Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, and you’ve had a long, busy day. You want something comforting, rich in flavor, and quick enough to make on a weeknight without creating a mountain of dishes. Enter Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet—a one-pan masterpiece that’s equal parts elegant and effortless. This dish takes tender, pan-seared chicken breasts and simmers them in a luxurious, herb-infused Boursin cheese sauce that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food right from your own kitchen.
This recipe has roots in classic French-inspired cooking, where creamy sauces elevate simple ingredients into something truly special. Boursin cheese—a soft, spreadable cheese packed with garlic and herbs—brings instant depth and creaminess without requiring a long list of spices or complicated techniques. Whether you’re hosting a small dinner party or preparing a cozy meal for the family, this Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet is bound to become a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless chicken skillet recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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One Pan: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
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Creamy & Flavorful: Thanks to Boursin cheese, you get a rich, herb-infused sauce without needing extra seasoning blends.
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Versatile: Pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even roasted veggies.
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Restaurant-Quality: Feels fancy enough for entertaining guests while still simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this irresistible creamy chicken skillet, you’ll need just a handful of pantry and fridge staples:
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Chicken breasts (4, boneless and skinless) – Tender and lean, perfect for pan-searing.
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Olive oil (2 tablespoons) – For sautéing and creating a golden crust.
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Salt and black pepper (to taste) – To season the chicken.
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Garlic cloves (3, minced) – Adds fresh, aromatic depth to the sauce.
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Chicken broth (1 cup) – Helps deglaze the pan and builds the base of the sauce.
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Heavy cream (1 cup) – Brings richness and silky texture.
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Boursin cheese (1 package, garlic and fine herbs flavor) – The star ingredient that melts into a luscious sauce.
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Fresh parsley (for garnish) – Adds color and a burst of freshness.
Optional add-ins: sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this ensures a better sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
3. Make the Garlic Base
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
4. Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These flavorful bits enrich the sauce.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Let the cheese melt completely, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Return Chicken to Skillet
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
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Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
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Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
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Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus can be cooked in the sauce for a complete one-pan meal.
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Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a splash of milk for a lighter sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with various sides:
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Pasta: Serve over fettuccine or penne to soak up every bit of sauce.
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Rice or Risotto: A creamy risotto or fluffy white rice complements the dish perfectly.
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Mashed Potatoes: The rich sauce doubles as a gravy for buttery mashed potatoes.
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Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed green beans, or a fresh side salad keep it lighter.
For an elegant dinner, pair with a crisp glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Storing and Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freeze: The sauce may slightly separate, but you can freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s consistency.
Variations to Try
This recipe is a great base to experiment with different flavors:
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Spicy Boursin Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce.
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Mushroom Lovers: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for earthy depth.
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Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in fresh spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a colorful, Mediterranean twist.
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Bacon and Onion: Crisp up diced bacon and caramelized onions before adding the sauce for smoky sweetness.
Why Boursin Cheese Works So Well
Boursin cheese is a soft, creamy cheese infused with garlic and fine herbs, making it the ultimate shortcut for rich, flavorful sauces. Unlike using just cream and seasonings, Boursin melts smoothly and creates a ready-made, complex flavor profile with minimal effort. It’s the perfect ingredient for anyone who wants a gourmet taste without the fuss.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for two on a romantic evening, hosting a family dinner, or preparing a dish for friends, Creamy Boursin Chicken Skillet fits the bill. It’s sophisticated enough for special occasions yet simple enough for a casual weeknight meal. Plus, its crowd-pleasing, creamy garlic sauce makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
PrintCreamy Boursin Chicken Skillet: A One-Pan Weeknight Dinner Dream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich, comforting one-pan chicken dish simmered in a creamy, herb-infused Boursin cheese sauce—perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 package Boursin cheese (garlic and fine herbs flavor)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Optional: sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
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Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
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Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in heavy cream and Boursin cheese. Whisk until melted and smooth.
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Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over each piece. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your choice of sides.
Notes
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Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking.
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Add spinach, mushrooms, or other veggies directly into the sauce for a one-pan meal.
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Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with extra cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes