Cream-Simmered Chicken With Boursin And Herbs Recipe

Cozy Cream-Simmered Chicken with Boursin and Herbs Recipe

My kitchen adventures recently uncovered this cream-simmered chicken recipe that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Creamy textures blend beautifully with delicate herb notes in this French-inspired dish.

Boursin cheese adds unexpected richness and complexity to simple ingredients.

Weeknight dinners rarely taste this luxurious without complicated techniques.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle into a velvety sauce that whispers sophistication.

Eager cooks can quickly master this elegant meal that impresses without stress.

Prepare to savor every decadent, herbaceous bite.

Chicken in Boursin Sauce Worth Savoring

  • Boost Flavor Fast: Boursin cheese transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal with its creamy, herby punch, making dinner feel like a restaurant-quality experience.
  • Master One-Skillet Magic: The entire recipe uses just one pan from searing to serving, cutting down on dishes and simplifying your cooking process with minimal cleanup required.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Serve over your favorite base like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, allowing flexible meal adaptation to suit personal preferences or pantry ingredients.
  • Impress Without Stress: Professional-looking results come from simple techniques like deglazing the pan and creating a rich sauce, making you look like a skilled home chef without complicated steps.

What Goes in Garlic Herb Boursin Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the star of this delicious dish.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika: These classic seasonings enhance the chicken's natural flavor and add depth to the overall taste.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: These fats help create a golden-brown sear on the chicken and provide rich flavor to the dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps deglaze the pan and adds depth to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy texture for the sauce.
  • Boursin Cheese with Garlic and Fine Herbs: A soft, creamy cheese that melts smoothly and infuses the sauce with garlic and herb flavors.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, clean flavor to the finished dish.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Pasta, Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Vegetables: Delicious accompaniments that complement the creamy chicken sauce.

How to Make Boursin Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 2: Sear to Golden Brown

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.

Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Boursin Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up browned bits.

Stir in heavy cream and Boursin cheese until smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken in Sauce

Return chicken to skillet, nestle into sauce, and simmer 8–10 minutes until cooked through (165°F internal temp).

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Serve chicken topped with sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and pair with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.

Solid Tips for Cooking Boursin Chicken

  • Dust chicken with smoked paprika for an extra smoky, aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F precisely, guaranteeing juicy, perfectly cooked meat without overcooking.
  • Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth to capture all the delicious browned bits, adding incredible depth to your sauce.
  • Stir Boursin cheese gradually into the sauce, ensuring smooth incorporation without clumping for a silky, luxurious texture.
  • Pair this creamy chicken with various sides like pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables to create a complete, satisfying meal.

Options to Vary Boursin Chicken Dinners

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace Boursin with feta cheese and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Substitute pasta or rice with roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining a creamy protein-rich meal.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and swap Boursin for nutritional yeast and dairy-free cream cheese to create a lactose-free version.
  • Spicy Southwestern Transformation: Incorporate diced green chiles, cumin, and replace parsley with cilantro for a zesty southwestern chicken sauce experience.

Pairings for Boursin Chicken Magic

  • A chardonnay or sauvignon blanc complements the rich, creamy sauce beautifully, cutting through the heaviness with bright, refreshing notes.
  • A light mixed green salad with fresh herbs, lemon vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of toasted almonds provides a zesty contrast to the decadent chicken dish.
  • Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic create a perfect base that soaks up the luxurious Boursin sauce, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Storage Basics for Boursin Chicken Leftovers

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain sauce quality.
  • Transfer chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate sauce and chicken if possible to preserve texture.
  • Place chicken in microwave-safe dish. Add 2 tablespoons of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Warm chicken in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add splash of broth to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently and heat for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • What is Boursin cheese?

Boursin is a soft, creamy French cheese with garlic and herbs, known for its spreadable texture and rich flavor that adds incredible depth to sauces and dishes.

  • Can I use a different type of cheese if Boursin is unavailable?

You can substitute with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs and garlic, or use a soft goat cheese for a similar creamy and tangy result.

  • Do I need special cooking skills to make this recipe?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like searing chicken and making a simple cream sauce. Anyone with basic kitchen experience can successfully prepare this dish.

  • How can I prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy?

Keep the heat low to medium when adding cream and cheese, stir constantly, and avoid boiling the sauce to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

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Cream-Simmered Chicken With Boursin And Herbs Recipe

Cream-Simmered Chicken With Boursin And Herbs Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy chicken with boursin and herbs whisks diners straight to French countryside comfort. Delicate herb-infused sauce and tender chicken create a luxurious meal you’ll savor with every delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 package (5.2 ounces / 147 grams) Boursin Cheese with Garlic and Fine Herbs
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken breasts by generously seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra flavor dimension.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter until the pan is evenly heated and shimmering.
  3. Carefully lay the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust for 4-5 minutes on each side. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage.
  4. Transfer the partially seared chicken to a temporary plate, keeping the flavorful browned bits in the skillet.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium and pour chicken broth into the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all the caramelized bits from the bottom, which will enhance the sauce’s depth.
  6. Gently whisk in the heavy cream and crumbled Boursin cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
  7. Carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. Once cooked, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness.
  9. Serve immediately alongside your preferred accompaniment such as al dente pasta, fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted seasonal vegetables.

Notes

  • Chicken breasts can be pounded to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature, avoiding overcooking and maintaining juicy chicken.
  • Swap Boursin with cream cheese and fresh herbs for a budget-friendly alternative that still delivers creamy texture.
  • For a low-carb version, serve the chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice or steamed zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 342 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.4 g
  • Sodium: 1041 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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