If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly combines tenderness, creaminess, and vibrant greens, this Chicken Florentine Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy, perfectly seared chicken breasts nestled in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, with fresh spinach adding a lovely pop of color and earthy flavor. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for a weekday dinner or even to impress guests without hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the rich, balanced flavors and textures of this dish. From the creamy Parmesan sauce to the bright fresh spinach, every component works in harmony to bring Chicken Florentine to life.
- 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts): Choose thick breasts for juicy, tender meat that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and ensures the chicken sears beautifully without sticking.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Provides richness and helps create a golden crust on the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy elements.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and helps deglaze the pan to capture all those tasty browned bits.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce bringing a silky, indulgent texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, savory note that thickens the sauce and enhances flavor.
- 6 cups fresh spinach (about 6 ounces): Adds vibrant color and a slight earthiness that balances the creamy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that seasons the chicken perfectly and elevates every bite.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
First things first, season those chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple step builds the base flavor, ensuring every bite is seasoned just right. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and sear it for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, aiming for a golden-brown crust that locks in juices. Once cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), set the chicken aside—don’t skip resting it, as it keeps the meat tender.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until its aroma fills the kitchen. Then pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the caramelized bits stuck to the pan’s bottom—these bits pack intense flavor into the sauce. Let the broth simmer gently for two minutes to reduce slightly, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens into a gorgeous creamy consistency that’s smooth and rich.
Step 3: Add the Spinach and Bring It All Together
Next, add your fresh spinach into the skillet, stirring until it wilts and softens, about two minutes. The spinach not only adds a delightful color but also a fresh, slightly earthy taste that cuts through the richness. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to marry beautifully. When done, you’ll have a show-stopping dish that’s fragrant, velvety, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra dimension of flavor, sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving. A light dusting of additional Parmesan cheese can also amp up the cheesiness while giving it a lovely visual appeal. If you enjoy a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle, pleasant kick.
Side Dishes
Chicken Florentine pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its creamy sauce. Think buttery mashed potatoes that soak up the sauce, or a fluffy bed of rice for an easy, satisfying meal. For lighter options, serve with garlic roasted asparagus or a crisp garden salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve this Chicken Florentine recipe over a bed of creamy polenta for an extra comforting touch. Alternatively, place the chicken atop cooked pasta, swirling it through the sauce to create a luscious, restaurant-quality plate. For a fresh take, try plating the chicken sliced atop toasted crusty bread with a drizzle of the sauce, turning it into a delightful open-faced sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Chicken Florentine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps maintain moisture, but if you’d like, you can store them separately to extend freshness slightly.
Freezing
This dish freezes well when stored properly. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Chicken Florentine is best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
For the best reheating results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from breaking, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave, covered, using short bursts and stirring in between to keep the sauce smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this Chicken Florentine Recipe?
Yes, frozen spinach is a convenient substitute. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the sauce to avoid excess moisture that can water down the creaminess.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken can work, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich and silky as with heavy cream.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The chicken should also be firm to the touch, with no pink remaining inside.
Is Chicken Florentine spicy?
Not traditionally; it’s more creamy and herbaceous. However, you can always add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil, and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative along with a vegan Parmesan substitute. This will change the flavor slightly but keep the spirit of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Florentine Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—it’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to pull together. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to wow friends, it won’t disappoint. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover just how delicious home cooking can be!
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Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Chicken Florentine recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with wilted fresh spinach. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting and elegant dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 cups fresh spinach (about 6 ounces)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure flavorful meat.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned to enhance aroma and flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the broth simmer for around 2 minutes to concentrate flavors.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns creamy.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stir continuously until it wilts and softens, which takes about 2 minutes, blending nicely into the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy spinach sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 5 more minutes to allow flavors to meld and chicken to stay moist.
- Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is luscious and creamy, remove from heat. Plate the chicken topped generously with the creamy spinach sauce and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Using fresh spinach is ideal, but baby spinach works well too.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
