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Creamy Boursin Chicken is my answer to effortless comfort food on a busy night. Succulent chicken cutlets simmer in a velvety sauce made extra special with garlicky Boursin cheese for a meal that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy yet comes together fast. This dish works for both weeknight dinners and a table full of guests—everyone always asks for the recipe.
The first time I made this dish was for a last-minute family dinner I forgot to plan. The way everyone scraped their plates clean convinced me to make it part of our regular rotation.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: sliced into thin cutlets so you get even cooking and juicy bites
- Salt: use a higher quality sea salt for better flavor
- Black pepper: freshly ground gives brighter more complex heat
- Olive oil: for searing and adding Mediterranean richness
- Unsalted butter: creates a rich base with balanced flavor
- Chicken stock: adds savory depth and helps balance the richness of the cheese
- Boursin Cheese: garlic and fine herbs variety melts perfectly for a creamy sauce look for freshness in the dairy section
- Dijon mustard: brings subtle sharpness that heightens the cheese and ties everything together
Choosing fresh flavorful chicken and real Boursin cheese makes a big difference in the final dish. If your store carries organic or locally raised chicken that is always my pick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken cutlets completely dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper. Drying the chicken helps you get that golden sear instead of steaming.
- Sear the Cutlets:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add olive oil plus butter. Once the butter is foaming add chicken in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about three to four minutes per side until both sides are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Set aside on a large plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
- Deglaze the Skillet:
- Turn the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken stock and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce.
- Make the Boursin Sauce:
- Add the Boursin cheese and Dijon mustard to the stock in the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy then let simmer for two to three minutes to thicken slightly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet rounded side facing up. Spoon plenty of sauce over each piece and let simmer for another two to three minutes so the chicken is piping hot and coated with flavor. Garnish with a little fresh parsley or chives if you like then transfer to plates and serve right away.
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My favorite ingredient here is that puck of Boursin cheese. Its soft herby tanginess melts seamlessly making any ordinary chicken feel luxurious. We once made this with my niece for her first big family dinner and she felt like a kitchen star.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be cooled then transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken a little once chilled just add a splash of chicken stock or milk during reheating to bring it back to creamy.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra tenderness or use turkey cutlets if that is what you have. If Boursin cheese is unavailable try an herbed cream cheese with a touch of garlic powder though nothing matches the original’s flavor exactly.
Serving Suggestions
Pile the chicken and sauce over mashed potatoes rice or pasta to soak up every drop of sauce. I love serving this with simply steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a balanced plate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is Boursin cheese and what flavor does it add?
Boursin is a creamy, soft cheese blended with garlic and herbs. It brings rich, savory, and aromatic flavors that blend well with chicken.
- → Can I use other types of chicken cuts?
Yes, you may substitute chicken thighs or whole breasts, but adjust cooking times to ensure even cooking and moist results.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry if needed.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp salad also complement the flavors.
- → Can I add vegetables to enhance the dish?
Absolutely, sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach are excellent additions to the sauce, lending extra texture and nutrition.
- → Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
The chicken and sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated on the stovetop. Add a little stock if the sauce thickens too much.