Chicken Florentine Recipe
If you have a soft spot for creamy, comforting dishes bursting with fresh flavors, then this Chicken Florentine Recipe will quickly become your new weeknight favorite. Tender chicken breasts seared to perfection are nestled in a luscious sauce of garlic, creamy Parmesan, and a touch of Dijon, all mingling with vibrant baby spinach. It’s a dish that feels fancy enough for guests but comes together with straightforward steps and pantry-friendly ingredients. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Florentine Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a timeless classic that brings warmth and joy to the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Florentine Recipe is carefully chosen to create a perfect balance of richness, freshness, and depth of flavor. The simplicity of these staples makes preparing this dish a breeze, and the combination will thrill your taste buds while adding beautiful color and texture to every bite.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are the star of the dish, offering a tender, juicy base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the chicken’s natural flavor and balance the richness of the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Used for dredging to give the chicken a light crust that locks in moisture and helps thicken the sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity, fragrant base for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Butter: Boosts richness and helps create that gorgeous silky sauce you’re aiming for.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for an aromatic pop that builds the dish’s savory foundation.
- White wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan to lift all those caramelized bits off the bottom, infusing the sauce with layers of flavor.
- Heavy cream: The secret behind the indulgent, velvety texture that makes this Chicken Florentine Recipe so comforting.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami depth and a slightly nutty, salty kick to the creamy sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang and complexity, giving the sauce a gentle zing.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering other flavors.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Just a hint of heat to awaken your palate, completely optional if you prefer mild dishes.
- Baby spinach: Delivers freshness and a pop of vibrant green, wilting perfectly into the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish, adding a bright, herbal finish that makes every plate look inviting.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Dredge the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper to ensure every bite is well-flavored. Then, gently dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This flour coating forms a lovely crust when seared and helps thicken the sauce later, so don’t skip this step.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The butter adds richness while the olive oil raises the smoke point for better searing. Cook each chicken breast for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate to rest—this keeps your chicken juicy and ready for the next stage.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze
Lower the heat to medium and add your minced garlic to the hot skillet. Let it cook for about a minute until fragrant—this will infuse your sauce with a wonderful aroma. Next, pour in white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any caramelized bits stuck to the bottom. These browned morsels are flavor gold and add depth to your sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld together. This sauce is the heart of the Chicken Florentine Recipe, balancing creaminess with a touch of sharpness and spice.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Combine
Once your sauce has thickened, add the fresh baby spinach directly to the skillet. It will quickly wilt, contributing vibrant color and a mild, fresh taste that cuts through the richness beautifully. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce generously over the top, and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors fully marry and the chicken reheats gently.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the dish. This final touch adds brightness and a pop of herbal freshness that makes the Chicken Florentine Recipe look as delightful as it tastes.
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh parsley not only dresses up the plate but also infuses a clean, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the cream and cheese. For added elegance, you might drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or shave a bit more Parmesan on top.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with simple sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or fluffy white rice soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. For a refreshing counterpoint, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables bring texture and lightness, rounding out a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, consider serving each chicken breast over a bed of mashed cauliflower or polenta. You can also place the chicken on toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer twist. Drizzling the sauce artistically on the plate adds a restaurant-quality vibe that impresses friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself fortunate enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce helps keep the chicken moist, but be sure to cool the dish before refrigerating to preserve all those vibrant flavors.
Freezing
This Chicken Florentine Recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of spinach may change slightly upon thawing, but the overall flavor stays delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce appears too thick. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow reheating better preserves the creamy texture and juicy chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs add a little more fat and flavor, making the dish extra juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No worries—chicken broth works perfectly as a non-alcoholic substitute. It still helps deglaze the pan and adds lovely depth to the sauce.
Is heavy cream necessary or can I substitute it?
Heavy cream is key for the rich, velvety texture of the sauce, but you can substitute half-and-half mixed with a bit of butter if you want a lighter version. Just note the sauce might be a bit thinner.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To enjoy Chicken Florentine without dairy, use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative and skip the Parmesan. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor punch as a replacement for the cheese.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste or add a pinch of cayenne powder when making the sauce. Just be sure to balance the heat with the creamy elements to keep it harmonious.
Final Thoughts
There really is something magical about this Chicken Florentine Recipe that brings comfort and elegance together on one plate. It’s straightforward enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests without any fuss. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch it become one of your own kitchen’s treasured go-tos. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach create an irresistible dinner that your family and friends will ask for again and again.
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Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and flavorful Chicken Florentine recipe featuring tender seared chicken breasts cooked in a rich Parmesan and spinach cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 4 cups baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Dredge Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Lightly coat each breast in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess flour to avoid clumping.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Deglaze Skillet: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a spoon to lift up all the flavorful browned bits left from cooking the chicken.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Wilt Spinach: Add baby spinach to the skillet and cook until the leaves are wilted and tender, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce and spinach over the top. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2–3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the finished dish before serving for a fresh, herby finish and added color.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Using white wine adds depth of flavor; if avoiding alcohol, use chicken broth instead.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking—pounding slightly if needed.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Optional crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but can be omitted for milder taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
