If you’re on the lookout for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Chicken Florentine Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a beautiful blend of tender chicken, creamy spinach sauce, and bold flavors that come together to create something truly memorable. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe offers a rich, comforting meal without needing to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Florentine Recipe, it’ll have a permanent spot in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to bring this Chicken Florentine Recipe to life. Each component plays a key role, from the juicy chicken breasts to the vibrant spinach that adds a fresh, earthy note. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what each ingredient brings to the table.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Your tender protein base, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning, enhancing every flavor in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): Helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden perfection.
- 2 shallots, finely chopped: Provide a mild onion flavor that’s sweeter and more delicate.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuse the sauce with their characteristic aroma and warmth.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (or substitute with tomatoes): Brings a pop of color and a touch of sweetness.
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained): The “Florentine” star, adding vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine): Adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (or reduced-fat version): Creates a luxuriously creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream: Enriches the sauce, making it silky smooth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional): A fresh herbal finish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness so they cook evenly. Season them generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for a simple but effective flavor base. Then, coat each piece lightly with flour; this will help create a delightful golden crust and give the sauce a bit of extra body.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the chicken carefully in the pan, cooking each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until it turns golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Don’t rush this step—good searing locks in juices and builds wonderful flavor. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Bell Pepper
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. Cook them until they turn fragrant and just start to soften, about 1 to 2 minutes. Then toss in your diced red bell pepper and let it cook for another couple of minutes. This mix will add layers of sweetness and aromatic charm to your sauce base.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Next, add the fresh spinach to the skillet (or the thawed and drained frozen spinach). Stir it in and let it cook until completely wilted, shrinking down and blending beautifully with the other ingredients. The spinach not only adds a lovely color here but also delivers the signature taste that earns the dish its Florentine name.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delightful browned bits stuck to the bottom. Once the liquid is simmering, stir in the cream cheese, half-and-half or heavy cream, and grated Parmesan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens into a rich, velvety coating perfect for the chicken.
Step 6: Reintroduce the Chicken
Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy spinach sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top and simmer everything together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This finishes cooking the chicken through and lets all the flavors meld into one irresistible dish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the chicken for a hit of herbal brightness. This final touch not only looks gorgeous but also lifts the flavors just a bit, making every bite feel fresh.
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds just the right pop of color and bright flavor to this creamy dish. You can also add a dash of cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil to elevate the final presentation.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Florentine Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Think al dente pasta, fluffy rice, or even rustic bread for dipping. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad will balance the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy touch, serve the chicken slices arranged over a bed of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes. You can also plate the chicken atop wilted spinach for a bistro-style vibe. Remember, plating with contrasting colors and textures makes an inviting and appetizing meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Florentine keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The creamy sauce may thicken as it cools but will loosen nicely when reheated with a splash of broth or cream.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Chicken Florentine for up to two months if stored properly in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally. Adding a little chicken broth or cream while warming will keep the sauce luscious and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Chicken Florentine Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are actually a great choice because they stay juicy and add a bit more flavor. Just adjust cooking time as needed since thighs might take a little longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any on hand?
If cream cheese isn’t available, you can use mascarpone, ricotta, or even a mild cream cheese alternative. These will give the sauce a creamy texture, though mascarpone will be a bit richer and ricotta a little lighter.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the cream cheese, half-and-half, and Parmesan for dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for the Chicken Florentine Recipe?
Definitely. Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your sauce. This substitution works well and keeps the dish accessible year-round.
What wine pairs well with Chicken Florentine?
A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, garlicky flavors without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer red, go for a light-bodied option like Pinot Noir.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Florentine Recipe is truly one of those meals that feels special but is surprisingly easy to prepare. The creamy spinach sauce combined with tender, golden chicken makes for a comforting plate that’s perfect anytime you want to impress yourself or friends. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find a new family favorite for your weeknight dinner lineup!
Print
Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Florentine recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sauce of spinach, garlic, and parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, combining vibrant vegetables and rich dairy for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (or substitute with tomatoes)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (or reduced-fat version)
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off any excess to promote a crispy golden exterior when cooked.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the floured chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and reach internal doneness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté shallots and garlic: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the diced red bell pepper and continue cooking for another 2 minutes to soften.
- Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted, which should take about 1-2 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed and well-drained before adding.
- Create the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Then, add the cream cheese, half-and-half (or heavy cream), and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously and simmer the sauce gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors and reach perfect warmth.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately alongside your preferred pasta, rice, or crusty bread to enjoy this classic, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- If you don’t have shallots, substitute with minced yellow onion.
- Use gluten-free flour if you require a gluten-free option.
- Leftover Chicken Florentine reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
