If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, bathed in a luscious sauce of garlic, mushrooms, and velvety cream, all brightened by fresh, vibrant spinach. This one-pan wonder is not just delicious but wonderfully simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe, it’ll be a staple you can always count on for comfort and flavor rolled into one.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right is easier than you might think because the ingredients are straightforward but absolutely crucial. Each one brings something special to the table — whether it’s the earthy mushrooms, the creamy cheese, or the fresh spinach that adds color and nutrition.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz each): The star protein, perfectly sized for even cooking and tender bites.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances flavor and helps season the chicken evenly.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more if needed): Provides a healthy fat for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and savory warmth to the sauce.
- 6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (~2 cups): Adds earthy texture and umami magic that complements the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Gives richness to the sauce and balances acidity.
- ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth: Builds a flavorful base and deglazes the pan after browning the chicken.
- ¼ cup dry white wine: Lends subtle acidity and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy texture that makes this recipe irresistible.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the sauce.
- 6 cups fresh spinach, packed: Offers freshness, color, and a gentle earthiness while balancing the richness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry — this little step ensures a better sear and prevents steaming. Then, season both sides generously with sea salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning step forms the flavorful foundation of the dish.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan and cook until deeply golden on both sides. This browning step locks in juices and builds a delicious crust. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside — it’ll come back to soak up the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. The garlic softens and the mushrooms brown, releasing their beautiful earthy flavor. Cook until the liquid they release completely evaporates — this concentrates their taste and gets the pan ready for the next step.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Turn the heat down to medium and stir in a tablespoon of unsalted butter. Follow with the chicken broth and white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those fantastic browned bits. Let this simmer until the liquid reduces by half, intensifying the flavors in the pan.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer until it thickens just a bit, becoming luxuriously smooth. Turn the heat to low and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. This step brings in a lovely salty, nutty depth that makes the sauce truly divine.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts down and shrinks in volume, releasing a mild, fresh flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the cream sauce.
Step 7: Finish by Reuniting Chicken with the Sauce
Nestle the browned chicken breasts right into that luscious sauce and spinach mixture. Allow everything to cook together for 3 to 5 more minutes so the chicken warms through and soaks up some of that creamy goodness. And then, it’s ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top just before serving. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also enhance the flavors and add an inviting sheen.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that absorb the creamy sauce. Steamed jasmine rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or even crusty artisan bread are brilliant choices. Don’t overlook roasted vegetables to introduce some crunch and extra nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, serve this Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets or rustic ceramic dishes to keep the warmth in and create a cozy presentation. You can also layer it over creamy polenta or al dente pasta for a hearty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce maintains its flavor well, and your leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe will stay tasty for up to 3 days.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, separate the chicken breasts from the sauce before freezing for best texture. Store the sauce and chicken in freezer-safe containers individually. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the texture if it seems too thick. Stir frequently and warm until just heated through to keep the chicken moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use spinach alternatives in this recipe?
Definitely! Baby kale or Swiss chard can substitute nicely, offering a similar earthy flavor and texture. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they wilt properly without overcooking.
Is it okay to skip the white wine?
You can skip the white wine if you prefer or don’t have any on hand. Simply replace it with an equal amount of additional chicken broth for a similar but slightly less complex flavor.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Try swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt, but be mindful to cook gently so the sauce doesn’t curdle. You can also reduce butter and cheese slightly to lighten the richness.
What’s the best way to ensure chicken stays juicy?
Patting the chicken dry before seasoning, cooking it over medium-high heat for a flavorful sear, and avoiding overcooking by finishing it in the sauce for just a few minutes are key tips for juicy, tender chicken every time.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Absolutely! Just use a larger skillet or a wide, deep pan to give the ingredients enough space. Cooking in batches might be necessary to keep that perfect sear on the chicken.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling together a dish that tastes like it took hours of effort but is actually quick and easy. This Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe is exactly that kind of recipe — rich, comforting, and filled with fresh flavors you can feel good about. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become a beloved regular in your meal rotation, perfect for any occasion that calls for a little extra love on your plate.
Print
Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Florentine recipe is a delicious, one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce with garlic, mushrooms, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect comforting meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more if needed)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (~2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 cups fresh spinach, packed
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels and season both sides evenly with sea salt and black pepper.
- Brown Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and their liquid has evaporated, about 5-6 minutes.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Reduce heat to medium and stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Pour in the chicken broth and dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce by half, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and continue to simmer until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Add Spinach: Add the packed fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish Cooking Chicken: Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and cook until the chicken is heated through and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 3-5 minutes.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
- Dry white wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be less rich.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Spinach can be substituted with baby kale or Swiss chard if desired.
