Chicken Florentine is a delicious, creamy, and savory dish that typically consists of chicken breasts cooked with spinach and a rich, flavorful cream sauce. It’s a perfect combination of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luxurious cream sauce, often made with garlic, Parmesan, and sometimes a touch of lemon. It’s a great meal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Here’s a simple and tasty recipe for Chicken Florentine:
Chicken Florentine Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz fresh spinach (about 6 cups)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, to finish the sauce)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2. Make the Florentine Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts down (about 2-3 minutes). If you want to get a head start, you can add spinach in batches to make it easier to incorporate.
- Once the spinach is wilted, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Cook the sauce for another 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer, or add an extra splash of heavy cream.
3. Combine Chicken with Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy spinach mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
4. Finish the Dish:
- (Optional) Stir in 1 tbsp butter into the sauce to make it extra rich and velvety. You can also squeeze in a bit of lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
- Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve:
- Plate the chicken and spoon the creamy spinach sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Tips and Variations:
- Spinach: You can use fresh or frozen spinach. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Mozzarella or Gruyère for a different flavor.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or stirring it into the cream sauce.
- Chicken Alternatives: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even turkey breasts for a leaner version.
- Make It Lighter: If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pasta: Serve the chicken with a side of angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine pasta for a complete meal.
- Rice or Quinoa: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side of rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread: Serve with some crusty garlic bread to scoop up the sauce.
- Side Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich and creamy nature of this dish.
Chicken Florentine is an easy-to-make, yet indulgent dinner that’s packed with flavor. The tender chicken, sautéed spinach, and creamy garlic sauce will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy!
