Simple Boursin Cheese Chicken

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Creamy, savory, and full of comforting flavors, Simple Boursin Cheese Chicken is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable. Each tender chicken breast is seared until golden, then simmered in a rich and velvety garlic herb cheese sauce that clings to every bite. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight savior that doesn’t skimp on indulgence.

This dish is all about the magic of Boursin cheese—a creamy, herbaceous French-style cheese that effortlessly melts into a luxurious sauce. Whether you’re pairing it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even crusty bread, this chicken recipe brings a restaurant-level experience right into your home kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Simple Boursin Cheese Chicken

• It’s ultra-creamy without needing heavy cream.
• Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Uses minimal ingredients with maximum flavor.
• Can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
• Pairs well with a variety of side dishes from rice to roasted veggies.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare this dish, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools: a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan (preferably nonstick or enameled cast iron) for even searing and simmering, tongs for easy flipping, and a whisk or wooden spoon to stir the sauce until silky smooth. A meat thermometer is also handy to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection without drying out.

These tools help maintain proper temperature, avoid burning the cheese sauce, and guarantee a restaurant-quality sear on the chicken.

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Preparation Tips

Start with evenly-sized chicken breasts to ensure uniform cooking. Pat them dry before seasoning to help them sear instead of steam. When adding the Boursin cheese, break it up slightly before stirring it into the sauce to help it melt faster. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes in the sauce off heat—this lets the flavors meld and keeps the meat juicy. For extra depth, a splash of white wine or chicken broth before adding the cheese can enhance the sauce’s richness without complicating the recipe.

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Ingredients for this Simple Boursin Cheese Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or unsalted butter)
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine for extra depth)
• 1 (5.2 oz) package of Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for thinner sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tanginess)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

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Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a touch more oil if needed, then sauté the shallot for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

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Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. This deglazing step adds tons of flavor.

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Step 4: Melt the Boursin Cheese

Lower the heat and crumble in the Boursin cheese. Stir continuously as it melts into the liquid, forming a rich, creamy sauce. If desired, stir in the Dijon mustard and a splash of cream for a silkier texture. Let the sauce gently bubble until fully smooth and slightly thickened.

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Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish

Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top of the chicken and let everything simmer together for another 3–5 minutes. This helps the flavors soak into the meat.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for a minute or two. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot with your favorite side—mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or a warm crusty bread.

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Notes

Simple Boursin Cheese Chicken is incredibly adaptable. You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option or use a different flavor of Boursin (like shallot & chive or pepper) for a fun twist. If you prefer a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of cream, or skip it entirely—the Boursin alone makes a luscious sauce. This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying out the chicken. 165°F is your target.
• High heat while melting Boursin: Keep the heat low while incorporating the cheese to prevent it from breaking or becoming grainy.
• Skipping the deglazing step: This step builds deep, savory flavor in your sauce. Don’t skip it!
• Not drying the chicken first: Moisture on the surface prevents a proper sear and can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
• Crowding the pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure an even sear.

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Storage Instructions

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Freezing isn’t ideal as the cheese sauce may separate, but if needed, freeze only the chicken and remake the sauce fresh when reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Sugar: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boursin cheese?

Boursin is a soft, creamy cheese blended with herbs and garlic. It’s known for its rich, spreadable texture and intense flavor.

Can I use other types of cheese instead?

Yes, cream cheese or goat cheese can be used in a pinch, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

What can I serve this chicken with?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad all complement this dish beautifully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time. Reheat gently and combine when ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure your chicken broth and Boursin are certified gluten-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well—just adjust cooking time slightly.

How do I thin out the sauce?

Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

Will the sauce curdle if I reheat it?

It can if overheated. Reheat slowly on low heat, stirring constantly to maintain a smooth texture.

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Conclusion

Simple Boursin Cheese Chicken is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that turns pantry staples into a creamy, comforting meal. It’s perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for guests. With minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and maximum flavor, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Serve it with your favorite sides and watch it become a household favorite.

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