Boursin Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

If you're searching for a dinner that feels fancy enough for company, but is surprisingly easy to prepare, this recipe is the perfect choice. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are seasoned and cooked with shallots in a combination of butter and olive oil, then finished with a creamy Boursin cheese sauce. Some members of the Allrecipes community suggest adding sliced mushrooms to the sauce for an extra touch of flavor. To make this meal even heartier, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. As one reviewer, Lindsay, raves, It tastes like something Id get in a fancy restaurant!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• cup thinly sliced shallots
• 1 cups heavy cream
• 1 (5.2 ounce) package shallot and chive cheese spread (such as Boursin)
• Chopped fresh chives (optional)

Directions

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter is fully melted.
3. Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they are nicely browned on one side.
4. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 2 minutes to brown the other side.
5. Sprinkle the sliced shallots over the chicken thighs, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 8 to 9 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the chicken reads 165F (74C).
7. Transfer the chicken thighs to a plate or serving platter and keep warm.
8. In the same skillet, stir the heavy cream into the pan drippings, then add the Boursin cheese. Break the cheese into pieces and stir to combine.
9. Increase the heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is bubbling.
10. Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked chicken thighs and garnish with freshly chopped chives, if desired.
11. Serve warm, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (1/4 of recipe)

Calories	897
Total Fat	68g
Saturated Fat	35g
Cholesterol	422mg
Sodium	670mg
Total Carbohydrate	8g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	5g
Protein	67g
Vitamin C	2mg
Calcium	353mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	801mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Boursin Chicken

Boursin Chicken is a modern comfort dish inspired by French culinary traditions. Its key ingredient, Boursin cheese, was created in Normandy, France, in 1957 by Franois Boursin. Originally marketed as a gourmet cheese spread for bread and crackers, it quickly found its way into cooking, providing an easy way to add rich, creamy, and herb-infused flavor to various dishes. Combining this cheese with chicken resulted in a quick, elegant entre that balances rustic protein with sophisticated flavors.

Regional Variations

Though Boursin Chicken is most popular in the United States as a weeknight dinner or dinner party entre, it reflects a fusion of French and American culinary preferences. In the U.S., cooks often use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and ability to absorb flavors. In Europe, especially in France, variations may include bone-in chicken, fresh cream instead of pre-packaged Boursin, and the addition of local herbs such as tarragon or thyme. Some regions even incorporate mushrooms, asparagus, or shallots to complement the cheese sauce, creating subtly different regional versions.

Distinguishing Features

Boursin Chicken stands out from other creamy chicken recipes due to the distinctive texture and flavor of Boursin cheese. Unlike a simple cream or Alfredo sauce, Boursin adds a complex mix of garlic, herbs, and a soft, spreadable consistency. While dishes like Chicken Alfredo or Creamy Garlic Chicken rely on butter, cream, and basic seasonings, Boursin Chicken has a slightly tangy, herb-forward profile that elevates the dish without overwhelming the palate.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is versatile and can appear in multiple dining settings. It is commonly served as a main course at family dinners or casual gatherings, often paired with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables to complement the rich cheese sauce. In restaurants, it is sometimes featured on bistro-style menus as a refined yet approachable entre. Its creamy sauce and visually appealing presentation make it ideal for occasions when a touch of elegance is desired without complicated preparation.

Interesting Facts

• Boursin cheese was originally marketed with the slogan Gourmet Garlic Cheese and quickly became a staple in French households.
• The dish gained popularity in the United States as home cooks discovered how quickly and easily Boursin could transform a simple chicken dish into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Adding fresh chives or shallots enhances not only the flavor but also the visual appeal, creating a vibrant contrast against the creamy sauce.
• Though high in calories due to the cheese and cream, Boursin Chicken is often considered indulgent comfort food, perfect for special occasions or weekend dinners.
• Many home cooks experiment with the recipe, adding mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes to create unique variations while keeping the classic creamy, herb-forward taste.

FAQ about Boursin Chicken Recipe

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