Creamy Boursin Chicken with Garlic and Fine Herbs is my go-to when I want something that feels elegant but doesn’t trap me in the kitchen for hours. With tender, golden-seared chicken nestled in a velvety sauce made from Boursin’s signature garlic and herb cheese, this one-pan wonder brings French-inspired sophistication to the dinner table in just 30 minutes. It’s the kind of dish that feels like it came from a cozy bistro—but it’s all happening right on my stovetop.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines elegance and ease in one skillet. I get rich, restaurant-quality flavor thanks to the Boursin cheese, which melts effortlessly into a creamy sauce with aromatic herbs and garlic. I don’t need to master complicated techniques—just sear, stir, and simmer. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks in one pan. Whether I’m planning a dinner party or just a cozy night in, this dish never fails to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread for serving
Steamed green beans or asparagus
Directions
I start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Then I heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foams.
I sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until it turns golden brown. Once done, I remove it and set it aside—don’t worry, it’ll finish cooking later.
In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic for just 30 seconds. Then I deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits, and let that simmer for about 2 minutes.
On low heat, I whisk in the Boursin cheese until it’s completely melted. Then I stir in the heavy cream, parsley, and thyme to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and let everything simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through to 165°F.
To serve, I plate the chicken with generous spoonfuls of sauce and pair it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or bread—whatever I feel like soaking up that creamy goodness.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
When I want to switch things up, I love sautéing mushrooms before the garlic to give the sauce an earthy twist. Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for thighs for even more juiciness. And when I’m out of Boursin, I make my own version by mixing cream cheese with garlic powder and dried herbs—it’s not quite the same, but it works in a pinch.
Storage/Reheating
This dish stores beautifully. I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce. I try to avoid boiling it, which could make the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, I often use thighs when I want something even more tender and flavorful. They may take a couple more minutes to cook, so I just check that they reach 165°F internally.
What can I substitute for Boursin cheese?
When I don’t have Boursin, I blend 4 oz of cream cheese with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of mixed herbs like chives, parsley, and dill. It gives me a similar creamy, herby flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
I always use a meat thermometer—the safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. The juices should run clear when I cut into the thickest part.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. I store the sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I add a splash of cream or broth to restore that silky texture.
What do I serve with this creamy chicken?
I love it over mashed potatoes or pasta, but crusty bread works great too. Steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus make a perfect side without overpowering the flavors.
Conclusion
This Creamy Boursin Chicken with Garlic and Fine Herbs is a reminder that great meals don’t have to be complicated. With just one pan and a handful of quality ingredients, I get an elegant, comforting dish that never fails to impress. Whether I’m hosting friends or just treating myself, this recipe brings a little French flair into my kitchen with every bite.
Creamy Boursin Chicken with Garlic and Fine Herbs is a luxurious one-pan dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a velvety sauce made from Boursin cheese, garlic, and herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an elegant yet easy meal that tastes like it came from a French bistro.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Pan-Seared and Simmered
Cuisine:French-Inspired
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread for serving
Steamed green beans or asparagus, for serving
Instructions
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter foams.
Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and whisk in the Boursin cheese until melted and smooth.
Stir in heavy cream, parsley, and thyme to form a creamy sauce.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and simmer 3–4 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F).
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread, and a side of vegetables.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer option.
Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth and umami.
If Boursin isn’t available, substitute with a mix of cream cheese, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to prevent the sauce from separating.
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.