One-Pan Boursin Chicken

The One-Pan Boursin Chicken is an indulgent, creamy dish that brings a rich, garlicky flavor with every bite. The Boursin cheese melts into the sauce, creating a velvety texture that complements the tender, juicy chicken perfectly.

This meal is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions. The minimal cleanup with just one pan adds convenience to the deliciousness, making this dish both a time-saver and a crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter
1 package (5.2 oz) Boursin garlic and fine herbs cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brown them in the skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add Boursin cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why Choose One-Pan Boursin Chicken?

The beauty of One-Pan Boursin Chicken lies in its simplicity. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this recipe is foolproof and can be adapted to suit various tastes and preferences. The star of the dish, Boursin cheese, is a soft, creamy cheese blended with herbs and garlic, creating a versatile base for the sauce. When melted into the pan with a touch of chicken broth and heavy cream, the cheese transforms into a velvety, luxurious sauce that coats the chicken and infuses it with incredible flavor.

Another reason why this dish is so popular is that it’s customizable. You can pair it with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp salad to complete the meal. Additionally, this recipe works well for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, making it versatile for all types of occasions. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or preparing a special meal for a loved one, One-Pan Boursin Chicken will undoubtedly impress.

How to Make One-Pan Boursin Chicken Perfectly Every Time

To get the perfect One-Pan Boursin Chicken, there are a few important tips and techniques that can elevate the dish:

Choose the Right Chicken Breasts
For this dish, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are preferred because they cook quickly and evenly. However, you can substitute them with chicken thighs for a slightly different flavor and texture. If using chicken thighs, be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked through.

Browning the Chicken
The initial step of browning the chicken breasts is crucial. It helps to lock in the juices and flavor, ensuring that the chicken remains tender and moist. Brown the chicken on both sides until golden, but do not overcook it, as it will finish cooking in the oven. This quick sear adds texture to the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Using Fresh Boursin Cheese
Boursin cheese is known for its rich and flavorful blend of herbs, garlic, and cream. The quality of the cheese is important, as it forms the base of the sauce. If you can find fresh Boursin cheese, use it, as it will create a smoother, more luxurious sauce. The cheese will melt effortlessly into the pan, creating a creamy coating for the chicken.
Add Heavy Cream for Richness
To achieve the perfect sauce consistency, add a generous amount of heavy cream. The cream balances the richness of the Boursin cheese and creates a smooth, velvety texture that coats the chicken and any sides you serve with it. For a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that it may alter the richness of the sauce.

Finishing in the Oven
Once the chicken is seared and the sauce is simmering in the pan, it’s time to transfer the skillet to the oven. This step ensures that the chicken finishes cooking gently while absorbing all the flavors from the creamy sauce. Baking the chicken in the sauce allows it to stay juicy and tender, while the sauce thickens slightly.

Pairing Ideas for One-Pan Boursin Chicken

One of the best aspects of One-Pan Boursin Chicken is its versatility when it comes to side dishes. You can pair it with nearly anything to create a well-rounded, balanced meal. Here are some ideas for side dishes that complement the creamy chicken:

Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are a perfect match for the creamy chicken. The earthy flavors of the roasted vegetables balance the richness of the sauce, adding a bit of freshness and texture to the meal. Simply toss your vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven while the chicken is baking.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food to serve with One-Pan Boursin Chicken. The creamy sauce from the chicken pairs perfectly with the smooth, buttery mashed potatoes. You can even drizzle the extra sauce over the potatoes for added flavor. For an extra twist, try adding garlic or parmesan to the mashed potatoes for a richer taste.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is another great side to serve with this dish. The delicate texture of the rice complements the creaminess of the chicken, while the mild flavor of the rice doesn’t overpower the sauce. Add some herbs or toasted almonds to the rice to give it an extra burst of flavor.

Crisp Salad
If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple green salad with fresh greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chicken. The crispness of the vegetables will provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, indulgent sauce.

Making One-Pan Boursin Chicken Healthier

While One-Pan Boursin Chicken is undeniably delicious, it can be a bit rich due to the heavy cream and cheese. If you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter, here are a few suggestions:

Use Low-Fat Dairy: Instead of heavy cream, you can opt for lighter versions like half-and-half, or even unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free alternative. This will reduce the fat content while still maintaining the creaminess of the sauce.
Lean Chicken: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are already a lean option, you can use skinless chicken thighs to add flavor while still keeping the dish relatively low-fat.
Vegetable Add-Ins: To increase the nutritional value of the dish, consider adding vegetables to the pan when cooking the chicken. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini would blend well with the sauce and make the meal more filling without adding too many calories.

Conclusion

One-Pan Boursin Chicken is a crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers both in flavor and convenience. Its creamy sauce, made with the delicious Boursin cheese, turns an ordinary chicken dinner into a comforting and indulgent experience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish provides a hassle-free meal with minimal cleanup. Whether you serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, One-Pan Boursin Chicken is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and amazing flavor make it a must-try for any home cook.

With the tips and tricks provided, you can make this dish your own and customize it to suit your preferences. The possibilities for side dishes and variations are endless, ensuring that One-Pan Boursin Chicken will never get boring. So, next time you’re looking for a meal that’s both easy and decadent, look no further than this simple yet luxurious one-pan wonder.