Quick Creamy Chicken Boursin for Family Dinners

Creamy Chicken Boursin Sauce with 7 Rich Ingredients and Silky, Savory Comfort

Creamy Chicken Boursin Sauce – Easy Weeknight Dinner

Creamy Chicken Boursin Sauce is the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet takes barely any effort to pull together. With tender seared chicken and a luscious, herby cream sauce made from Boursin cheese, this easy weeknight dinner is a guaranteed favorite. It’s rich, flavorful, and comforting without being overly heavy.

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—golden pan-seared chicken, a splash of broth, and a creamy Boursin base that melts into a smooth sauce packed with garlic and herbs. You don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to create a meal that feels like something special. It pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a light green salad and comes together in about 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for family or just need a fast, satisfying dinner, this creamy chicken delivers warmth and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients Overview

Chicken breasts or thighs are the protein foundation of this dish. Chicken breasts work well if you prefer lean meat, while boneless, skinless thighs offer more moisture and a richer flavor. Either way, searing them until golden locks in juices and gives a flavorful base for the sauce.

Boursin cheese is the star. This soft, spreadable cheese is infused with garlic and fine herbs, giving the sauce instant depth and creaminess. It’s pre-seasoned and melts beautifully into a silky texture, eliminating the need for heavy cream or extra aromatics.

Chicken broth helps thin the cheese slightly and brings savory undertones without overwhelming the delicate herbs. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels, especially since Boursin is already well seasoned.

Butter adds richness and is used for searing the chicken. You can mix with a bit of olive oil for a higher smoke point.

Shallots or onion provide a sweet, mellow aromatic base. Finely minced, they blend seamlessly into the sauce without overpowering it.

Fresh spinach or peas can be added at the end for color and a touch of freshness. This is optional but helps round out the dish with a light, green note.

Black pepper and fresh parsley or chives add final flavor and color. Because the Boursin is already salty, you often won’t need to add extra salt.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the chicken: Pat 2–3 chicken breasts or thighs dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Optionally, slice the breasts horizontally to create cutlets for faster, more even cooking.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 finely chopped shallot or ½ small onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Deglaze and build the sauce: Add ½ cup chicken broth to the pan, scraping up any brown bits. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add the Boursin: Stir in one full round (5.2 oz) of Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese. Let it melt completely into the broth, stirring gently to create a creamy, smooth sauce.
6. Return the chicken: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the top and let it simmer for 2–3 more minutes until everything is heated through.
7. Finish with greens (optional): Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or ½ cup of peas if using. Let wilt for 1–2 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives before serving.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

If you’re short on time, use thin chicken cutlets—they cook in minutes and absorb the sauce more quickly.

For a deeper flavor, add a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan before adding the broth. Let it reduce for a minute or two.

Not a fan of garlic and herb Boursin? Try the shallot and chive version for a milder take, or the cracked black pepper flavor for a little kick.

To make the dish even more filling, serve it over buttered noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or risotto. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower mash or sautéed zucchini noodles.

Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. Sauté them with the shallots to build more depth into the base of the sauce.

This recipe can be doubled easily to feed a crowd or to prep leftovers for lunch the next day—it reheats well and stays creamy.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Serve this creamy chicken over mashed potatoes or pasta for a classic comfort meal. The sauce clings beautifully to starchy sides, making every bite satisfying.

For a lighter option, pair it with steamed vegetables, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.

It’s an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, romantic meals at home, or even dinner parties—it’s easy to make but feels elegant and cozy.

You can also slice the chicken and serve it in a wrap or over grains like farro or quinoa for a hearty lunch bowl.

Nutritional & Health Notes

Using lean chicken breasts keeps the fat content lower while still offering high protein—about 35 grams per serving. If you opt for thighs, expect more flavor and moisture with a slightly higher fat content.

Boursin cheese, while rich, adds creaminess and flavor without needing extra butter or heavy cream. Its intense herb profile also means fewer added seasonings are required.

To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and adjust the cheese portion as needed. You can thin the sauce further with a splash of milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter finish.

Adding spinach or peas increases fiber and vitamins, boosting the dish’s overall balance. It’s a satisfying and complete dinner with very little effort or cleanup.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the chicken and sauce as directed, then cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

What’s the best Boursin flavor to use?
Garlic & Fine Herbs is classic and works beautifully here. Other good options include Shallot & Chive or Cracked Black Pepper if you want something slightly different.

Can I use cream cheese instead of Boursin?
You can substitute with plain cream cheese, but you’ll need to season the sauce with herbs, garlic, and salt. Boursin has more flavor built in.

What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables all pair well. For lighter options, try zucchini noodles or a simple salad.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, if served with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash or greens. Use full-fat Boursin and avoid starchy sides to keep it keto.

Can I freeze it?
It’s not ideal. The Boursin sauce may separate slightly when thawed. For best results, make fresh or refrigerate for short-term storage.

How do I make it gluten-free?
This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and serve it with GF sides like rice, potatoes, or gluten-free pasta.

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