If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and just bursting with flavor, this Chicken Florentine Recipe is an absolute must-try for your dinner rotation. It combines tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection with a luscious sauce full of garlic, shallots, fresh spinach, and cheesy creaminess that feels indulgent without being complicated. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers that restaurant-worthy feel at home with straightforward ingredients and easy steps. Trust me, once you make this Chicken Florentine Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite you turn back to over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing a unique touch to build the dish’s rich flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color. From the tender chicken to the fresh spinach and cheesy sauce, every element plays its part in making this recipe shine.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless and skinless for quick cooking and tender bites.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of garlicky warmth to the chicken before cooking.
- All-purpose flour: Helps to create a light coating on the chicken, perfect for a golden crust.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for sautéing and frying.
- Shallots: These tiny bulbs add a sweet, delicate onion flavor that’s essential in many French-inspired dishes.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic deepens the overall savory profile, blending beautifully with shallots.
- Red bell pepper: Offers a pop of color and subtle sweetness, which balances the creaminess.
- Fresh spinach: The star green of the dish, wilted into a silky bed of nutrients and flavor.
- Chicken broth or dry white wine: Adds moisture, acidity, and richness to the sauce.
- Cream cheese: Brings a smooth, tangy creaminess that makes the sauce irresistibly rich.
- Half-and-half or heavy cream: Boosts the silkiness and indulgence of the creamy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty sharpness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional): For a bright, herbal garnish that adds freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay tender. Season them well with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for that signature savory punch. Then, lightly dredge the chicken in flour, which will give it that beautiful golden crust and help thicken the sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the floured chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You want a gorgeous golden-brown color on the outside while ensuring the chicken is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside so you can use the flavorful pan drippings for the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté them just until fragrant and translucent—this releases their wonderful sweetness and aroma. Next, add the diced red bell pepper and continue cooking for a couple of minutes to bring out its natural sweetness and maintain a slight crunch.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Now, pile in the fresh spinach and stir continuously until it wilts down into the pan. This process will soften the greens and meld their earthiness with the garlic and shallots, building the foundational flavor for your sauce.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits—that’s pure flavor right there! Then, whisk in the cream cheese, half-and-half, and grated Parmesan. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a luxuriously creamy consistency that clings to the chicken and spinach.
Step 6: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some over the top and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken finishes cooking happily in the creamy bed.
How to Serve Chicken Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are your friends here. Sprinkle a handful over the finished dish right before serving to add a burst of color and a fresh, aromatic lift. You can also grate a little extra Parmesan if you want a cheesy finish that melts beautifully on contact.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Florentine Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or a crusty artisan bread to scoop up every last bit. A light green salad on the side helps to balance out the indulgence with crispness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or even alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. You might even stuff the chicken with mozzarella before cooking for an extra cheesy surprise that amps up the wow factor!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken Florentine in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers can be just as delicious as the first serving if not better!
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently to preserve the sauce’s texture and keep the chicken moist.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small splash of chicken broth if the sauce needs loosening. Heating gently helps avoid curdling the cream and keeps the chicken nice and tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the pan. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery and keeps the texture just right.
Is it okay to substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different creaminess. Just remember these alternatives may change the flavor profile subtly but still keep the sauce deliciously creamy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend when dredging the chicken. This small change keeps the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing the golden crust.
What kind of wine works best if I choose to add wine instead of chicken broth?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect for this recipe. They add gentle acidity and bright fruit notes that beautifully complement the creamy sauce and spinach.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is cooked perfectly when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and it’s no longer pink inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part and ensure the juices run clear.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chicken Florentine Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary hug. The creamy, cheesy sauce paired with tender chicken and fresh spinach is enough to make anyone a fan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try—it’s destined to become one of your all-time favorites just like it is for me!
Print
Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Florentine recipe is a delightful and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, nestled in a luscious spinach and cream cheese sauce enriched with Parmesan. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines vibrant flavors of garlic, shallots, and red bell pepper with a velvety sauce, making it both satisfying and elegant.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (or substitute with tomatoes)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (or reduced-fat version)
- 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to infuse flavor.
- Dredge the Chicken: Lightly coat each piece of chicken in all-purpose or gluten-free flour. This not only adds flavor but also helps in creating a beautiful golden crust when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the floured chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until fragrant and softened, about 1-2 minutes. Then add the diced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release its sweetness.
- Add the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thawed and well-drained before adding.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth or dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the cream cheese, half-and-half or heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and ensure the chicken is heated through.
- Serve: Garnish the Chicken Florentine with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately alongside your favorite pasta, steamed rice, or crusty bread for a complete and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute red bell pepper with diced tomatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Using chicken thighs instead of breasts results in a juicier dish due to their higher fat content.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Serve with pasta such as fettuccine or linguine, or with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
