If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dinner that comes together in just one pan, this Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe is the perfect culinary companion. Imagine tender chicken breasts nestled in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, studded with earthy mushrooms and vibrantly fresh spinach. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels special yet is incredibly easy and quick to prepare. This dish not only satisfies your hunger but delights your senses, making weeknight dinners something to eagerly anticipate.

Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this dish plays a special role, creating a delicious harmony of flavors and textures that make this skillet recipe shine. From the juicy chicken to the creamy sauce, each element is simple yet essential.

4 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up all the luscious flavors of the sauce.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and everything else in the pan.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right bit of warmth and depth without overpowering.
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more if needed): For beautifully browning the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms and garlic.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings an irresistible aroma and a punch of savory goodness.
6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (~2 cups): Adds earthy notes and a meaty texture that complements the chicken nicely.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter: For a silky richness that builds the base of our sumptuous sauce.
½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful and helps to deglaze the pan.
¼ cup dry white wine: Infuses a lovely acidity and complexity that lifts the entire dish.
1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly velvety sauce that ties everything together.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that enriches the creamy sauce.
6 cups fresh spinach, packed: Brings a pop of green color and fresh, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry. This simple but crucial step helps you get a beautiful golden brown sear. Then season them generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to bring out their natural flavor.

Step 2: Brown Chicken

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook until both sides develop a lovely brown crust, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once browned, remove from the pan and set aside to rest. This step locks in juices, ensuring tender, moist chicken.

Step 3: Cook Mushrooms and Garlic

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. Sauté them until the mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden brown, while the garlic turns fragrant. This process builds incredible depth of flavor for the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the pan, letting it melt into the mushrooms and garlic. Then pour in the chicken broth and dry white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any caramelized bits stuck to the skillet’s bottom. Let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, concentrating the flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan

Next, stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Lower the heat and incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and smooth, with a hint of nuttiness from the cheese.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

Heap in the fresh spinach right into the sauce, and cook just until it wilts down. This adds freshness, texture, and vibrant color to the Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Step 7: Return Chicken and Finish

Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce over them. Let everything cook together for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and perfectly infused with the flavors of the sauce. Then it’s ready to serve!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or freshly chopped parsley atop the skillet before serving. A wedge of lemon on the side can brighten the creamy sauce with a splash of acidity, adding a fresh contrast to the richness.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try fluffy mashed potatoes, garlic buttered noodles, or a simple crusty bread to soak up every bit of that decadent sauce. Even roasted vegetables or a crisp salad make excellent companions, balancing textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve this dish in individual cast iron skillets or shallow bowls, ensuring each portion looks as inviting as it tastes. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-quality presentation at home that elevates this comforting meal to something truly special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect second-day meal when flavors have even more time to marry.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully before you add the spinach to preserve its texture. Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh spinach when reheating for that bright, fresh pop.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving at high power to preserve texture and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative that bring added juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking times since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy sauce?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a vegan Parmesan alternative to keep the sauce creamy and flavorful while accommodating dietary preferences.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. This Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan are gluten-free certified.

What wine works best for cooking this dish?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully. If you prefer no wine, simply substitute with an equal amount of extra chicken broth for depth of flavor.

Can I add other veggies to the skillet?

Of course! Feel free to toss in sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or even a handful of peas for extra color and flavor complexity. Just add them in with the spinach so they cook gently.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight meals. Its blend of rich creaminess, tender chicken, and fresh spinach is pure comfort on a plate. Don’t hesitate to try it tonight and watch how this simple but spectacular recipe wins hearts around your dinner table.