What ingredients do I need to make Chicken Florentine?

To make Chicken Florentine, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh spinach, garlic, heavy cream or half-and-half, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil or butter, salt, pepper, and optionally, lemon juice for brightness. Some recipes also include shallots or onions for extra flavor. These ingredients combine to create a creamy, savory sauce served over lightly sautéed chicken and spinach.

How do I cook Chicken Florentine so the chicken stays tender?

To keep chicken tender, pound the breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Sear the chicken over medium-high heat just until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking by finishing the chicken in the sauce on low heat or briefly baking it after searing. Using a meat thermometer, cook chicken to 165°F (74°C) for safe eating without drying it out.

Can I use frozen spinach for Chicken Florentine?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach when making Chicken Florentine. Thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out excess water to prevent a watery sauce. Adding fresh spinach is traditional and offers a brighter flavor and firmer texture, but frozen spinach works well if fresh is unavailable. Adjust seasoning as needed since frozen spinach can be milder.

What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Florentine?

Chicken Florentine pairs well with simple sides that complement its creamy sauce. Consider steamed rice, garlic mashed potatoes, angel hair pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli also add a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Is Chicken Florentine a healthy meal option?

Chicken Florentine can be a balanced, protein-rich meal when prepared with lean chicken breasts and fresh spinach. Using heavy cream adds calories and fat, but substituting with half-and-half or a lower-fat milk can reduce this. Including nutrient-dense spinach increases vitamins and minerals. Portion control and pairing with vegetables help maintain a healthy meal profile.

Chicken Florentine Recipe Creamy Spinach Garlic Sauce

Name: Chicken Florentine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Flour for dredging (amount as needed to coat the chicken); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter, divided; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1/4 cup chicken broth; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Description

🍗 This Creamy Chicken Florentine offers tender chicken smothered in a luscious garlic and spinach sauce with rich cream and Parmesan.
🌿 It’s a quick, flavorful dish that combines wholesome greens with comfort food elements, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

Flour for dredging (amount as needed to coat the chicken)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter, divided

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach

1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1-First, prepare your ingredients to make the process smooth. Clean and cut the 2 large chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then season them with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Dredge the chicken in flour for a nice crispy coat that helps thicken the sauce later.

2-Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the divided butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until it’s golden and nearly done. This step locks in the flavors and gives the chicken a great texture.

3-Cooking the Sauce: Once the chicken is out of the pan, use the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic until it’s fragrant. Pour in 1/2 cup dry white wine, 1/4 cup chicken broth, and 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning, then let it cook until the mixture reduces slightly. This builds a flavorful base for the creamy sauce.

4-Next, stir in 1 cup heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes to thicken it up. Add 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Return the chicken to the pan, cook for 4-5 minutes more until everything is combined and the sauce coats the chicken nicely.

5-Finally, sprinkle 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese over the top before serving. This adds a cheesy finish that ties the dish together. For external inspiration, check out All Recipes for more sauce ideas.

Notes

🌿 Add mushrooms with the garlic for extra flavor and texture.
🍷 Substitute white wine with chicken broth and a teaspoon of mustard if needed.
🕒 Add spinach at the end for less wilted, fresher greens.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
Calories: 450 calories
Sugar: 2 grams
Sodium: 600 milligrams
Fat: 32 grams
Saturated Fat: 20 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 8 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 8 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 35 grams
Cholesterol: 125 milligrams

Keywords: Creamy, Chicken, Florentine, Spinach