Chicken Florentine Recipe
If you crave a meal that’s both elegant and comforting, this Chicken Florentine Recipe will absolutely steal your heart (and your dinner table). Imagine tender, golden chicken breasts nestled in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce with vibrant spinach, all coming together in just about 40 minutes. This is one of those Italian-American classics that feels fancy, but is secretly very easy—and every bite delivers rich flavors, creamy texture, and just the right amount of decadence. Whether you’re trying to impress friends, treat your family, or simply spoil yourself after a long day, this Chicken Florentine Recipe is guaranteed to become a treasured favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients can create something truly special. Each component shines in its own way to deliver unforgettable flavor, luscious sauce, and gorgeous color to your Chicken Florentine Recipe.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken keeps things lean while offering a tender bite that pairs perfectly with the rich sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning is key for building foundational flavor in both the chicken and the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Dredging adds a delicate crust to the chicken, helping it brown beautifully and thicken the sauce just a bit.
- Olive oil: Infuses the chicken with savory Mediterranean notes and creates the base for sautéing.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the silky smooth sauce we crave in this recipe.
- Garlic: Minced garlic gives irresistible, aromatic depth that makes the sauce sing.
- Shallot: Finely chopped for a sweet, slightly sharp flavor that rounds out the sauce.
- Dry white wine: Lifts the sauce with acidity—choose something you’d actually enjoy drinking for best results!
- Heavy cream: The key to that classic Florentine creaminess—if you want it lighter, go for half-and-half.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for maximum melt and a nutty-salty hit that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Fresh baby spinach: Wilts into the sauce, adding bright color, nutrients, and that signature Florentine touch.
- Ground nutmeg (optional): Just a pinch brings subtle warmth and complexity to the creamy sauce—don’t skip if you have it!
How to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Dredge the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. This step is small but mighty—it ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned from the inside out. Next, lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off the excess. This isn’t just about creating a crisp outside; it actually helps the sauce cling to the chicken beautifully later on.
Step 2: Sear for Golden Deliciousness
Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Build the Savory Sauce Base
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—the browned bits left behind are full of flavor), add the remaining tablespoon of butter, minced garlic, and chopped shallot. Sauté them for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. The aromatics will pick up all that delicious fond, building a deep, savory base for your sauce.
Step 4: Lift and Simmer with Wine
Pour in your dry white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any caramelized bits. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes—this cooks off the alcohol and concentrates the flavor, giving your sauce that special restaurant-level touch.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Florentine Sauce
Now, lower the heat a bit and stir in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re using it. Let everything gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. The aroma at this point is pure heaven!
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
Add all the fresh baby spinach to the sauce, stirring until the leaves wilt—this should take just a minute or two. The greens not only add wonderful flavor and nutrition but also transform the appearance, making this Chicken Florentine Recipe as beautiful as it is tasty.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken breasts (plus any resting juices) to the pan. Spoon the sauce lavishly over the top, and let everything simmer for another couple of minutes, just to meld the flavors. Now you’re ready to plate up and savor every creamy, colorful bite!
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to make your Chicken Florentine Recipe look extra-special, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, or a few delicate grinds of black pepper. A thin ribbon of lemon zest can also add brightness and pop against the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish is perfect served over a twirl of pasta, fluffy white rice, or pillowy mashed potatoes—choose your favorite for soaking up all that dreamy sauce! Roasted baby potatoes or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette also make excellent partners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party wow-factor, plate the chicken sliced on a bed of wilted spinach, with sauce drizzled artfully over the top. Or, serve family-style straight from the skillet, letting everyone scoop and serve at the table—it’s cozy, inviting, and perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chicken Florentine Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce can thicken in the fridge, but that’s easily remedied with a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your Chicken Florentine Recipe, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. The sauce may separate a bit when thawed due to the cream, but you can whisk it back together when reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
The best way to reheat this dish is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding a spoonful of cream, milk, or broth if the sauce seems too thick. The microwave works in a pinch, but watch closely to avoid overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Florentine Recipe with chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well, offering an extra-juicy result. You may need to add a minute or two to the searing time for thorough cooking.
What kind of white wine is best?
A dry wine with crisp acidity works perfectly, like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. Just make sure it’s something you’d enjoy sipping, since that flavor carries into the sauce!
How can I make this Chicken Florentine Recipe gluten free?
Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend; everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten free. Nobody will notice the difference in flavor or texture.
Is there a lighter version of the sauce?
Yes! Use half-and-half in place of heavy cream for a sauce that’s still wonderfully creamy and rich, but a bit lighter on calories and fat.
Can I add mushrooms?
Yes, mushrooms are a classic addition to a Chicken Florentine Recipe. Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet after searing the chicken and before adding garlic and shallot for even more umami.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dinner that’s both impressive and easy, I can’t recommend this Chicken Florentine Recipe enough. Each step is straightforward, but the result tastes like pure Italian-inspired comfort. Pull out your skillet and give it a try—your kitchen (and everyone at your table) will thank you!
Print
Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and creamy Chicken Florentine recipe that features tender chicken breasts in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with spinach. This Italian-American dish is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 shallot (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season and dredge chicken. Brown in skillet.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic and shallot, deglaze with wine, add cream, cheese, nutmeg, and spinach.
- Combine: Return chicken to skillet, top with sauce, and simmer.
- Serve: Enjoy warm over pasta, rice, or potatoes.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Pair with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
