## One-Pan Boursin Chicken, Mushroom, and Asparagus Skillet: A Flavorful & Easy Weeknight Dinner
Tired of complicated dinners that leave you with a mountain of dishes? Craving a restaurant-worthy meal without the restaurant price tag? Look no further! This One-Pan Boursin Chicken, Mushroom, and Asparagus Skillet is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and only requires one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
This recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, nestled amongst earthy mushrooms, vibrant asparagus, and a creamy, herby Boursin cheese sauce that ties it all together. The Boursin cheese melts into a luscious sauce that coats every ingredient, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a complete meal in one pan, packed with protein, vegetables, and deliciousness.
**Why You’ll Love This Recipe:**
* **Easy One-Pan Meal:** Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
* **Quick & Convenient:** Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful & Delicious:** The Boursin cheese adds a unique and creamy herby flavor that elevates the dish.
* **Healthy & Balanced:** Packed with protein and nutrient-rich vegetables.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different vegetables or protein sources.
* **Impressive Enough for Guests:** Looks and tastes gourmet, but requires minimal effort.
**Ingredients You’ll Need:**
* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. About 1.5 to 2 pounds, cut in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets
* **Boursin Cheese:** This creamy, herby cheese is the key to the amazing sauce. A 5.2 ounce package is perfect.
* **Asparagus:** Adds a fresh, green element to the dish. About 1 pound, trimmed.
* **Mushrooms:** I prefer cremini or button mushrooms, but any variety will work. About 8 ounces, sliced.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for searing the chicken and sautéing the vegetables. About 2 tablespoons.
* **Garlic:** Adds a pungent aroma and flavor. 2 cloves, minced.
* **Chicken Broth:** Helps to create the creamy sauce. 1/2 cup.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors. 1 tablespoon.
* **Salt & Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes.
**Equipment You’ll Need:**
* **Large Skillet:** A 12-inch cast iron skillet or oven-safe skillet is ideal. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the ingredients to a baking dish before adding the Boursin cheese and baking.
* **Cutting Board:** For prepping the vegetables and chicken.
* **Knife:** For chopping and slicing.
* **Spatula or Tongs:** For flipping the chicken and stirring the vegetables.
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely. Season generously with salt and pepper. Thinly slice them horizontally to create cutlets. Thinner chicken will cook faster and more evenly. Set them aside.
2. **Sauté the Mushrooms:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
3. **Sear the Chicken:** Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Sauté the Garlic and Asparagus:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
5. **Create the Boursin Sauce:** Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds extra flavor to the sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Boursin cheese until it is melted and smooth. Stir in the lemon juice.
6. **Combine Everything:** Return the cooked mushrooms and chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything in the Boursin sauce.
7. **Bake (Optional, but Recommended):** If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the Boursin cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. This step helps to melt the cheese and meld the flavors together even further. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the contents to a baking dish.
8. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove the skillet from the oven (or baking dish). Garnish with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli for the asparagus.
* **Add Some Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet while sautéing the garlic for a little heat.
* **Make it Creamier:** Add a splash of heavy cream to the Boursin sauce for an even richer and creamier texture.
* **Use Different Cheese:** If you can’t find Boursin cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese mixed with garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt.
* **Add White Wine:** After cooking the garlic, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine for added depth of flavor. Allow the wine to reduce slightly before adding the chicken broth.
* **Try it with Pork or Shrimp:** Chicken isn’t your only option. Pork tenderloin or large shrimp work great as well.
* **Serve over Pasta or Rice:** This dish is delicious served over pasta or rice to soak up all that delicious Boursin sauce.
* **Make it a Casserole:** Combine all the ingredients in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown for a comforting casserole.
* **Get Creative with Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to customize the flavor profile.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that it is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
**Serving Suggestions:**
This One-Pan Boursin Chicken, Mushroom, and Asparagus Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with:
* **Pasta:** Toss the chicken and vegetables with your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
* **Rice:** Serve over a bed of fluffy rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or wild rice.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy and protein-rich alternative to rice.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the rich Boursin sauce.
* **Crusty Bread:** For soaking up all the delicious sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skillet.
**Make-Ahead Tips:**
* **Chop the Vegetables:** You can chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
* **Prepare the Chicken:** You can pat the chicken dry, season it with salt and pepper, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
* **Make the Boursin Sauce:** You can make the Boursin sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before adding it to the skillet.
**Storage Instructions:**
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
**Nutritional Information (approximate):**
* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used)
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
**Recipe Variations to Suit Dietary Needs:**
* **Gluten-Free:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth.
* **Low-Carb/Keto:** This recipe is naturally low-carb. You can reduce the carbohydrates further by serving it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or rice.
* **Dairy-Free:** To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the Boursin cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Look for one that is flavored with garlic and herbs.
**Troubleshooting:**
* **Chicken is Dry:** Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that it is cooked to the proper internal temperature. You can also try marinating the chicken before cooking it to help keep it moist.
* **Sauce is Too Thick:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to thin it out.
* **Sauce is Too Thin:** If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer to allow it to thicken. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water to help thicken it quickly.
* **Vegetables are Overcooked:** Be careful not to overcook the vegetables. They should be tender-crisp.
**Conclusion:**
This One-Pan Boursin Chicken, Mushroom, and Asparagus Skillet is a winner! It’s the perfect solution for a delicious, easy, and healthy weeknight meal. The creamy Boursin sauce elevates simple ingredients into something truly special, and the one-pan cleanup is a major bonus. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
**Rate and Review!**
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a rating and review below! Your feedback helps me create more recipes that you’ll love.
**Enjoy!**