Chicken with Boursin Sauce with Garlic and Fine Herbs – An Easy Dinner Recipe to Impress
Introduction
Looking for a quick and elegant dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but takes just 30 minutes? Chicken with Boursin sauce is your answer. This creamy, herb-forward dish pairs pan-seared chicken breasts with a silky, garlic-and-herb cheese sauce made from beloved Boursin cheese — a French classic known for its luxurious texture and rich flavor.
The result is a comforting yet refined main course that’s perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or weeknight meals when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The garlicky, herbaceous cream sauce melts around juicy chicken, making every bite velvety, savory, and unforgettable.
Ingredients Overview
This recipe keeps it simple with accessible ingredients that shine through proper technique. Quality matters, especially when you’re letting a few stars carry the flavor.
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect blank canvas for the creamy Boursin sauce.
- Pound them to even thickness for even cooking
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Optional: use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result
Boursin Cheese
This French cheese spread is the soul of the sauce. Choose:
- Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs – the most classic, creamy, and flavorful option
- It melts beautifully into a sauce with minimal work
- You’ll need one standard 5.2 oz package
Cream
A small amount of heavy cream or half-and-half helps create a pourable, velvety sauce.
- Use heavy cream for the richest results
- Half-and-half is a lighter alternative
- Avoid milk — it may curdle or thin the sauce too much
Broth
Chicken broth adds depth and prevents the sauce from being overly heavy.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth
- Vegetable broth can also work in a pinch
Aromatics & Seasoning
You only need a few extra touches:
- Garlic – fresh minced for added punch
- Butter or olive oil – for browning the chicken
- Salt & pepper – to season as you go
- Optional: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish and brightness
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pound 2–3 chicken breasts to even thickness (~½ inch).
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt:
- 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp butter
Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove and set aside on a plate. Tent with foil.
3. Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. To the same skillet, add:
- 1 minced garlic clove
- Optional: splash of white wine or extra broth to deglaze
Sauté for 30 seconds, scraping up browned bits.
Pour in:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the Boursin
Crumble in:
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
Stir gently until fully melted and smooth. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
5. Return the Chicken
Add the seared chicken back to the pan. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer for 2–3 more minutes to reheat and marry the flavors.
6. Finish and Serve
Garnish with:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Cracked black pepper
- Extra herbs (like thyme or tarragon)
Serve hot with your favorite sides — this dish is all about the sauce.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken — it ensures even cooking.
- Let the sauce simmer gently — not boil — to stay smooth.
- Scrape up the brown bits after searing — that’s where the flavor lives!
Flavor Variations
- Mushroom Boursin Sauce: Add sautéed mushrooms before the cream.
- Spinach Boursin Chicken: Stir in a handful of baby spinach with the sauce.
- White wine version: Deglaze with dry white wine for added acidity.
Substitutions
- Swap chicken breasts with thighs, pork chops, or salmon fillets
- Use Boursin Shallot & Chive or Black Pepper flavors for variation
- Dairy-free? Try a garlic herb vegan cheese spread (texture may vary)
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This Boursin chicken dish is ideal for:
- Date night dinners with a glass of white wine
- Entertaining guests — easy, but looks gourmet
- Comfort meals after a long day
Pair with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice
- Steamed green beans, asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts
- A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette for balance
Nutritional & Health Notes
This dish is:
- High in protein
- Rich and satisfying, perfect for low-carb or keto-friendly diets
- Easily portion-controlled — the sauce adds flavor, so you can keep portions lean
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: ~400–450
- Protein: ~35g
- Fat: ~28g
- Carbs: ~6–8g
- Fiber: 0–1g
To lighten it up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or serve with roasted vegetables instead of starches.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Boursin chicken ahead of time?
A1: Yes — sear the chicken and make the sauce, then store separately. Reheat together in a skillet on low to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Q2: Can I use Boursin in other sauces?
A2: Absolutely! Boursin melts into pasta sauces, mashed potatoes, risottos, or even as a creamy base for flatbreads.
Q3: What if my sauce is too thick?
A3: Add a splash more broth or cream to loosen it. Stir gently and reheat over low to prevent curdling.
Q4: Can I use other herbs?
A4: Yes — thyme, tarragon, chives, or dill all work well. Fresh herbs add brightness and depth.
Q5: Is this dish keto-friendly?
A5: Yes! With chicken, cream, and cheese as the base, it’s naturally low in carbs. Just pair with non-starchy veggies.
Q6: Can I bake this dish instead?
A6: You can! After searing, place chicken in a baking dish, pour sauce over, and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
Q7: What wine pairs best?
A7: Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Grigio pair beautifully with the creamy herb sauce.
Restaurant-Style Boursin Chicken at Home
Pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese sauce with fine herbs — perfect for an elegant yet easy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2–3 boneless chicken breasts
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to season)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 (5.2 oz) package Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs
- Optional: chopped parsley, lemon juice
Instructions
- Pound chicken to even thickness. Season both sides.
- Heat oil and butter in a skillet. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to skillet and sauté briefly. Deglaze with broth.
- Pour in cream and bring to simmer. Stir in Boursin cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to pan and simmer 2–3 minutes. Spoon sauce over top.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for variation
- Serve with potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables