Chicken Florentine Recipe

Elevate Your Dinner with Creamy Chicken Florentine

When it comes to comfort food with a touch of elegance, Chicken Florentine checks all the boxes. This classic Italian-inspired dish is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, featuring juicy seared chicken breasts bathed in a luscious spinach cream sauce.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or whip up a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Best of all, it’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Florentine

1. Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’ll have this restaurant-quality dish on the table in under 30 minutes.
2. Nutritious and Satisfying: With lean protein, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s a balanced meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
3. Versatile Pairings: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
4. Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples and fresh produce, making it budget-friendly and accessible.

What is Chicken Florentine?

Chicken Florentine originates from Florence, Italy, and is characterized by its use of spinach, a beloved ingredient in Florentine cuisine. The dish combines perfectly cooked chicken with a rich cream sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and wilted spinach. Its simple preparation and bold flavors make it a favorite in Italian-American kitchens.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier option.
• Olive Oil and Butter: For searing the chicken and adding richness to the dish.
• Garlic: A must-have for that aromatic base flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce while deglazing the pan.
• Heavy Cream: The star of the creamy sauce, lending it a velvety texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
• Fresh Spinach: Brings color, nutrients, and a fresh, earthy flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for added flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear to Perfection: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor. Simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Combine

1. Wilt the Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts (about 2 minutes).
2. Combine with Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the skillet from heat.
2. Serve the chicken topped with the creamy spinach sauce. Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Florentine pairs beautifully with:

• Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work perfectly to soak up the sauce.
• Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice for a gluten-free option.
• Crusty Bread: Ideal for sopping up every drop of the creamy sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: A hearty side that complements the richness of the dish.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Florentine

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.
2. Use Fresh Spinach: While frozen spinach works in a pinch, fresh spinach adds better flavor and texture.
3. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce. For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
4. Customize the Flavors: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of white wine for a subtle tang.

FAQs

1. Can I make Chicken Florentine ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce separately. Reheat them together on the stovetop before serving.

2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 475
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 32g

Chicken Florentine

A creamy, flavorful dish featuring seared chicken and a rich spinach cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 6 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

 

• Sear seasoned chicken in a skillet.
• Prepare a creamy sauce with garlic, broth, and Parmesan.
• Wilt spinach in the sauce and combine with chicken.
• Serve hot with pasta, rice, or bread.