Chicken Florentine

Chicken Florentine is a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired dish that brings together perfectly seared chicken breasts and a rich spinach-Parmesan sauce. I love how quickly it comes together—only 30 minutes from start to finish—making it an easy choice for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner when I want something a little more special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels elegant but is so simple to make. The creamy sauce is loaded with flavor thanks to fresh garlic, chicken broth, Parmesan, and wilted spinach. It’s a full meal in one skillet, and it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. It’s also easy to adapt, whether I want a lighter version or a richer, cheesier twist.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 cups fresh spinach (about 6 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Sauce

5. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
6. Deglaze the pan by adding the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer for about 2 minutes.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

Add Spinach and Combine

8. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
9. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
10. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to bring all the flavors together.
11. Remove from heat and serve hot, with the sauce spooned over the chicken.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes just 30 minutes from start to finish—10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking time.

Variations

When I want a lighter version, I substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. For a gluten-free option, I ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free and skip any flour-based thickeners. I’ve also added sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth. For a thicker sauce, I stir in a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I reheat them gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce can separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I sometimes use boneless, skinless chicken thighs—they’re a bit juicier and work just as well in this recipe.

Is it okay to use frozen spinach?

Yes, I thaw and squeeze out excess moisture from frozen spinach before adding it to the sauce. It’s a great shortcut.

What should I serve with Chicken Florentine?

I usually serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. Mashed potatoes also make a great pairing.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

I sear the chicken until just cooked through and then simmer it briefly in the sauce to keep it juicy. Using a meat thermometer helps too.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes make the sauce ahead and reheat it gently, adding the chicken just before serving. It makes dinner even faster.

Conclusion

Chicken Florentine is a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish that I find myself making again and again. It’s elegant enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight meal. Whether I’m serving it with pasta or a slice of warm bread, it always hits the spot with its comforting blend of garlic, Parmesan, spinach, and tender chicken.

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