If you’re on the hunt for a dinner recipe that delivers gourmet flavors without the hassle, look no further than this Simple Boursin Cheese Chicken. With a rich, creamy garlic herb sauce that coats perfectly seared chicken breasts, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also fits seamlessly into your busy weeknight routine. In just 25 minutes, you can create a meal that’s impressively delicious yet remarkably easy to prepare.
This recipe shines with its unique simplicity – all it takes is a handful of ingredients to transform an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary. The luscious Boursin cheese adds a depth of flavor that’s difficult to resist, making every bite utterly divine. Whether you’re enjoying this with mashed potatoes or a fresh crusty loaf of bread, the delightful combination of flavors and textures makes it a go-to choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
The appeal of simple meals lies in their ability to be both comforting and elegant, and this dish is no exception. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to treat yourself or your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. Moreover, with minimal prep and cooking time, this Simple Boursin Cheese Chicken frees up your evening for relaxation or quality time with family.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Boursin Cheese Chicken
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Gourmet Flavors: The rich flavor of Boursin cheese elevates this dish to a fine dining experience.
- Versatile Pairings: Enjoy it with mashed potatoes, salads, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser, sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into cooking this Simple Boursin Cheese Chicken, it’s crucial to set up your kitchen space. Start by gathering your ingredients and tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. You’ll need a sharp knife for chopping garlic and shallots, a large skillet for searing the chicken, and measuring cups for accurate ingredient portions.
Having everything within reach will streamline the cooking process. Additionally, make sure to have a spatula or tongs handy for flipping the chicken and a wooden spoon to help deglaze the pan effortlessly. Prepare your workstation by clearing off surfaces and perhaps laying out a cutting board, so all ingredients are prepped and ready to go as you move through the recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 5.2 oz Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is essential as it helps achieve that golden, crispy sear. Once dry, generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper for flavor enhancement.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear for about 5-6 minutes on one side until they form a beautiful golden crust. Carefully flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped shallots. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the shallots become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds a fantastic flavor base for your sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet
Next, pour in the chicken broth or wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet; this adds great depth to your sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and slightly reduce.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Lower the heat even further, and now it’s time to add the Boursin cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a creamy sauce. If you want an extra luscious texture, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. For a hint of tangy flavor, mix in the Dijon mustard at this stage (if using) and let the sauce simmer until it thickens nicely.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Return the seared chicken back into the skillet, ensuring it’s coated well in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 3-5 minutes to allow the chicken to reheat and absorb the wonderful flavors of the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is heated through, turn off the heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, and indulge in this comforting, creamy delight.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute chicken with boneless pork chops, turkey cutlets, or even fish for a lighter meal.
- Vegetables: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for an extra nutritional boost.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Cooking Notes
- To enhance the flavor, opt for dry white wine instead of chicken broth for deglazing.
- Ensure the Boursin cheese melts at low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or separating.
- For the best flavor, allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for a few minutes off the heat before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this dish with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.
- A fresh garden salad would provide the perfect balance to the richness of this meal.
Tips
- For meal prep, sear the chicken and prepare the sauce a day ahead; just reheat before serving.
- Adjust the level of creaminess to your preference by varying the proportion of Boursin cheese and heavy cream.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Protein: About 40g
- Sodium: Roughly 600mg
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken breasts?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to fully thaw them first and pat them dry to ensure proper searing.
What can I use instead of Boursin cheese?
If you don’t have Boursin cheese, you can substitute with any creamy cheese like cream cheese mixed with herbs or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, ensure that the chicken broth or wine you use is gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini during the sautéing process for added nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This Simple Boursin Cheese Chicken is a fantastic choice for a quick, yet gourmet meal. With no extensive preparation required and an utterly delicious flavor profile, it’s a recipe that checks all the boxes for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by exploring various pairings and ingredient adjustments that suit your tastes. If you try this recipe, please share your thoughts or variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Simple Boursin Cheese Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and gourmet chicken dish featuring a creamy Boursin sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
- 5.2 oz Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is essential as it helps achieve that golden, crispy sear. Once dry, generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper for flavor enhancement.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear for about 5-6 minutes on one side until they form a beautiful golden crust. Carefully flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side until fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the chopped shallots. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the shallots become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds a fantastic flavor base for your sauce.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth or wine. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet; this adds great depth to your sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and slightly reduce.
- Lower the heat even further, and now it’s time to add the Boursin cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a creamy sauce. If you want an extra luscious texture, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. For a hint of tangy flavor, mix in the Dijon mustard at this stage (if using) and let the sauce simmer until it thickens nicely.
- Return the seared chicken back into the skillet, ensuring it’s coated well in the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 3-5 minutes to allow the chicken to reheat and absorb the wonderful flavors of the sauce.
- Once the chicken is heated through, turn off the heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, and indulge in this comforting, creamy delight.
Notes
To enhance the flavor, opt for dry white wine instead of chicken broth for deglazing. Ensure the Boursin cheese melts at low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or separating. For the best flavor, allow the chicken to rest in the sauce for a few minutes off the heat before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 40 g