Indulge in an exquisite culinary experience with these remarkable Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Each succulent bite is a symphony of flavors, where the creamy, herbed Boursin cheese meets the savory, salty embrace of thinly sliced prosciutto. This dish is designed to deliver maximum flavor and an unforgettable dining experience, making it a true showstopper.
This elegant Prosciutto Wrapped Baked Chicken recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple to prepare. Its straightforward steps and the option for advanced preparation make it an ideal choice for entertaining guests, hosting a festive family gathering, or even elevating a casual weeknight dinner into something special. Prepare to impress without the stress, as this dish promises gourmet taste with minimal effort.
Why You Must Make This Elegant Boursin Stuffed Chicken
There are countless reasons why this Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe deserves a prime spot in your cooking repertoire. Beyond its undeniably delicious taste, it offers a remarkable combination of elegance, simplicity, and versatility that appeals to both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Effortless Elegance: Stuffed chicken breasts are a classic method to transform a simple poultry dish into a sophisticated entree. The addition of salty prosciutto wrapping further elevates the presentation, creating a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes. It’s the perfect choice when you want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The magic truly happens with the creamy Boursin cheese. Its rich, herbed, and garlicky notes infuse every fiber of the chicken as it bakes, creating a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Paired with the savory, slightly crisp prosciutto, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and an explosion of savory goodness.
- Simple Steps, Big Impact: Don’t let the gourmet appearance intimidate you. Creating the pocket in each boneless, skinless chicken breast and nestling a wedge of creamy Boursin cheese inside takes mere minutes. This small, extra step makes a huge difference in the final result, locking in moisture and flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two, hosting a dinner party, or simply looking for an elevated weeknight meal, this Prosciutto Wrapped Baked Chicken fits the bill. Its ability to be prepped ahead of time means less stress when guests arrive, allowing you to enjoy your company rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
- Versatility at its Best: While Boursin cheese is highly recommended for its unique flavor, the concept of a stuffed chicken breast is incredibly versatile. You can experiment with different cheese fillings or add finely chopped herbs and spices to customize it to your preference, making this a recipe you can truly make your own.
Key Ingredients for a Flawless Dish
Achieving the perfect Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in the overall success and flavor of this exquisite dish.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for thick, uniform chicken breasts, ideally between 6-8 ounces each. Thicker breasts are easier to create a pocket in and are less likely to dry out during cooking. Look for chicken that appears plump and fresh.
- Boursin Garlic and Herb Cheese: This is the star of our filling. Boursin cheese, specifically the Garlic & Fine Herbs variety, offers a creamy texture and a burst of savory, aromatic flavors that complement chicken beautifully. Its unique blend of garlic, parsley, and chives ensures a rich and herbaceous interior for your chicken.
- Prosciutto: Thinly sliced prosciutto is crucial for wrapping the chicken. It adds a wonderful salty depth, a crispy texture once baked, and helps seal the cheese inside. Choose good quality, fresh prosciutto for the best results. You’ll typically need 1-2 slices per chicken breast, depending on its size and how much coverage you desire.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for searing the chicken, providing a beautiful golden crust and contributing to the overall flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings are all you need. Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper will enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and the filling.
- Lemon (Optional): A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire dish, adding a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese and prosciutto, elevating the flavors even further.
How to Master This Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken Recipe
Creating these elegant Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish every time.
- Prepare Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking once your chicken is ready to bake.
- Crafting the Pockets: Lay each boneless, skinless chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit into the thickest part of each chicken breast, creating a deep pocket. Be mindful not to cut all the way through to the other side; you want to create an enclosed space for the filling. Season the exterior of each chicken breast generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Stuffing with Creamy Boursin: Take your Boursin garlic and herb cheese. For easier stuffing, cut the round of cheese in half from top to bottom, then cut each half horizontally to create four crescent-shaped pieces. Gently spoon or place one quarter of the Boursin cheese into the pocket of each chicken breast, ensuring it is nestled deeply inside.
- Wrapping in Prosciutto: Carefully wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 1 to 1½ slices of prosciutto. The goal is to completely cover the pocket opening and secure the cheese inside, preventing it from oozing out during cooking. The prosciutto will naturally adhere to itself as you wrap, forming a tight seal.
- Searing for Flavor: Drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil into a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works wonderfully here) and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the prosciutto-wrapped chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This crucial step creates a rich depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction.
- Finishing in the Oven: Once seared, transfer the skillet directly to your preheated oven. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, carefully transfer the chicken to a baking dish before moving it to the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The original recipe suggests 180°F, but 165°F is the generally accepted safe internal temperature for poultry. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with a little fresh lemon juice, if desired, to add a bright finish.
Chef’s Secrets: Expert Tips for Perfect Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts from good to absolutely phenomenal with these expert tips and tricks:
- Choose the Right Chicken: Always select boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are notably thick and plump. This thickness is crucial for easily cutting a generous pocket without tearing the chicken, ensuring ample space for the creamy Boursin filling. Avoid thin or unevenly sized breasts, as they can be challenging to stuff and may cook unevenly.
- PRO-Tip: Secure the Filling with Prosciutto: The prosciutto serves more than just adding flavor and crispiness. It acts as a natural seal, effectively preventing the rich cheese filling from oozing out during the cooking process. If you have particularly large or thick chicken breasts, you might find that 1½ slices of prosciutto are needed to fully cover the opening and create a secure wrap. This ensures the cheese stays exactly where it should be – inside the chicken!
- Boursin Alternatives: If Boursin cheese is unavailable, don’t despair! You can create a delicious substitute using softened cream cheese. Bring a block of cream cheese to room temperature to ensure it’s pliable. Then, mix in your favorite seasonings such as dried Italian herbs, finely minced garlic, a pinch of onion powder, and seasoning salt to taste. This will mimic the herbed, savory profile of Boursin.
- PRO-Tip: The Power of Searing: Do not skip the searing step! Searing the chicken in a hot skillet before baking initiates the Maillard reaction. This complex chemical process between amino acids and reducing sugars creates hundreds of new flavor compounds, giving browned foods their distinctive, deeply savory, and irresistible taste. It also helps to develop a beautiful, slightly crispy exterior on the prosciutto, adding another layer of texture.
- Achieving Perfect Doneness: The size and thickness of chicken breasts can vary significantly. To guarantee your Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat without being overdone and dry, always use a reliable meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the cheese filling. The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). While the original recipe states 180°F, 165°F is the USDA recommended safe minimum internal temperature for poultry, ensuring juicy results.
- Lemon Zest for Brightness: For an extra layer of fresh flavor, consider zesting a little lemon over the finished chicken before serving. The bright citrus notes beautifully cut through the richness of the cheese and prosciutto.
Serving Suggestions for Your Gourmet Chicken
Once your exquisite Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts are perfectly cooked, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes to create a truly memorable meal. The richness of the chicken and cheese allows for a variety of accompaniments, from light vegetables to heartier starches.
- Fresh Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, green beans almondine, or a medley of roasted root vegetables like carrots and potatoes are excellent choices. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast.
- Creamy Risotto: For a more indulgent meal, a creamy mushroom or Parmesan risotto would beautifully complement the chicken.
- Simple Starches: Garlic mashed potatoes, couscous, or a wild rice pilaf can absorb the delicious pan juices and create a satisfying accompaniment.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir would pair wonderfully with the creamy, savory flavors of this dish.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a vibrant pop of color and an extra layer of herbaceous freshness right before serving.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Should you have any delectable leftovers of your Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken, proper storage and reheating will ensure they remain enjoyable.
- Storage: Allow the cooked chicken breasts to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat chicken gently to prevent it from drying out. You can reheat it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water, covered, until hot. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery and the prosciutto soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boursin Stuffed Chicken
Boursin cheese, or “fromage frais” as it’s known in some regions, is a delightful soft, creamy, and spreadable triple-creme cheese. Originating from France, it’s distinctively flavored, most commonly with a blend of garlic and fine herbs (such as chives and parsley), though other varieties with pepper or shallots exist. Its rich, buttery texture and vibrant herbaceous taste make it an ideal choice for stuffing poultry, spreading on crackers, or incorporating into sauces.
There are a few popular methods for stuffing chicken breasts, each offering a unique presentation and experience. One common approach involves pounding the chicken breast flat, spreading the desired filling over the surface, and then rolling it tightly into a “pinwheel” shape. For this particular Boursin Stuffed Chicken recipe, we utilize a simpler technique: creating an internal pocket.
To do this, a horizontal slit is carefully cut into one side of the thickest part of the boneless, skinless chicken breast. It’s crucial to leave the other sides intact, forming a secure internal cavity where the filling will reside. The key to success is to create an opening that is wide enough to insert the filling but not so large that it compromises the structure of the chicken. To prevent the creamy Boursin from oozing out during cooking, it’s vital to seal the pocket. This can be achieved by carefully tucking the edges, using a small toothpick (remember to remove it before serving!), or, as in this recipe, by expertly wrapping the chicken with a slice of prosciutto to create a tight, flavorful seal.
Determining when stuffed chicken is perfectly cooked can be tricky due to variations in breast size and thickness. Relying solely on a recipe’s suggested cooking time can be misleading. The most reliable method is to use a high-quality meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone (if applicable) or the cheese filling, which can give an inaccurate reading. Chicken is safely cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). At this temperature, the chicken will be juicy and tender, and any potentially dangerous bacteria like salmonella will be eliminated. Always allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven; this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Absolutely! This recipe is ideal for meal prepping or preparing for guests in advance. You can stuff and wrap the chicken breasts up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, proceed with the searing and baking steps as directed in the recipe. This makes entertaining much easier and more enjoyable.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the gourmet simplicity of these Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts, you’ll love exploring other versatile and flavorful chicken dishes. Chicken is a staple for good reason – it’s adaptable, delicious, and can be transformed into countless culinary masterpieces. Here are some more of my favorite chicken recipes that are sure to inspire your next meal:
- Effortless Sheet Pan Chicken Recipe
- Our Best Marinated Chicken Breasts
- Classic Oven Roasted Chicken
- Zesty Grilled Thai Chicken
- And many more of the Best Chicken Recipes to delight your palate!
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Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts
20 minutes
30 minutes
50 minutes
4 servings
Indulge in these elegant Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breasts, featuring tender chicken filled with creamy, herbed Boursin cheese and wrapped in savory prosciutto. An easy yet impressive meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thick, approximately 6-8 oz each)
- 1 (5.4 ounce) box of Boursin garlic and herb cheese
- 4-8 slices Prosciutto (depending on chicken breast size, 1-2 per breast)
- ½ Lemon, optional (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a clean cutting board, make a deep pocket in each chicken breast. Carefully cut a horizontal slit through the thickest part of each piece, ensuring you leave all sides, except the opening, completely intact to form a secure pouch for the filling.
- Season the exteriors of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. To prepare the cheese for stuffing, cut the round of Boursin cheese in half from top to bottom, then cut horizontally to create 4 half-moon-shaped pieces. Place one quarter of the cheese into the center of the pocket in each chicken breast.
- Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with a slice or two of prosciutto. The amount needed will depend on the size of the breasts. Ensure the prosciutto completely covers the pocket opening, securing the cheese inside. The prosciutto will naturally adhere to itself as you wrap it around the chicken.
- Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil into the hot pan. Carefully add the prosciutto-wrapped chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step enhances the flavor and texture.
- Once seared, transfer the skillet (or the chicken to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe) to the preheated oven. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. If desired, drizzle with a little fresh lemon juice before serving immediately.
Notes
If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
For an extra burst of citrus, you can add half a lemon to the skillet before roasting, then squeeze its juice over the chicken just before serving.
Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray for enhanced flavor and clarity.
Recommended Products
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- High-Quality Paring Knives
- Thermapen Instant Read Thermometer
- Durable OXO Cutting Board
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1 chicken breast
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 413Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 1813mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 57g
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