Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a luscious sauce made from Boursin garlic and fine herbs cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Garlic and fresh parsley add vibrant flavors while optional thyme brings subtle earthiness. The sauce thickens beautifully, coating the tender chicken for a rich, comforting dish ideal for weeknight meals. Simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and quick cooking time, this dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
The way Boursin cheese melts into a velvety sauce still feels like kitchen magic to me. I stumbled upon this technique during a particularly chaotic Tuesday when I needed something impressive but had zero time to fuss. Now it is my go-to when I want people to think I spent hours over the stove.
My sister-in-law asked for the recipe before she even finished her first bite. Watching someone scrape their plate clean is the kind of validation that keeps me cooking this on repeat.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pound them to even thickness so they cook at the same rate and stay tender
- 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: Season generously since Boursin is mild and needs the contrast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Prevents the butter from burning over medium-high heat
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds that golden color and nutty flavor you cannot get from oil alone
- 2 cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here, jarred garlic lacks the punch
- 200 g Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese: Let it come to room temperature for faster melting
- ½ cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the seasoning
- ½ cup heavy cream: Half-and-half works but the sauce will be thinner and less luxurious
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped: Add this at the end to preserve its bright color and fresh taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme optional: Fresh thyme works too, just strip the leaves from the woody stems
Instructions
- Season and prepare the chicken:
- Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear to golden perfection:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until foaming, then add chicken and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden.
- Build the aromatic base:
- Remove chicken and reduce heat to medium, then sauté garlic for just 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Create the creamy sauce:
- Add Boursin cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely into a smooth velvety sauce.
- Add the herbs and reunite:
- Stir in parsley and thyme, then return chicken to the skillet and simmer 7 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
This recipe has rescued me more times than I can count when unexpected guests show up hungry. Something about creamy sauces makes people feel genuinely cared for.
Making It Your Own
Chicken thighs work beautifully here and stay juicier since they have more fat. I often toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach during the last few minutes of simmering.
Perfect Sides
Mashed potatoes are classic for soaking up every drop of that sauce. Steamed green beans add a fresh crunch that cuts through the richness.
Wine Pairing Magic
A crisp Chardonnay stands up to the cream without overpowering the delicate herbs. Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully if you prefer something brighter and more acidic.
- Crusty bread is basically mandatory for sauce-sopping purposes
- Rice absorbs the sauce beautifully if you want something lighter than potatoes
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances all that creamy richness perfectly
This is the kind of dinner that makes ordinary Tuesdays feel like a small celebration. Enjoy every creamy bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
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Yes, substituting thighs offers a juicier texture and slightly richer flavor, cooking time may vary slightly.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
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Steamed green beans, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread all complement the creamy sauce well.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
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Yes, as long as it’s served without wheat-based sides, the main elements are naturally gluten-free.
- → Can I substitute heavy cream for a lighter option?
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Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though the texture will be slightly less rich.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
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Maintain medium heat and stir continuously once the Boursin cheese is added, avoiding boiling to keep a smooth sauce.