Chicken Florentine Recipe

Chicken Florentine is a creamy, Italian-inspired dish that brings together tender seared chicken breasts with a rich, garlicky spinach sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful recipe that feels fancy enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. In just 30 minutes, I can whip up a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that always hits the spot.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The cream sauce is velvety and rich without being heavy, and the fresh spinach adds a healthy, earthy balance. I also enjoy how versatile it is—I can serve it over pasta, rice, or even just with a slice of crusty bread. Plus, it’s easy to tweak depending on my dietary preferences or what I have in the fridge.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 cups fresh spinach (about 6 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
I start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Then I heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, I sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temp). I remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Then I pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. I let the broth simmer for 2 minutes before stirring in the heavy cream and Parmesan. I let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens and turns creamy.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Combine
Next, I toss in the spinach and stir until it wilts down. I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over the top, and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Then it’s ready to serve!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Keto-Friendly: I swap the cream for a keto-friendly version and thicken the sauce with xanthan gum. I like to serve it with spiralized zucchini noodles.
• Add Mushrooms: Sometimes I sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy twist.
• Dairy-Free: I’ve made this with coconut cream and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version that still tastes delicious.
• Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier cut, boneless chicken thighs work great in this recipe too.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. I always thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: I reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce without overcooking the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach for Chicken Florentine?

Yes, I can use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available. I just make sure to thaw and drain it well so the sauce doesn’t get watery.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Absolutely. I sometimes use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I usually make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to eat, I just reheat the sauce and add freshly cooked chicken and spinach.

What can I serve with Chicken Florentine?

I like serving it over pasta like fettuccine or angel hair. It’s also great with white rice, roasted veggies, or even just a piece of crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If I want a thicker sauce, I mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering. It thickens up beautifully in a minute or two.

Conclusion

Chicken Florentine is one of those comforting, satisfying dishes that never fails to impress. With tender chicken and a creamy spinach sauce that’s full of flavor, it’s a dish I keep coming back to. Whether I’m cooking for family, guests, or just myself, I know I can count on this recipe for a delicious, no-fuss meal that feels special every time.

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