There's something so satisfying about a one-pan dinner that feels fancy but isn’t complicated at all. This Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe is that kind of meal—rich, flavorful, and comforting, with a silky cheese sauce that melts right into the chicken. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to company.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m genuinely excited every time I make this creamy, dreamy skillet chicken. The combination of richly seasoned chicken and Boursin cheese sauce hits all the right notes without a ton of fuss. Plus, it literally cooks in one pan—bonus for easy cleanup!
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to pull this off, yet it tastes gourmet.
- Fast Cooking: From stove to table in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: Boursin’s herbed cheese melts into a sauce that’s both decadent and fresh thanks to garlic and shallots.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over pasta, alongside roasted veggies, or just with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor. The spices bring warmth and depth to the chicken, while the Boursin cheese adds that unique creamy tang and herbaceous kick that you just can’t replicate with plain cream cheese.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Easy to cook evenly and soak up flavors; I recommend pounding them slightly for uniform thickness.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For a subtle fruitiness and perfect searing that prevents sticking.
- Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: These spices create a well-rounded, aromatic chicken crust.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the shallots to sweet perfection.
- Shallot: Its mild onion flavor elevates the sauce without overpowering it.
- Garlic: A must for that fragrant boost that makes everything taste homemade.
- White Wine or Chicken Broth: Either works for deglazing—the wine adds a little brightness, but broth keeps it cozy and alcohol-free.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful yet balanced.
- Boursin Cheese: The star ingredient—herbed, creamy, and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness at the end.
Make It Your Way
I often like to tweak this creamy Boursin chicken skillet recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. It’s such a flexible dish—I like to encourage you to make it your own!
- Variation: Sometimes I swap the chicken breasts for thighs when I want juicier meat—it works beautifully and adds some extra flavor.
- Make it Low-Carb: Skip the pasta and serve with cauliflower rice or sautéed greens for a lighter meal.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in baby spinach or roasted mushrooms in the skillet towards the end for more color and nutrients.
- Wine-Free Version: Use all chicken broth if you’re avoiding alcohol—you won’t lose out on taste.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken
First, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps them brown nicely instead of steaming in the pan. Toss them in olive oil and coat generously with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little black pepper. I like to rub the spices in with my hands to make sure every inch is flavored.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, add the chicken and cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. If your chicken is thick, it might need a couple more minutes. I find adding a tablespoon of water to deglaze and loosen those tasty browned bits as needed helps build flavor for the sauce.
Step 3: Build Your Flavor Base with Shallots and Garlic
Turn the heat to medium, add butter and melt it, then toss in thinly sliced shallots. Cook them gently until soft and fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic next and cook just until you can smell that wonderful aroma, about a minute more. This step wakes up the sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in white wine (or broth) and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift those brown bits—it’s pure gold for flavor here! Add chicken broth, then the entire package of Boursin cheese. Stir until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it gently simmer so it thickens slightly. Finish with fresh parsley stirred in for a burst of freshness.
Step 5: Nestle Chicken Back and Serve
Place the chicken back into the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, and allow everything to meld for another couple of minutes on low heat. Serve this right away—trust me, that sauce is best enjoyed warm and luscious. I love adding a little extra chopped parsley or even some shaved parmesan on top.
Top Tip
After making this dish many times, I learned a few things that really helped me perfect it and avoid common missteps. These little pointers will boost your confidence and the final flavor.
- Pat Dry Chicken First: Washing off excess moisture is key to getting that golden sear—don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: I pull mine off just shy of 165°F because it will continue cooking resting in the pan with the sauce, keeping it juicy.
- Deglaze Well: Scraping those browned bits after searing is what transforms the sauce from good to unforgettable.
- Use Fresh Parsley at the End: It brightens and lightens the rich sauce just beautifully—try not to skip it!
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this dish with freshly chopped parsley for color and brightness. If I’m feeling indulgent, a sprinkle of finely grated parmesan or fresh chives adds just the right touch. A little lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice also works wonders to cut through the richness and bring a lively contrast.
Side Dishes
My favorite sides for this creamy Boursin chicken skillet recipe are silky mashed potatoes or buttered pasta, which soak up the sauce perfectly. Roasted asparagus or broccoli give a nice crisp texture and balance the meal well. Sometimes I make some oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, which add a sweet, juicy pop that pairs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I’ve carefully sliced the chicken and fanned it on a platter, drizzling the sauce all over and garnishing with an herb bouquet. Serving it over a bed of creamy polenta or wild rice also ups the fancy factor and makes the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The chicken stays tender, and the sauce thickens nicely. Before reheating, I recommend loosening the sauce with a splash of chicken broth or water so it’s not too thick.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish successfully too—just cool it completely, then freeze in a sealed container. It’s best eaten within 2 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to keep the sauce creamy and smooth. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to overcook the chicken and alter the sauce texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can try substituting with cream cheese mixed with herbs or a soft goat cheese, but keep in mind Boursin has a unique herby, garlic flavor that really defines the sauce. So results will vary!
No worries! You can replace white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth. The flavor will still be rich and delicious, just without the subtle wine brightness.
Aim for an internal temperature just under 165°F (around 160°F) when you take the chicken off the heat, as it will keep cooking slightly in the sauce. This helps it stay juicy and tender rather than drying out.
To keep it keto-friendly, this recipe already fits well thanks to the Boursin cheese and chicken. For dairy-free options, you’d need to substitute Boursin with a dairy-free creamy cheese alternative, but note that the flavor and texture will change quite a bit.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe has become my go-to for when I want something that tastes special without a mountain of work. It’s rich and comforting but still light enough to enjoy any night of the week. I hope you’ll love making it as much as I do—there’s something deeply satisfying about that first silky bite paired with perfectly seared chicken. So next time you want an easy but elegant meal, give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out!
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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-inspired
Description
A creamy and flavorful Boursin Chicken recipe featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich garlic and shallot cream sauce with Boursin cheese and fresh parsley.
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
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup white wine
- 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 until evenly coated.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the remaining 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and just shy of 165°F internal temperature. Add splashes of water a tablespoon at a time to deglaze the pan if browning too quickly.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the sliced shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the white wine and use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the chicken broth and then the Boursin cheese. Stir continuously to melt the cheese into the sauce. Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat to thicken slightly. Stir in fresh parsley.
- Cover the chicken and serve: Nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan and spoon the creamy Boursin sauce over each piece. Serve immediately garnished with additional chopped parsley, chives, or parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- If chicken breasts are large, slice in half lengthwise and pound to even thickness for quicker, even cooking.
- For Boursin chicken pasta, cook pasta like fettuccine according to package directions, toss with sauce and chicken, adding pasta water to thin sauce as needed. Finish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
- Serve with roasted tomatoes made by baking 2 pints cherry tomatoes at 425°F for 20 minutes drizzled in olive oil and sprinkled with kosher salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
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