When dinner calls for comfort and a touch of elegance, this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe answers beautifully. Imagine tender chicken breasts bathed in a luxuriously creamy, garlicky sauce made with that iconic herbed Boursin cheese—each bite is a little celebration of flavor and ease.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I keep coming back to this recipe because it nails that perfect balance between creamy richness and vibrant herb flavors. It's one of those dishes that make dinner feel special without needing hours in the kitchen. Seriously, it’s a go-to when I want something both quick and impressive.
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this dish in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or an easy weekend treat.
- Unmatched Creamy Flavor: The herby Boursin cheese melts beautifully, creating a sauce that’s indulgent without being heavy.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Impact: With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh shallots, you get a dish packed with flavor.
- Versatile and Customizable: It pairs wonderfully with pasta, veggies, or even crusty bread, making it adaptable to what you have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here plays a part in making this chicken skillet utterly delicious. From the spice blend seasoning the chicken to that creamy Boursin finish, these elements come together with ease and elegance. When you shop, pick fresh shallots and a good quality Boursin to really make this dish shine.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: They cook up quick and soak in the sauce beautifully; I recommend pounding them a bit for even cooking.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps with browning the chicken to lock in flavor.
- Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: These spices build a simple but impactful seasoning base—nothing too overpowering.
- Unsalted Butter: Used for cooking shallots and garlic, it adds a smooth richness to the sauce.
- Shallots: They bring a subtle sweetness and gentle onion flavor that’s less sharp than regular onions.
- Garlic: Of course, garlic is key for that fragrant, savory kick.
- White Wine or Chicken Broth: I usually opt for white wine for a little acidity that balances the creamy sauce, but broth works great if you want to keep it alcohol-free.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides depth and keeps the sauce from becoming too salty.
- Boursin Cheese: The star player, packed with garlic and herbs, melting into this velvety sauce you’ll want to savor.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the dish with a fresh herbal note right before serving.
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting with this recipe—adding my little twists here and there depending on the mood or season. And you’ll find it’s very forgiving and flexible, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.
- Variation: Once, I swapped the white wine for fresh lemon juice and a touch of cream instead of Boursin when I didn’t have any on hand—still creamy and delicious, but that herby Boursin flavor really is unbeatable.
- Make it Spicy: Toss a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce if you want a gentle heat kick.
- Low Carb Swap: Serve the chicken over sautéed cauliflower rice instead of pasta or starches for a lighter meal.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken Just Right
First things first: pat those chicken breasts dry—that helps the seasoning stick and the chicken brown nicely. I toss them with olive oil, then coat evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This simple spice mix brings out so much flavor without overwhelming the delicate chicken.
Step 2: Sear Until Golden and Juicy
Heat a splash of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering—this is when you know the pan is hot enough. Add your chicken and let it sit without moving it for about 3-4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden crust, which locks in juiciness. If the chicken’s browning too quickly, splash in a tablespoon of water to deglaze and keep things from burning.
Step 3: Soften Shallots & Garlic for That Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium, add butter to the same pan, and toss in thinly sliced shallots. After 2-3 minutes, they’ll soften and sweeten. Then stir in minced garlic—just a minute until it smells amazing but not burned.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce Magic
Pour in the white wine (or broth) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up those beautiful browned bits from the skillet bottom—they’re packed with flavor! Add chicken broth and then add the Boursin cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts, creating a silky sauce that clings to the chicken. Simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken, then toss in fresh parsley for brightness.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Savor
Nestle the chicken breasts back into the sauce and spoon some over each piece. Garnish with extra parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of parmesan if you like. Serve it hot—you’ll hear those compliments after the first bite.
Top Tip
This dish is a personal favorite, but getting the chicken just right took me a few tries. Here are my best tips to nail it on your first go:
- Pound for Even Cooking: Chicken breasts vary wildly in thickness, so I always gently pound them to a uniform thickness to avoid chewy edges or undercooked centers.
- Don’t Rush the Searing: Let the chicken cook undisturbed to build that golden crust—it locks in juices and flavor.
- Use Fresh Shallots: Seriously, they add a subtle sweetness and melt into the sauce beautifully.
- Deglaze Properly: Always scrape the pan to get those flavor-packed bits—it makes the sauce extra savory and delicious.
How to Serve Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish this dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbal brightness. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll sprinkle chopped chives or a little parmesan cheese—both add a lovely extra layer of flavor that rounds things off perfectly.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs amazingly with simple pasta tossed in the sauce, steamed green beans, or even a crisp salad. One of my favorite quick sides is roasted cherry tomatoes—they burst with sweetness and balance the creamy richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I lay this creamy chicken over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or polenta. You can even plate it family-style straight from the skillet for a cozy, rustic vibe. Adding a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of toasted nuts gives it a fun twist that guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover creamy chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens quite a bit, so I like to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers, though I recommend freezing without fresh herbs—they don’t hold up as well. When thawed, the texture of the sauce might be a bit different, but it tastes just as good once reheated gently.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to re-melt the sauce smoothly. Microwaving works in a pinch, but take it slow and stir every 30 seconds to keep the sauce from separating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Boursin cheese has a unique blend of garlic and herbs that really defines the flavor of this dish, but if you don’t have it, a cream cheese mixed with fresh garlic and herbs like chives and parsley can work as a substitute. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.
Yes! This creamy chicken skillet recipe itself is naturally gluten-free, especially if you make sure your chicken broth and spices don’t contain any gluten additives. Just be mindful of what you serve it with if you’re strict about gluten.
Dairy-free is a bit tricky here since Boursin cheese is central to the creamy sauce, but you could try substituting with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and adding fresh herbs and garlic. The texture and flavor will change, so it’s worth experimenting if you need a dairy-free option.
I like to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remove the chicken when it reaches just under 165°F (around 160-162°F) as it will continue to cook a bit while resting. This ensures juicy, tender chicken without drying it out.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor when you want something fast and fuss-free. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, it might just sneak into your regular rotation too. So grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!
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Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Boursin Chicken recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts coated in a creamy, flavorful Boursin cheese sauce. Enhanced with shallots, garlic, white wine, and fresh parsley, it's a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a comforting dinner served alongside your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 (4-5 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 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 more 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 each piece in 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then toss with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to evenly coat all surfaces.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches just below 165°F. If the outside browns too quickly, deglaze the pan by adding a tablespoon of water at a time.
- Cook the onion and garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the pan, and melt. Stir in the sliced shallot and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour in the white wine and scrape the browned bits from the pan bottom to deglaze. Add chicken broth and Boursin cheese, stirring constantly to melt the cheese and combine ingredients. Simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens slightly, then stir in fresh parsley.
- Cover the chicken and serve: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce in the pan. Spoon the creamy Boursin sauce generously over each piece. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, chives, or parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- If chicken breasts are large, slice in half lengthwise to create cutlets and pound to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- For a creamy Boursin chicken pasta, cook fettuccine or your favorite pasta according to package instructions, then toss it with the sauce, thinning with reserved pasta water if needed. Serve chicken breasts on top with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve as a side by roasting cherry tomatoes: place 2 pints whole cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt, and bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes until bursting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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