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This Chicken with Boursin Sauce with Garlic and Fine Herbs is perfect for when you want to make an impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender chicken breasts get a golden sear and are bathed in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with garlic and fresh herbs. It’s a dish that feels elegant yet comes together in just half an hour, making it a go-to for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- Four boneless skinless chicken breasts: which cook quickly and evenly
- Salt and pepper: to season and bring out the natural flavors of the chicken
- Two tablespoons olive oil: for searing which adds depth to the taste and creates a nice crust
- One cup Boursin cheese: for that signature creamy garlic and herb flavor choose the garlic and fine herbs variety for best results
- Half a cup heavy cream: to enrich the sauce making it luscious and silky
- Half a cup chicken broth: to thin the sauce slightly and add savory notes use low sodium if possible
- Fresh parsley and chives: for garnish as they add a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for six to seven minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Watch carefully so the chicken stays juicy. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits left from cooking the chicken. This adds a wonderful depth to your sauce.
- Add Cream and Boursin:
- Stir in the Boursin cheese and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking gently until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Keep the heat low so the sauce doesn’t separate or burn.
- Return Chicken and Warm Through:
- Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let them warm through in the sauce for two to three minutes so all the flavors meld together.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and chives on top of the chicken for a fresh herbaceous finish. This also adds a nice burst of color to the dish.
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Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the sauce creamy instead of drying out in the microwave. If freezing, separate the chicken and sauce so you can thaw and reheat them evenly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find Boursin cheese try a mixture of cream cheese blended with minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme. Heavy cream can be swapped with half and half for a lighter sauce but it won’t be quite as rich. Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a milder flavor profile if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken is wonderful served over buttery mashed potatoes or alongside cooked rice to soak up all that creamy sauce. Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, or carrots make a fresh, colorful side. A crisp green salad also pairs nicely to balance the richness.
Cultural Context
Boursin cheese originates from France and is known for its creamy texture and combination of garlic and fine herbs. It became popular as a versatile cheese perfect for spreading and cooking. This recipe showcases French cooking’s emphasis on high-quality ingredients and simple techniques to create bold flavors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the best cooking method for the chicken?
Searing the chicken over medium-high heat helps develop a golden crust and locks in the juices, ensuring tender meat.
- → Can I substitute Boursin cheese with another cheese?
Soft, herb-infused cheeses like cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs can work well as alternatives to Boursin.
- → How can I adjust the sauce thickness?
Simmer the sauce longer to thicken it or add more chicken broth for a thinner consistency, depending on your preference.
- → What herbs complement this dish best?
Fresh parsley and chives enhance the sauce’s flavor, adding a pleasant herbal freshness that balances the creamy sauce.
- → Is this dish suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, with a total time of about 30 minutes, it’s quick and simple enough for a flavorful weekday meal.