If you are craving a dish that brings together rich, creamy textures with vibrant flavors and a touch of elegance, this Chicken Florentine Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender, paprika-spiced chicken thighs swimming in a luscious spinach and Parmesan cream sauce create a comforting yet impressive meal. It’s an all-around winner that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion where you want to wow your guests with simplicity and flair.

Chicken Florentine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Florentine Recipe shines because it relies on simple but essential ingredients, each adding its own unique flavor, texture, and color to the dish. From the earthy sweetness of paprika to the fresh brightness of spinach, every component works harmoniously to create a well-rounded dinner.

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender with just the right amount of fat to keep the dish juicy.
2 cloves garlic, crushed: Adds a fragrant depth that infuses the marinade and sauce.
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: A flavorful base for marinating the chicken and cooking.
2 teaspoons sweet paprika: Brings gentle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Balances the dish with a subtle kick.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
½ teaspoon ground turmeric: Offers a warm, golden hue and earthy aroma.
¼ cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity, deglazing the pan for that signature sauce base.
2 cups heavy cream, room temperature: Creates the luxuriously creamy sauce that coats everything perfectly.
3 cups fresh spinach leaves: Contributes vibrant green color and a gentle earthiness.
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds deliciously nutty and salty notes to the sauce.
1 green onion, chopped: Provides a fresh, slightly sharp finish as a garnish.

How to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining the garlic, olive oil, paprika, black pepper, salt, and turmeric in a bowl or a ziplock bag. Toss in the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with this flavorful marinade. This step not only adds depth to the chicken but tenderizes it—make sure to refrigerate and let the flavors meld for at least two hours. The longer, the better for maximum taste!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and place your marinated chicken thighs in the pan. Cooking them for around 8-10 minutes on each side will yield a gorgeous golden crust and tender inside. When they’re perfectly cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set aside, keeping them warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan With Wine

Add the dry white wine to the skillet and gently scrape all the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. This is where a ton of flavor is unleashed into the dish. The wine reduces slightly, adding a subtle acidity that balances out the creaminess that’s coming next.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Spinach Sauce

Introduce the fresh spinach leaves and heavy cream to the skillet. Let them cook together over medium heat until the spinach wilts down and the cream thickens just a bit—about five minutes. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce over the next two minutes. The sauce becomes utterly luscious and packed with savory goodness.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return your golden chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them gently into the creamy spinach sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional two minutes, warming the chicken through and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top just before serving for that fresh, slightly sharp accent.

How to Serve Chicken Florentine Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds an inviting burst of color and subtle oniony freshness. If you want to jazz it up further, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten and elevate the dish’s flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Florentine pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the creamy sauce. Think buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a crusty baguette to mop up every last drop. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad will add a refreshing textural contrast to complete your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try plating the chicken over creamy polenta or alongside a bed of garlic-infused quinoa. You can also serve it in a shallow pasta bowl atop al dente fettuccine or egg noodles to turn this into a full-on Italian-inspired feast. Presentation delights the eyes and amplifies that cozy, homemade feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Florentine stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to maintain flavor and moisture, but allow everything to cool before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this Chicken Florentine Recipe for up to two months. Separate into freezer-safe containers, making sure not to overfill. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, use low to medium heat on the stove, stirring gently to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of cream or milk. Microwaving is convenient, but do so in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well here if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs. Adjust cooking times accordingly and consider pounding them to an even thickness for best results.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for two hours?

While marinating for two hours lets the flavors deeply penetrate the chicken, if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will add good flavor. Just know that longer marinating generally improves tenderness and taste.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

You can try half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter sauce, but the texture won’t be as rich or silky. If you want to keep it creamy yet lighter, Greek yogurt stirred in at the end can be a nice alternative.

What type of white wine is best for this dish?

Choose a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. These wines add vibrant acidity and help build the sauce’s flavor without overpowering the dish.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach is a convenient substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture diluting the sauce. Fresh spinach does provide a brighter flavor and texture, though.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this Chicken Florentine Recipe is a surefire way to impress with minimal fuss. The harmony of tender chicken, silky sauce, and fresh greens makes it a comforting delight you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring this delicious favorite from your kitchen straight to your table!