Easy Herb-Crusted Boursin Chicken

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There’s something so comforting yet elegant about this Easy Herb-Crusted Boursin Chicken. The first time I made it, the scent of garlic, herbs, and melted cheese wafting through my kitchen was absolutely irresistible. The dish came together quickly but felt like something straight out of a fine bistro—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with creamy, herby flavor.

I love how it takes a simple chicken breast and turns it into something special with minimal effort. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy date night at home, this recipe is now one of my go-tos. If you enjoy recipes that feel indulgent without the stress, you’re going to love what this one brings to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Herb-Crusted Boursin Chicken

This dish is rich, crispy, and aromatic. The Boursin cheese melts into the chicken, infusing it with herbs and creaminess. The crispy panko topping gives each bite a perfect contrast in texture. It’s easy to prepare yet feels gourmet. Plus, it pairs effortlessly with a range of sides from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies.

What Kind of Boursin Cheese Should I Use?

For this recipe, I recommend using the Garlic & Fine Herbs variety of Boursin cheese. Its bold flavor profile complements the chicken beautifully. However, you can experiment with other flavors like Shallot & Chive or Basil & Chive if you prefer a slightly different twist. Just make sure it’s the soft, spreadable type that melts easily.

Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have Boursin cheese, you can substitute with a homemade herb cream cheese spread. Mix softened cream cheese with garlic, parsley, chives, and a pinch of salt. For the crust, if you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work. You can also swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a juicier bite.

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Ingredients for This Easy Herb-Crusted Boursin Chicken

• Chicken breasts: The base of the dish; boneless, skinless chicken breasts offer a lean yet meaty canvas for all the creamy, crispy goodness.
• Boursin cheese (Garlic & Fine Herbs): Adds a luxurious, creamy texture and layers of herby flavor to the chicken.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, they create that golden-brown crust that defines the dish.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor profile and enhances the herbaceousness of the cheese.
• Fresh thyme or rosemary: Earthy and aromatic herbs that deepen the flavor and complement the cheese.
• Olive oil or melted butter: Helps brown the crust and adds richness to the exterior.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance every layer of the dish.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.

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Step 2: Spread the Boursin Cheese

Place each chicken breast in the baking dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread a generous layer of Boursin cheese on top of each breast. Don’t worry if it looks thick; it will melt down beautifully during baking.

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Step 3: Make the Herb Crust

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and finely minced thyme or rosemary. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a bit of melted butter and mix until the crumbs are lightly coated. This will help them brown evenly.

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Step 4: Top the Chicken

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the Boursin-covered chicken breasts, pressing gently so it adheres to the cheese layer. Make sure each piece gets a good amount of crust.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the chicken uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crisp. You can broil the last 2 minutes for an extra crunch, but keep a close eye on it.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes out of the oven. Garnish with extra herbs if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Herb-Crusted Boursin Chicken

Prep Time: Preparing this dish takes about 15 minutes. That includes seasoning the chicken, spreading the Boursin cheese, mixing the herb crust, and assembling everything in the baking dish. The steps are straightforward, so even beginners can move through it smoothly without stress.

Cook Time: Once in the oven, the chicken bakes for 25 to 30 minutes. This gives the cheese enough time to melt and infuse the chicken while the breadcrumb topping turns golden and crisp. If you decide to broil at the end for extra crunch, that adds just 1–2 more minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Herb-Crusted Boursin Chicken

• Use room-temperature Boursin cheese for easier spreading.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning—it helps the cheese adhere better.
• Lightly oil the panko mix to ensure a crisp, golden crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking dish—this ensures even browning.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the oil or butter in breadcrumbs: They won’t brown properly without fat.
• Using cold cheese straight from the fridge: It’s hard to spread and may not melt evenly.
• Overcooking the chicken: It can dry out. Aim for 165°F internal temp.
• Under-seasoning: Boursin is flavorful, but the chicken still needs its own seasoning.
• Forgetting to let it rest: Resting the chicken helps retain its juices.

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What to Serve With Easy Herb-Crusted Boursin Chicken?

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Their rich texture complements the crispy crust and gooey cheese.

2. Roasted Asparagus

Adds a bright, earthy contrast and a pop of green to the plate.

3. Garlic Butter Rice

Soaks up the herby sauce and gives a satisfying base.

4. Mixed Green Salad

Fresh and light, it balances the richness of the chicken.

5. Buttery Dinner Rolls

Great for mopping up any leftover cheese and juices.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to preserve the crust’s texture—microwaving may make it soggy.

Freezing: You can freeze this chicken, but note that the texture of the cheese and crust may soften upon thawing. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen at 375°F until heated through.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, assuming 4 servings total):

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Cholesterol: 105mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of cheese instead of Boursin?

Yes, a whipped herb cream cheese or garlic & chive spread can work, though Boursin gives the most authentic flavor.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

With minor adjustments (using low-carb breadcrumbs or omitting them), yes—it can be made keto-friendly.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Just ensure they’re boneless and adjust the cook time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer.

How do I get the crust extra crispy?

Drizzle a bit more oil or butter over the top before baking, and finish with 1–2 minutes under the broiler.

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Conclusion

Easy Herb-Crusted Boursin Chicken delivers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that elevates a basic chicken dinner into something creamy, crispy, and full of herbaceous goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will win over any dinner table with ease.

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