Boursin Chicken, Mushroom, and Asparagus Skillet Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds chicken tenders
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced shallots
• 8 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
• 1/3 cup chicken stock
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups bite-sized asparagus pieces
• 1 (5.2 ounce) package soft French cheese, such as Boursin Shallot and Chive Cheese, roughly chopped
• Fresh snipped chives for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels, and season all sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: In a large, nonstick skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter is sizzling, add the chicken tenders and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate to keep warm.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add the sliced shallots. Stir for about 30 seconds, then add the mushrooms. Stir the mushrooms until they begin to soften, which should take around 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add the minced garlic and herbes de Provence, cooking and stirring for another 30 seconds to release the flavors.

Step 5: Stir in the chicken stock and dry white wine, then add the asparagus pieces along with a pinch of salt.

Step 6: Place the chicken tenders on top of the vegetables, along with any juices that have accumulated. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer should read 165F (74C) when inserted into the center of the chicken.

Step 7: Turn off the heat, add the chopped Boursin cheese to the skillet, and stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.

Step 8: Garnish with freshly snipped chives, if desired, and serve the dish warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	555
Total Fat	31g (40% DV)
Saturated Fat	8g (41% DV)
Cholesterol	71mg (24% DV)
Sodium	1078mg (47% DV)
Total Carbohydrate	40g (15% DV)
Dietary Fiber	6g (21% DV)
Total Sugars	8g
Protein	28g (57% DV)
Vitamin C	14mg (16% DV)
Calcium	123mg (9% DV)
Iron	4mg (20% DV)
Potassium	1007mg (21% DV)

The History and Origins of Boursin Chicken, Mushroom, and Asparagus Skillet

The Boursin Chicken, Mushroom, and Asparagus Skillet is a modern American twist on classic French-inspired cuisine. The recipe centers on Boursin cheese, a soft, creamy French cheese first created in Normandy in 1957 by Franois Boursin. Originally intended as a spreadable cheese with herbs, Boursin quickly became a versatile ingredient in cooking, from sauces to baked dishes. Integrating it with sauted chicken, mushrooms, and fresh asparagus elevates a simple skillet meal into a rich, flavorful entre that combines French sophistication with everyday American practicality.

Regional Characteristics

While this dish is widely prepared across the United States, it draws inspiration from both French and European culinary traditions. The use of Herbes de Provence, a mixture of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and savory, reflects southern French cooking, while the inclusion of asparagus and mushrooms highlights seasonal, locally sourced vegetables common in American kitchens. In coastal regions, chefs might substitute white wine with local vintages, and some areas favor chicken thighs instead of tenders for added flavor, demonstrating subtle regional adaptations.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional creamy chicken recipes, which often rely on heavy cream or butter-heavy sauces, this skillet meal leverages Boursin cheese for its unique texture and garlic-and-chive flavor profile. Compared to Chicken Alfredo or Chicken Marsala, the Boursin version offers a lighter, herb-infused alternative with distinct layers of taste from the cheese, wine, and herbs rather than a purely dairy-forward cream base. Its combination of quick sauted chicken and fresh vegetables also differentiates it from more time-intensive baked casseroles.

Typical Serving Occasions

This skillet dish is commonly served as a weeknight dinner due to its simplicity and speed, taking under 30 minutes from prep to plate. It is also suitable for casual gatherings or small dinner parties, where the elegant sauce and colorful vegetables create an impressive presentation without requiring complex cooking techniques. Some households pair it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread to fully enjoy the creamy Boursin sauce.

Interesting Facts

• Boursin cheese comes in various flavors, including Garlic & Fine Herbs, Shallot & Chive, and Cracked Black Pepper, allowing for subtle variations in this recipe.
• The combination of mushrooms and asparagus not only provides texture contrast but also boosts nutritional value with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• This skillet recipe has gained popularity online for its adaptability; cooks frequently swap vegetables or proteins while maintaining the core Boursin flavor.
• The dish reflects a broader trend of one-pan meals, emphasizing convenience without sacrificing gourmet quality.
• Although American in its widespread use, the dish preserves a French influence through the cheese, wine, and Herbes de Provence, making it a perfect example of culinary fusion.

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