I still remember the first time I tasted Boursin cheese; it was at a friend’s potluck, and I piled it high on a cracker, completely unprepared for the explosion of garlicky, herby goodness. Fast forward a few years, and the idea of pairing that flavor with juicy chicken seemed like a no-brainer, resulting in this glorious recipe for Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce. Trust me, if you’re looking for a dinner that’s both impressive and surprisingly simple, you’re about to find your new favorite!
Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for This Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce
Okay, friend, let’s get real. There are a million chicken recipes out there, so why should you choose this one? Here’s the lowdown:
- Flavor Bomb: Boursin cheese is the star. Its creamy texture and bold garlic and herb flavors infuse every bite of chicken. No bland chicken here!
- Simple Elegance: It looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it’s actually a breeze to make. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
- Versatile: This Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce pairs beautifully with so many sides. Think roasted vegetables, pasta, rice, or a simple salad.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, everyone loves it. Even picky eaters will be reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Matter)
Let’s talk ingredients. Quality matters, so choose wisely. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook evenly and are easy to work with. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. If you’re a chicken thigh fan, you might enjoy this quick Chicken Thighs Dinner recipe too.
- Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs Cheese: This is the magic ingredient! Don’t skimp on quality here. The original Boursin is the best, but you can find store-brand versions that work well too. Just make sure it’s the Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and adding richness to the sauce. Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to.
- Garlic: Because you can never have too much garlic, right? Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent kick.
- Chicken Broth: This forms the base of the sauce and helps to deglaze the pan. Low-sodium chicken broth is best so you can control the salt level.
- Heavy Cream: For extra creaminess and richness. You can substitute half-and-half if you want to lighten it up a bit, but the sauce won’t be quite as decadent.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a pop of freshness.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions (with My Best Tips & Tricks)
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make the most amazing Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! Seasoning is key to flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
Pro Tip: Resist the urge to move the chicken around while it’s searing. Let it sit undisturbed to develop a nice crust.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Tent it with foil to keep it warm.
Step 3: Make the Boursin Garlic Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and it adds tons of flavor to the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to reduce the broth slightly.
Stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
Troubleshooting Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the Boursin garlic sauce over them. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the chicken to warm through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions (My Favorite Pairings)
This Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- Over Pasta: Toss cooked pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well) with the Boursin garlic sauce and top with the chicken. This is a classic and comforting combination. If you’re a pasta lover, give Boursin Chicken Pasta a try too!
- With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are all delicious with this dish. The richness of the sauce complements the sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
- With Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With a Simple Salad: A light and refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce.
- With Potatoes: For a truly comforting meal, serve alongside mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes. You might also like Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken And Potatoes for an easier prep.
Variations and Substitutions (Make It Your Own!)
Want to customize this recipe? Here are a few ideas:
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the garlic. They add a delicious earthy flavor to the sauce.
- Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- Add a Splash of Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) for extra flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. Alternatively, a drizzle of hot honey would be amazing; you may also be interested in Hot Honey Feta Chicken.
- Use a Different Cheese: While Boursin is the star of the show, you could try using a similar herbed cream cheese.
Tips for Success (Avoid These Common Mistakes)
To ensure your Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of the sauce. Cook it over medium heat and watch it carefully.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, parsley, and Boursin cheese will give you the best flavor.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken and sauce with salt and pepper. Seasoning is key to flavorful food.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If the sauce is too thick or too thin, adjust it with chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Want to get ahead of the game? Here’s how to prepare this dish in advance:
- Make-Ahead: You can sear the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet and combine.
- Storage: Store leftover Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the chicken.
Other Chicken Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce, here are a few other chicken recipes you might enjoy:
Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce Recipe
Ready to make this amazing dish? Here’s the full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 5.2 oz Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for a few minutes to reduce the broth slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the Boursin garlic sauce over them. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the chicken to warm through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (approximate per serving):
Calories: 450, Protein: 40g, Fat: 30g, Carbohydrates: 5g
So there you have it, my friend! A delicious and easy Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce that’s sure to impress. Get in the kitchen and give it a try. You won’t regret it!
What makes this Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce recipe stand out from other chicken recipes?
This recipe uses Boursin cheese as the star ingredient, infusing the chicken with creamy texture and bold garlic and herb flavors. It’s also simple to make, versatile with sides, and a crowd-pleaser.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce?
This dish pairs well with various sides like pasta, roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, a simple salad, or potatoes (mashed or roasted).
How can I store and reheat leftover Chicken With Boursin Garlic Sauce?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, being careful not to overcook the chicken.
Best Chicken with Boursin Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for a few minutes to reduce the broth slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the Boursin garlic sauce over them. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the chicken to warm through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
