There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-pan meal that tastes like you spent all day fussing in the kitchen. This Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe is just that—rich, flavorful, and packed with cozy vibes thanks to the luscious Boursin cheese melting into a garlicky sauce that clings to tender chicken breasts. Honestly, it’s become my go-to dinner when I want fancy flavor with minimal effort.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe hits that lovely sweet spot between simple and special. Whenever I whip up the Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe, it feels like I’m treating myself without any of the hassle or mess.
- Effortless Flavor Boost: Boursin cheese adds a creamy, herby punch that turns ordinary chicken into something memorable.
- One Pan Wonder: You cook everything in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax at the table.
- Versatile and Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add veggies or toss it with pasta, this recipe adapts well.
- Perfect Weeknight or Date Night: Quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient brings something special to the party in this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe. The combination of spices, garlic, and shallots builds a solid savory base, while the Boursin cheese adds richness and herbaceous notes that make the sauce sing.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook evenly, they soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds fruity flavor and helps get that perfect golden sear on the chicken.
- Paprika: Brings warmth and a subtle smokiness to the chicken’s crust.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: These pantry staples deepen the flavor quickly and perfectly without fresh garlic overpowering the sauce.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps soften the shallots without burning.
- Shallots: Milder than onions, they become wonderfully sweet when cooked and add complexity.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant punch that pairs beautifully with Boursin cheese.
- White wine (or chicken broth): Deglazing the pan with wine lifts all those browned bits for a deep, nuanced sauce. If you skip wine, use broth for a lighter option.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce from getting too salty while adding body and flavor.
- Boursin cheese: This is the star! It melts into a creamy, tangy, herby delight that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh herbal finish to brighten the whole dish.
Make It Your Way
I’ve enjoyed this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe as is countless times, but I love mixing it up based on what I have in the fridge or the mood I’m in. It’s an easy base to personalize!
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out the white wine for a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end—adds a bright tang that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in some chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes right before serving for a colorful, nutrient-packed meal.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Since the sauce is naturally gluten-free, just serve it over rice or gluten-free pasta and you’re set.
- Boursin Swap: Can’t find Boursin? Cream cheese combined with minced garlic and herbs is a simple homemade alternative.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prep
I start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—dry chicken sears better, giving you that beautiful golden crust. Then, in a bowl, I toss the chicken with olive oil and the spices: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This seasoning combo is simple but packs a flavorful punch that sets the tone for the whole dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering—hot but not smoking. Place the chicken carefully in the pan and let it sear without moving it for about 3-4 minutes. When that beautiful golden crust forms, flip and sear the other side. If the chicken starts browning faster than cooking through, I add a splash of water here and there to deglaze and prevent burning.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, I turn the heat to medium, melt the butter in the same pan, and toss in thinly sliced shallots. I let them soften for 2-3 minutes, then add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant—about a minute. This step builds a rich, aromatic base for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce
Next, I pour in the white wine (or chicken broth if I’m skipping wine), scraping the pan bottom to loosen all those tasty browned bits. After the wine reduces slightly, I add the chicken broth followed by the Boursin cheese. Stirring gently, I watch as the cheese melts into a silky, herb-speckled sauce. Lower the heat and let it simmer for a bit to thicken.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
I nestle the chicken breasts back into the creamy sauce to warm through for a couple of minutes, then sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of freshness. Serve it straight from the pan to the table for a rustic, cozy presentation. Sometimes I add extra chopped chives or parmesan to switch things up.
Top Tip
I’ve learned a few tricks after many tries with this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe that really make the difference between good and great.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if needed so each piece gets that perfect sear instead of steaming.
- Use a Thermometer: To avoid drying out the chicken, aim for just-below 165°F internal temperature before resting in the sauce—it stays juicy this way.
- Deglaze Well: Scrape that fond (browned bits) off the pan when adding wine or broth—that’s where all the flavor hides.
- Fresh Herbs at the End: Stir in parsley or chives after you take the pan off the heat to keep the herbs bright and fresh tasting.
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I usually garnish this dish simply with freshly chopped parsley—it adds that fresh green pop that looks as good as it tastes. When I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle a little grated parmesan or some finely chopped chives on top. Both bring a subtle sharpness that balances the rich sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
My favorite side for this is a fluffy bed of buttery mashed potatoes. The creamy sauce soaks into the potatoes perfectly. Sometimes I serve it over garlic herb rice or toss fettuccine with the sauce for a quick pasta dinner. Roasted cherry tomatoes also pair wonderfully—roast them until they just burst for a sweet, juicy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve plated this skillet dish over a bed of creamy polenta and topped it with microgreens and a drizzle of truffle oil—talk about elevated comfort food! Another time, I served it family-style right in the skillet with warm crusty bread for dipping, which was a huge hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before reheating, I loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back the silky texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes reasonably well. I freeze it in single portions in freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the texture is still creamy—just be sure to gently reheat so the sauce doesn’t separate.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce. Adding a bit of broth or water while warming helps keep everything smooth and prevents drying out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time since thighs might take a bit longer and can handle a bit more heat without drying out.
If Boursin isn’t available, mix cream cheese with garlic, herbs like chives and parsley, and a little grated Parmesan to approximate the flavor and creaminess.
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning, using moderate heat, and removing it from the pan just before it hits 165°F internal help keep it juicy. It will keep cooking a bit in the sauce afterward.
This recipe relies on Boursin cheese for its signature creaminess and flavor, so making it dairy-free would require a suitable vegan cheese alternative and adjusting seasonings accordingly. It’s doable but changes the character of the dish quite a bit.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my recipe lineup because it feels like a little luxury that’s easy to pull off anytime. The creamy, herby sauce and tender chicken make for a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. I hope you’ll give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new weeknight favorite, too.
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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
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This creamy Boursin Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful sauce made with white wine, chicken broth, and Boursin cheese. Finished with fresh parsley, this dish is perfect for an elegant yet simple dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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 (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, then coat them evenly with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Toss with the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, ensuring each piece is well seasoned.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of 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 the internal temperature reaches just below 165°F. If the chicken browns too quickly, add a splash of water (1 tablespoon at a time) to deglaze the pan.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and melt it. Add the thinly sliced shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pan to lift the brown bits for extra flavor. Add the low sodium chicken broth and the Boursin cheese. Stir continuously to melt the cheese into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat to thicken slightly. Stir in the fresh parsley.
- Cover the chicken and serve: Nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan. Spoon the creamy Boursin sauce generously over each piece of chicken. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional chopped parsley, chives, or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- If chicken breasts are large, slice them in half lengthwise to make cutlets and pound them to even thickness for consistent cooking.
- For a creamy Boursin chicken pasta, cook fettuccine according to package directions, then toss with the sauce, adding pasta water as needed to thin. Serve chicken on top with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- For a tasty side, roast 2 pints of whole cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and kosher salt at 425°F for about 20 minutes until bursting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
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