If you’re searching for a delicious and effortless recipe that will have your family raving, look no further than Boursin Chicken. This dish is not only rich and creamy; it’s also incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why We Love This Boursin Chicken Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Boursin Chicken recipe stands out among the rest. First and foremost is the simplicity of preparation. With just a few ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that looks and tastes gourmet. The chicken becomes tender, juicy, and infused with the delightful flavors of garlic and herbs, while the sauce brings everything together in a silky smooth embrace. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find joy in preparing this dish.
Furthermore, Boursin Chicken allows for versatility. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, adding elements like vegetables or spices. Plus, this dish pairs wonderfully with various sides, from creamy mashed potatoes to fresh salads, making it a flexible option for any meal.
Ingredients for Boursin Chicken
To prepare Boursin Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2x 250g/9oz chicken breasts
- 40g / 1/4 cup plain/all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter (preferably unsalted)
- 2 shallots, very finely diced
- 100-120g / 3-4oz baby spinach leaves (optional)
- 180ml / 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 150g pack of Boursin garlic & herbs cheese (at room temperature)
- Olive oil (as needed)
- Salt & pepper (as needed)
How to Make Boursin Chicken
Creating this scrumptious Boursin Chicken is an easy process, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Follow these simple steps to bring this dish to life:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create four even-sized pieces. This ensures faster cooking and ensures that every bite is tender and delicious.
- Dredge the Chicken: In a large shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until evenly mixed. Dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated, then shake off any excess. This coating will give the chicken a lovely golden crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and just cooked through, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Spinach (Optional): Lower the heat to medium. If you’re including spinach, toss it in the same pan and cook until it wilts, which should only take a minute or two. Remove the spinach from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Shallots: Add the finely diced shallots to the pan. Sauté them until they are soft and golden, adding more olive oil if necessary. This step is key to building depth in your sauce.
- Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add delicious flavor to your sauce. Stir in the Boursin cheese, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the stock. Cook until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Everything: Once the sauce has thickened, return the sautéed spinach and any juices from the resting chicken back into the pan. Allow everything to simmer together for about 30 seconds, letting all the flavors meld.
- Finish Off the Chicken: Finally, return the chicken pieces to the pan, ensuring they’re well-coated with the sauce. Baste the chicken lightly with the sauce and give it a minute to heat through.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce and adjust with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
- Serve: Your Boursin Chicken is now ready to serve! Pair with your favorite sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
How to Serve Boursin Chicken
When it comes to serving Boursin Chicken, there are numerous delicious options for pairing. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, which will soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. Alternatively, roasted vegetables make for a colorful and nutritious addition to the plate, adding some crunch and earthiness to your meal.
You could also serve Boursin Chicken atop a bed of rice or quinoa, allowing the grains to absorb the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, a fresh garden salad or steamed greens can complement the richness of the dish. No matter how you decide to serve it, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
Expert Tips for Making Boursin Chicken
Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking, slice your chicken breasts to uniform thickness. This helps them cook at the same rate, preventing dryness.
Use Room Temperature Cheese: Make sure your Boursin cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. This ensures a smooth blend and prevents clumping.
Don’t Rush: Don’t be tempted to rush the cooking process. Allow the shallots to sauté until they’re golden, and let the sauce thicken properly. Patience will yield a richer flavor.
Flavor Variations: Consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the sauce for additional flavor. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish even further.
Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken pieces rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juices. This will keep the meat tender and succulent.
How to Store Boursin Chicken
Storing your Boursin Chicken is simple and allows you to enjoy this dish even after the main meal. After allowing it to cool to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
If you want to freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm up gently to preserve the texture of the chicken and the sauce.
Variation of Boursin Chicken
While the classic Boursin Chicken is delicious on its own, there are many fun variations to explore.
- Add Vegetables: Consider including more vegetables in the dish, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini sautéed along with the shallots. This adds extra flavor and nutrition.
- Swap the Cheese: If Boursin cheese isn’t available, you can use other creamy cheeses, such as cream cheese or goat cheese, mixed with herbs.
- Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or marinate the chicken in a spicy sauce before cooking for a kick.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs when making the sauce. Fresh basil or oregano could bring a new dimension to the flavor profile.
- Use Different Proteins: While chicken is the star here, this recipe can also be adapted for turkey cutlets or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version, adapting cooking times accordingly.
FAQ About Boursin Chicken
What is Boursin cheese?
Boursin cheese is a creamy, spreadable cheese flavored with garlic and herbs. It’s perfect for adding a rich taste to dishes like Boursin Chicken.
How can I make Boursin Chicken gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend when dredging the chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken for Boursin Chicken?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and texture.
Is Boursin Chicken a good meal prep option?
Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep.
What sides pair well with Boursin Chicken?
Some excellent pairings include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. These complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Boursin Chicken
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 2 pieces 250g/9oz chicken breasts Sliced horizontally for even cooking.
- 40 g plain/all-purpose flour For dredging.
- 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper Adjust according to preference.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking.
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter Preferably unsalted.
- 2 pieces shallots Very finely diced.
- 100-120 g baby spinach leaves Optional.
- 180 ml chicken stock
- 150 g Boursin garlic & herbs cheese At room temperature.
- as needed tbsp olive oil For sautéing shallots and spinach.
- as needed salt & pepper For seasoning to taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create four even-sized pieces.
Dredging
- In a large shallow dish, combine flour, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until combined.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated, then shake off any excess.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Sautéing Spinach (Optional)
- Lower the heat to medium and if using spinach, toss it in the same pan and cook until wilted.
- Remove spinach from the pan and set aside.
Sautéing Shallots
- Add finely diced shallots to the pan and sauté until soft and golden.
Creating the Sauce
- Pour in chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in Boursin cheese, allowing it to blend into the stock until the sauce thickens.
Combining
- Return sautéed spinach and juices from the resting chicken to the pan, and simmer for 30 seconds.
Finishing
- Return the chicken pieces to the pan, coating them with the sauce and heating through for a minute.
- Taste sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.
Serving
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.