Mediterranean Chicken in Boursin Sauce with Garlic & Fine Herbs
This Mediterranean-inspired dish features pan-seared chicken breast smothered in a velvety Boursin cheese sauce enriched with garlic, fine herbs, and cream. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner, yet elegant enough for guests. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Boursin Sauce:
1 package (5.2 oz or 150g) Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs flavor)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for depth)
1 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Instructions
Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Melt the Boursin:
Add the Boursin cheese and heavy cream. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add chicken broth if sauce needs thinning. Stir in Dijon mustard (if using) and fresh herbs.
Combine & Simmer:
Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes to blend flavors.
Serve:
Spoon extra sauce over chicken. Garnish with a sprig of thyme or extra herbs. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables.
Tips for Best Results
Pound Chicken Evenly: This helps cook the chicken evenly and quickly, avoiding dry spots.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if needed for a golden crust.
Use Full-Fat Boursin: For the creamiest sauce, stick with the original full-fat version of Boursin cheese.
Deglaze the Pan: Add a splash of white wine or broth after searing the chicken to lift up flavorful browned bits.
Let It Rest: Let the chicken rest a minute or two after cooking for juicier results.
Variations
With Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding garlic to build extra umami into the sauce.
Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower mash or sautéed spinach instead of mashed potatoes.
Add Spinach or Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for color and Mediterranean flair.
Swap Protein: Try this sauce with salmon, turkey cutlets, or pork chops for a different twist.
Lighter Sauce: Use light cream or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie version.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Cook the chicken and sauce, let cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I use other Boursin flavors?
A: Yes! Try Shallot & Chive or Black Pepper varieties for a flavor change.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: It’s best fresh. The sauce may separate slightly when frozen, but it can be brought back together by reheating slowly while stirring.
Q: Is there a dairy-free substitute for Boursin?
A: You can try plant-based creamy cheese alternatives with garlic and herbs, though the texture may differ.
Q: Can I bake this instead?
A: Yes. Sear the chicken, then place in a baking dish, cover with sauce, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 420
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Carbs: 4g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: <1g
Sodium: 560mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on cream and cheese brands.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chicken in Boursin Sauce is a creamy, comforting, and herb-packed meal that’s both luxurious and easy to make. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it’s rich in flavor yet surprisingly simple. Pair it with a crisp white wine and a side of greens for a complete Mediterranean-inspired dinner.