas.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect protein base, easy to cook evenly and soak up the sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken to a golden, flavorful crust.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides a savory foundation and helps deglaze the pan, lifting all those tasty browned bits.
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese: The star of the show, lending a creamy texture and herby, garlicky kick.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Blends with Boursin to create a rich, velvety sauce that hugs every piece of chicken.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Offers a subtle earthiness that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant touch to finish off the plate.
How to Make One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by gently seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. This simple step layers flavor right from the start, ensuring every bite is seasoned perfectly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in, allowing them to sear undisturbed until a golden crust forms, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This browning not only locks in juicy flavors but also adds delicious texture. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick step releases the garlic’s wonderful aroma without letting it burn, which could turn it bitter.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This technique amplifies the depth of your sauce and is a little chef’s secret to big flavor.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Boursin Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the Boursin cheese along with the heavy cream. Continue stirring gently until the cheese melts fully and the sauce achieves a smooth, creamy consistency that’s simply irresistible.
Step 6: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Return your seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the velvety sauce over each piece. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, soaking up all that creamy goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal touch. Now, it’s time to dive in and savor every luscious bite of your homemade One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic and easy garnish that brightens the dish both visually and in flavor. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of lemon zest can add a zingy contrast to the creamy sauce, or a few cracked red pepper flakes to introduce subtle heat.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or a delicate bed of buttered pasta. For a fresher contrast, lightly roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad offers balance and texture variety.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to elevate the plate, try plating the chicken on a swirl of smooth polenta or creamy risotto. Drizzle extra sauce over the top and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-quality presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick lunch or dinner option for busy days ahead.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully, though it’s best to freeze before garnishing. Store the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat your chicken in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking. Stir the sauce occasionally to keep it smooth and creamy. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin is ideal for its creamy texture and herb-garlic flavor, you could experiment with cream cheese blended with garlic and herbs, or even a soft goat cheese. Just remember the distinct taste will change slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Since the chicken stays moist and flavorful when reheated, the One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe makes a fantastic meal prep option that can save you time during the week.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce might be less rich and thick. To compensate, try adding a little flour or cornstarch dissolved in water to help thicken the sauce.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe relies on dairy for its creamy sauce, but you could try using a dairy-free cream alternative and a suitable herb spread. Just keep in mind this will alter the classic flavor and texture.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
Final Thoughts
There’s something delightful about a dish that feels both indulgent and simple, and that’s exactly why the One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken Recipe has become such a favorite in my kitchen. It’s a dish you can confidently serve anytime you want to impress without the fuss, filled with cozy, creamy flavors that comfort the soul. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to earn a special spot in your dinner rotation too!
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-American
Description
This One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful, creamy garlic and herb Boursin cheese sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin garlic & herb cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and dried thyme to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant to infuse the sauce with garlic flavor.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the savory flavors into the sauce.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and stir in the Boursin garlic & herb cheese along with the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them to coat well.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a rich and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce might be less rich.
- For extra vegetables, consider adding mushrooms or spinach to the sauce when you sauté the garlic.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
