Chicken in Boursin Sauce with Garlic and Fine Herbs is a dish that combines the tender, juicy chicken with the creamy richness of Boursin cheese, creating a truly indulgent meal. Boursin, a creamy French cheese infused with garlic and herbs, transforms this dish into something extraordinary. The smooth, flavorful sauce coats the chicken beautifully, making each bite a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and herb-infused flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and complex, yet easy-to-achieve, flavor. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, it’s a perfect go-to for a deliciously rich meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish. They cook quickly and retain their tenderness, making them a perfect base for the creamy Boursin sauce.
Boursin Cheese: The star ingredient of the sauce, Boursin cheese is a creamy, garlicky cheese blend that provides a rich and flavorful base for the sauce. Its fine herbs (typically parsley, chives, and tarragon) add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is used to create a smooth, luxurious sauce. It helps balance the tangy flavor of the Boursin cheese and gives the sauce its velvety texture.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sear the chicken, adding richness and preventing it from sticking to the pan.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with a bold, aromatic flavor that enhances the creamy richness of the Boursin cheese.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth helps to thin out the sauce and adds extra flavor. You can use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary adds a fragrant note to the sauce. These herbs pair wonderfully with the creamy Boursin sauce, enhancing its overall flavor.
Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings are essential to bring all the flavors together. Adjust to taste based on your preference.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce, cutting through its richness and adding a refreshing contrast.
Directions
- Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil is heating, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan, as they add rich flavor to the sauce.
- Stir in the heavy cream and the Boursin cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and blend into the sauce. Continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add the fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary) and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together and taste for seasoning. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the chicken with the creamy Boursin sauce poured generously over the top. It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Equipment Needed:
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. The total cooking time is around 30-40 minutes, including the time to cook the chicken and prepare the sauce. It’s an ideal recipe for a quick yet elegant dinner.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover chicken in Boursin sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
Variations and Customizations
Cheese Variations: While Boursin cheese is the star of the sauce, you can substitute it with other creamy cheeses like goat cheese, cream cheese, or even ricotta for a different flavor profile.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Fresh basil, oregano, or sage can all be used in place of thyme or rosemary, depending on the flavor you’re aiming for.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with large portobello mushrooms or another plant-based protein. The sauce will still shine with these alternatives.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that complements the creamy, garlicky base.
Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even peas to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Here’s the nutrition breakdown for one serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 |
| Protein (g) | 40 |
| Carbs (g) | 6 |
| Fat (g) | 36 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 18 |
| Fiber (g) | 1 |
| Sugar (g) | 2 |
| Sodium (mg) | 600 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Perfecting the Chicken: If you want extra crispy chicken, you can pan-sear the chicken breasts in the skillet first and then finish cooking them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness.
Make It Lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version of the sauce, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. The sauce may be a bit less rich, but still delicious.
Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by letting it simmer longer or by adding a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water. If it’s too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They are slightly richer and more flavorful, and they will stay juicy in the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, it’s best to cook the chicken fresh, as it will stay tender and juicy.
Can I substitute the Boursin cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Boursin cheese with goat cheese, cream cheese, or a blend of ricotta and Parmesan. However, the flavor will be different from the original recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
You can use frozen chicken breasts, but it’s best to thaw them before cooking. If cooking from frozen, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or peas can be added to the sauce for additional flavor and texture.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, you can try using a plant-based cream and cheese alternative. However, the flavor and texture of the sauce may vary.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in Boursin sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
How do I serve this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile and elegant meal.
Can I freeze this dish?
While the chicken can be frozen, the sauce may change in texture after freezing and reheating. It’s best to freeze the chicken separately from the sauce.
Conclusion
Chicken in Boursin Sauce with Garlic and Fine Herbs is a comforting, rich dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce. The blend of Boursin cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a luxurious sauce that elevates the chicken and adds depth to every bite. This dish is quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for special occasions, making it a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Whether you stick to the classic or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish is sure to impress.
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