Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection are smothered in a luscious, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Every bite delivers a delightful combination of creamy richness balanced with the vibrant earthiness of spinach and a subtle hint of garlic. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to impress your loved ones, this recipe brings simplicity and elegance together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a vital role in bringing this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe to life.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide the tender, juicy base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken perfectly golden and adding a subtle fruity undertone.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and fresh, slightly earthy flavor that complements the cream.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously smooth sauce that coats every bite.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly while imbuing it with savory depth.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Provide aromatic warmth and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside—this step locks in the juices and builds the base flavor for the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add your minced garlic and sauté for just about one minute. This brief cooking releases garlic’s fragrant aroma, which is the perfect foundation for the creamy sauce to come.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook it for 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach wilts quickly, releasing a lovely green color and a mild, fresh earthiness that balances the richness of the cream wonderfully.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly over 3 to 4 minutes. This step transforms the ingredients into that irresistibly smooth texture that coats the chicken so perfectly.
Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until it melts and blends thoroughly. This cheesy addition adds a savory depth and a hint of nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
Step 6: Return Chicken and Finish Cooking
Put the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the luscious sauce generously over the top. Cook everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken absorbs some sauce flavor and the dish comes together harmoniously.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese right before serving adds a fresh pop of color and taste. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also bring a fruity brightness to the final plate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, buttery pasta, or even a crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of that heavenly sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or a crisp garden salad also make excellent side companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve the Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or nestled on top of a golden polenta cake. You can even roll the chicken breasts and secure with a toothpick before cooking for an impressive presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by letting it cool completely, then transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It holds well for up to 2 months. Just remember that spinach may lose some texture after freezing, but the creamy sauce remains comforting.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also use a microwave on medium power, covering the dish to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water, which can dilute the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives to maintain that creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and stay tender, but chicken thighs work, too, if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful result.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
While you can prep the sauce before cooking the chicken, it’s best combined and finished fresh to keep the vibrant flavors and creamy texture intact.
How spicy is the dish? Can I add heat?
The Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe is mild and comforting by nature, but feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you enjoy a little kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels special, yet is easy enough to whip up any night of the week. The harmony of flavors and the simplicity of the ingredients come together in a way that delights every palate. I can’t wait for you to try it—it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.
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Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Florentine is a creamy and flavorful dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts served with a luscious spinach and Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Cook the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts down.
- Create the sauce base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy spinach sauce over the chicken and cook together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Florentine warm alongside your choice of rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, fresh twist.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
