There’s something irresistibly delicious about that rich, dreamy sauce hugging tender chicken in my Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe. It's the kind of dinner that makes you linger at the table a little longer, savoring cozy flavors that feel both special and totally approachable.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this skillet dish countless times and honestly, it never gets old. It’s straightforward yet feels elegant—perfect for weeknight dinners or when friends pop over unexpectedly. Plus, it’s packed with flavor without a laundry list of ingredients.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and one standout: Boursin cheese that melts into creamy perfection.
- Fast & Flavorful: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it great when you want comfort food without hours in the kitchen.
- Velvety Sauce: The garlic, shallots, and white wine build layers of taste before the Boursin adds that signature herby creaminess.
- Versatile Serving Options: Delicious on its own, over pasta, or paired with veggies for a balanced meal.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe plays a vital role. From the spices that season the chicken perfectly to the combo of white wine and chicken broth creating a luscious sauce base—everything balances beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to cook evenly; I recommend pounding if they’re uneven to ensure juicy results.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps sear the chicken for that golden crust.
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper: Simple seasonings that punch up flavor without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter: Boosts richness and helps soften the shallots and garlic.
- Shallot: Offers a delicate, sweeter onion flavor that melds beautifully with garlic.
- Garlic: A must-have for that irresistible aroma and depth.
- White wine (or chicken broth): The wine adds acidity and brightness; if you skip it, chicken broth keeps things flavorful.
- Low sodium chicken broth: Builds a savory liquid base for the sauce without being too salty.
- Boursin cheese: The star of the show—herbed, creamy, and melts into sauce magic.
- Fresh parsley: Adds fresh, green brightness right at the end.
Make It Your Way
While I adore this recipe as-is, there’s plenty of room to make it your own. Don’t hesitate to adjust herbs or add a bit more garlic if that’s your jam. I often sneak in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach just before serving.
- Vegetarian variation: Swap chicken for hearty mushrooms or cauliflower steaks and follow the same steps with extra butter and Boursin to keep it indulgent.
- Spicy kick: Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the shallots and garlic to wake up the sauce.
- Pasta integration: Toss cooked fettuccine or penne directly in the creamy sauce for a one-pan meal.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken Like a Pro
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry so the seasonings stick beautifully. Toss them gently with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until evenly coated. This simple rub is the foundation for all the delicious flavors you’ll get.
Step 2: Sear for Golden Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium-high and add olive oil until shimmering. Lay the chicken breast flat and resist the urge to move them around — this gives you that sought-after golden crust. Cook 3-4 minutes per side—if you notice the outside browning too fast, splash in a bit of water to deglaze and slow the sear without drying the chicken.
Step 3: Build Flavor with Shallots & Garlic
Turn the heat to medium and melt butter in the same pan. Add thinly sliced shallots and cook gently until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for a minute more—just until fragrant, not burnt, which can happen fast!
Step 4: Create That Luscious Cream Sauce
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up those golden bits stuck on the bottom—this is pure flavor gold. Follow with chicken broth and the whole Boursin cheese package. Stir gently as it melts into a creamy sauce, then simmer to thicken slightly. Finish with fresh parsley stirred in for a vibrant touch.
Step 5: Bring It All Together & Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the creamy sauce. Spoon extra sauce over each piece and feel free to scatter more fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of parmesan on top. Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, comforting feel.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that take this dish from really good to restaurant-level great without extra fuss. These tips help avoid common pitfalls and maximize flavor every time.
- Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to about the same thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy, not rubbery or dry on thinner parts.
- Control the Heat: Sear over medium-high, but watch closely. Too hot and the outside burns before inside cooks, too low and you lose that beautiful crust.
- Use Boursin Cheese: Authentic Boursin is worth tracking down—its garlic and herb mix are what make the sauce unique and flavorful.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Let it simmer gently so it thickens and flavors concentrate. Stir often to avoid sticking or burning on the pan bottom.
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and brightness. Sometimes I add chopped chives or a delicate dusting of parmesan cheese—the salty freshness complements the creamy sauce beautifully and adds a little texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, fluffy mashed potatoes, or buttered pasta for soaking up that amazing sauce. One of my favorite lazy sides is roasted cherry tomatoes drizzled in olive oil—they burst with sweetness and bring a roastiness that’s a lovely counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve served this for casual dinners and date nights alike by plating the chicken atop a bed of creamy polenta or alongside crispy fingerling potatoes. For gatherings, I sometimes drizzle the sauce over garlic-toast crostini too—it’s a fun way to mix textures and flavors that guests always love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. The creamy sauce tends to thicken as it chills, so you may want to stir in a little warm broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe successfully but recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately if possible. The sauce can sometimes change texture slightly after thawing, but reheated gently, it still tastes fantastic. Use within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Adding a splash of broth or water helps revive the creamy sauce so it doesn’t dry out or become grainy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Boursin is pretty unique thanks to its creamy texture and garlic-herb flavor combo. You can try a cream cheese mixed with garlic and fresh herbs as a substitute, but it won’t have quite the same melt and punch of flavor.
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your chicken broth label to ensure it doesn’t contain gluten-containing additives. Serve it with gluten-free pasta or veggies for a completely gluten-free meal.
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy. Just reduce the cooking time slightly depending on thickness, and watch for doneness using a thermometer (around 165°F internal temperature).
Keep the heat on medium-low when melting the Boursin cheese and simmering the sauce gently. Stir frequently, and avoid boiling the sauce as that can cause it to separate or curdle. Adding a splash of broth helps maintain a smooth texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe holds a little piece of my heart because it’s the dish that turned me into a huge Boursin fan—and it comes together quickly, which is a win in my busy life. Next time you want a meal that feels indulgent but is totally doable, give this recipe a go. I bet it’ll become a fast favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
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
- Diet: Low Sodium
Description
This Boursin Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and served with a luscious cream sauce made from Boursin cheese, shallots, garlic, white wine, and chicken broth. It’s a rich, flavorful dish perfect for an elegant dinner or a special weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (4-5 oz each)
- 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 additional 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, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry on both sides. Coat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then toss with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Sear the chicken: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and just below 165°F internal temperature. If the outside browns too quickly, add a splash of water, tablespoon at a time, to deglaze the pan.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add the sliced shallots and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the white wine and scrape brown bits off the skillet bottom to deglaze. Add chicken broth and Boursin cheese. Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in fresh parsley.
- Cover the chicken and serve: Nestle chicken breasts back into the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and heat briefly to warm through. Serve immediately garnished with additional parsley, chives, or parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- If chicken breasts are large, slice in half lengthwise and pound to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- For a creamy Boursin chicken pasta, cook your favorite pasta like fettuccine according to package directions. Toss drained pasta with the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water to loosen if needed, then top with chicken breasts and fresh herbs.
- Roasted tomatoes are a great side: toss 2 pints whole cherry tomatoes with olive oil and kosher salt, bake at 425°F until bursting, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Leave a Reply