Description: Tender chicken breasts simmered in a luxurious, creamy Boursin cheese sauce infused with garlic and fragrant herbs. This elegant yet easy-to-prepare dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin cheese with garlic and fine herbs
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Preparation:
Step 1: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step is crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and ensuring a well-balanced final dish. Don’t be afraid to be liberal with the seasoning, as the salt will help to bring out the moisture and tenderize the chicken during cooking.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Ensure the skillet is large enough to comfortably accommodate all four chicken breasts without overcrowding. Allowing sufficient space will promote even browning and prevent the chicken from steaming instead of searing. Let the oil heat up properly before adding the chicken; this will help to create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Step 3: Sear the chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The searing process is essential for developing flavor and creating a visually appealing dish. The goal is to achieve a rich, caramelized crust that locks in the chicken’s juices and adds depth to the overall taste. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside in a warm place. You can tent it with foil to prevent it from drying out while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: In the same skillet, add the chopped shallot and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Cooking the shallots and garlic in the same skillet where you seared the chicken allows you to capture all the delicious browned bits and flavorful residue left behind, adding another layer of complexity to the sauce. Be careful not to burn the garlic; sautéing it gently until fragrant is all that’s needed to release its aromatic oils.
Step 5: Lower the heat and stir in the Boursin cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream. This is where the magic happens! Reducing the heat ensures the Boursin cheese melts slowly and evenly without scorching. Stir continuously to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the skillet and to encourage it to blend seamlessly with the chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a velvety smooth sauce.
Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5–7 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken as it thickens. By returning the chicken to the skillet, you allow it to absorb the rich flavors of the Boursin sauce, further enhancing its tenderness and moistness. Spooning the sauce over the chicken ensures that it’s evenly coated and infused with the creamy goodness. The sauce will gradually thicken as it simmers, creating a beautiful glaze that clings to the chicken.
Step 7: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your liking. A pinch of salt and pepper can help to balance the flavors and bring out the nuances of the Boursin cheese. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the sauce and elevating the overall taste.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to the dish, complementing the creamy richness of the sauce. Serve the Chicken in Boursin Sauce immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is at its most luscious.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Chicken in Boursin Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The creamy, flavorful sauce is incredibly addictive, and the tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection. It’s an easy recipe that feels fancy, perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The Boursin cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a rich and decadent flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. The combination of garlic and fine herbs in the Boursin cheese infuses the entire dish with a fragrant and savory aroma that will fill your kitchen with enticing smells. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort, making it a weeknight winner.
Serving Suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Rice: Serve over steamed white rice or brown rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the Boursin sauce and savoring every last drop.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and balanced meal.
- Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta for a creamy and satisfying pasta dish.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
- If you don’t have Boursin cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese or goat cheese, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- To make the sauce thicker, simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add a splash of white wine to the skillet along with the chicken broth for a more complex flavor.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken, or it will become dry and tough.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as thyme or chives, for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Rating: Easy
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Sodium: 450mg
Conclusion
This Chicken in Boursin Sauce with Garlic and Fine Herbs recipe is a delectable and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Its creamy, flavorful sauce, tender chicken, and ease of preparation make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe is a winner. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
A1: While Boursin cheese is the star of this dish and provides its signature flavor, you can experiment with other creamy cheeses. Cream cheese or goat cheese can be used as substitutes, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different. If using cream cheese, you may want to add some extra garlic and herbs to compensate for the Boursin’s unique flavor. Goat cheese will add a tangier flavor to the sauce.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked chicken breasts. Be aware that the sauce may thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
Q3: Can I freeze this recipe?
A3: Freezing this dish is not recommended. The creamy sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed, affecting the texture and overall quality.
Q4: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts in this recipe?
A4: Yes, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Sear the chicken breasts for a few minutes on each side to brown them, then transfer them to the oven to finish cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Q5: What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
A5: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out. Start with a small amount, about a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition to ensure the sauce is smooth and evenly thinned.
