Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe: A Dreamy Italian Classic

Whipping up a delectable chicken florentine dish brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Spinach-laden and rich with parmesan, this classic Italian-American creation promises restaurant-quality satisfaction at home.

Tender chicken breasts nestle in a velvety sauce that whispers comfort and elegance.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum flavor, making dinner preparation surprisingly straightforward.

Layers of creamy goodness blend perfectly with wilted greens and succulent protein.

Weeknight cooking transforms into a gourmet experience with surprisingly little effort.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that impresses without complicated techniques.

Why Chicken Florentine Stands Out

• Savor this Chicken Florentine masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
• Master a restaurant-quality dish with beginner-friendly steps that guarantee foolproof results every single time.
• Create a creamy, luxurious meal using just a handful of pantry staples that deliver incredible taste without complicated shopping.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner with minimal cleanup, using a single skillet to sear chicken, build a rich sauce, and wilt fresh spinach in seamless harmony.

Chicken Florentine Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Classic protein base for the dish.
• Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic seasoning blend for enhancing chicken flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Create rich, golden sear and add depth of flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base for deglazing and adding moisture.
• Heavy Cream: Creates rich, creamy sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty cheese flavor to sauce.

• Garlic: Provides intense, fragrant base note.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds nutritious green element and earthy flavor.

Steps for Cooking Chicken Florentine

Step 1: Craft Flavor-Packed Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of salt, ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Ensure each side is evenly covered to maximize taste sensation.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Heat a large skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high temperature.

When butter bubbles and pan is scorching hot, carefully place chicken breasts.

Cook until golden brown and perfectly crisp, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Aromatics

In the same sizzling skillet, add minced garlic.

Stir quickly and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 1 minute.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Pan Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.

Allow broth to simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Cheese Sauce

Introduce heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet.

Stir continuously, letting the sauce thicken and develop a luxurious, velvety texture.

This process takes 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Incorporate Fresh Spinach

Gently add fresh spinach to the sauce.

Stir and cook until leaves wilt and soften, transforming the sauce into a vibrant green masterpiece.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return chicken breasts to the skillet, lovingly coating them with the creamy spinach sauce.

Allow everything to simmer together for 5 minutes, letting flavors intertwine and intensify.

Step 8: Present Your Culinary Creation

Remove skillet from heat.

Plate chicken and generously spoon the luscious spinach sauce over the top.

Serve immediately and watch faces light up with delight.

Expert Tips for Chicken Florentine

• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Let the sauce simmer and reduce slowly to achieve a thick, luxurious texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Use fresh baby spinach for a tender, delicate flavor that wilts quickly and blends seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly into the sauce for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-packaged options.
• Replace heavy cream with full-fat Greek yogurt or coconut cream to create a lighter, protein-packed version of this dish.

Chicken Florentine Storage and Heating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
• Transfer chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining quality and taste.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm and reaching 165°F internal temperature.

What Pairs Well with Chicken Florentine

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, rich sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Serve with Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Roast asparagus with olive oil, salt, and garlic to create a perfect vegetable side that echoes the garlic notes in the Chicken Florentine.
• Match with Parmesan Herb Risotto: Create a creamy risotto with Parmesan and fresh herbs that mirrors the sauce's texture and enhances the dish's Italian-inspired flavors.
• Balance with Light Citrus Salad: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, fresh contrast to the heavy, creamy main course.

Chicken Florentine Twists to Try

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken Florentine: Replace traditional pasta or side with roasted cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the rich, creamy flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Version: Swap heavy cream and Parmesan with full-fat coconut cream and nutritional yeast, creating a lactose-free alternative that still delivers excellent taste and texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to enhance the sauce's complexity, giving the dish a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired character.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or white bean slices, maintaining the recipe's creamy spinach sauce while offering a plant-based protein option.

FAQs

• Is Chicken Florentine difficult to make?

No, it’s surprisingly simple! With just a few basic cooking techniques like searing chicken and making a cream sauce, anyone can create this restaurant-quality dish at home.

• What does Chicken Florentine traditionally include?

Traditional Chicken Florentine always features chicken, spinach, and a creamy sauce. The key ingredients are high-quality protein, fresh spinach, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce that brings everything together.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thoroughly drain the frozen spinach and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery and maintains the creamy texture.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

Not at all. You’ll only need a large skillet, basic measuring tools, a wooden spoon, and standard kitchen utensils. This recipe is designed to be accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Chicken Florentine Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken florentine brings Italian-inspired elegance to weeknight dinners with its rich spinach and parmesan sauce. Perfectly balanced flavors and simple preparation make this dish a delightful choice for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality comfort without complicated techniques.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

Liquid and Cheese Components:

• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 cups (170 grams) fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by generously seasoning both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs for robust flavor profile.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until butter melts and pan is sizzling hot.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into skillet, searing each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining its crispy exterior.
5. Using the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and sauté for approximately 60 seconds until aromatic.
6. Deglaze pan by pouring chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up caramelized cooking remnants from skillet bottom.
7. Allow broth to simmer briefly, concentrating flavors and creating a rich base for the sauce.
8. Incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring consistently until sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency.
9. Gently add fresh spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt and integrate seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
10. Reintroduce seared chicken breasts into the skillet, coating them generously with the spinach-infused sauce.
11. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and develop complex flavors.
12. Remove from heat and plate immediately, drizzling remaining sauce over chicken for maximum taste experience.

Notes

• Ensure even chicken thickness by pounding breasts to uniform size for consistent cooking and tender results.
• Opt for fresh baby spinach instead of frozen to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture in the final dish.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
• Reduce sauce calories by substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream without compromising creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 150mg