Name: Chicken Florentine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional); 4 cups fresh baby spinach; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Creamy, vibrant, and irresistibly comforting, this Chicken Florentine Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat. Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts nestled in a silky Parmesan sauce, laced with fresh spinach and a subtle hint of garlic. It’s the perfect fusion of Italian-American flavors that feels both elegant and easy, ready for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with friends. If you love a dinner that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Chicken Florentine Recipe delivers every time.

Chicken Florentine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about this Chicken Florentine Recipe is how it transforms a lineup of everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each item has a starring role, adding depth, color, or that creamy, crave-worthy texture.

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for quick cooking and juicy results—pound to even thickness for the best sear.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the fresh flavors.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that gorgeous golden crust on the chicken.
Unsalted Butter: Brings extra flavor and helps create a silky sauce base.
Garlic: Three cloves, minced, for a fragrant backbone to the cream sauce.
Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan and adds savory depth to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The secret to a luscious, velvety sauce that envelops every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh for the best melt and a nutty, salty kick.
Baby Spinach: Four cups wilt down beautifully, adding color and nutrients.
Ground Nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch adds subtle warmth and complexity.
Lemon Juice (optional): A splash at the end brightens everything up.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side—what you’re aiming for is that irresistible golden-brown crust and juicy, cooked-through centers. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

With the chicken out, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells absolutely divine but be careful not to let it brown.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the pan. Let this mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes—it’s these bits that infuse the sauce with deep, savory notes. Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and, if you like, a pinch of ground nutmeg for that extra layer of cozy flavor. Let the sauce cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

Time for the greens! Add all the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. At first, it may seem like a lot, but it wilts down quickly. Stir until the spinach is just tender and vibrantly green, which should take just a minute or two.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the creamy spinach sauce. Spoon plenty of sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes to reheat the chicken and meld the flavors. If you love a burst of freshness, squeeze a tablespoon of lemon juice over the top just before serving, then finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley.

How to Serve Chicken Florentine Recipe

Garnishes

A scattering of chopped fresh parsley instantly brightens the dish, adding a pop of color and freshness that balances the creamy sauce. If you want to go the extra mile, an extra dusting of grated Parmesan or a few twists of cracked black pepper make a beautiful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Florentine Recipe truly shines when paired with a simple side. Serve it over a bed of al dente pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy white rice to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, try a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner party, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out over the spinach sauce, then garnish with lemon slices and parsley. Or, spoon the sauce onto toasted crostini for a show-stopping appetizer. You can even tuck the creamy chicken and spinach into a baked puff pastry shell for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze this Chicken Florentine Recipe, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon reheating. Let the dish cool completely, then freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this Chicken Florentine Recipe. They’re extra juicy and flavorful, and may need a minute or two more per side when searing.

Is there a lighter version of the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to make a lighter sauce. The result will be a bit less rich but still creamy and delicious.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try using full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still tasty and satisfying.

What’s the best way to get really juicy chicken?

Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F for perfect results every time.

Does Chicken Florentine Recipe work for meal prep?

Absolutely! The flavors meld even more as it sits, making leftovers just as good, if not better. Store portions with sauce and reheat gently for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as impressive as it is comforting, this Chicken Florentine Recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it turns into your go-to for both busy weeknights and special gatherings!

Chicken Florentine Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken Florentine recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a creamy Parmesan and spinach sauce, infused with garlic and a hint of nutmeg. Perfectly seasoned and finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley, this Italian-American dish is a comforting, elegant meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Vegetables and Garnish

4 cups fresh baby spinach
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Then remove from skillet and set aside.
Prepare the sauce base: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant to release its aroma.
Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan for deeper flavor.
Create the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and optional nutmeg, cooking for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Wilt the spinach: Add fresh baby spinach to the sauce and cook until it wilts, integrating it fully into the creamy sauce.
Reheat the chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to reheat and meld flavors.
Finish and garnish: Stir in the optional lemon juice to brighten the dish, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.