Get ready to fall in love with a dinner classic that never goes out of style! This Chicken Florentine Recipe brings together golden pan-seared chicken breasts and a creamy spinach-Parmesan sauce that tastes as fabulous as it looks on your plate. It’s a dish that always earns rave reviews, thanks to its elegant flavor combo and the way it turns everyday ingredients into something magic. Whether you’re cooking for two or hosting a special meal, this recipe is my go-to for impressing guests (and myself) with minimal fuss. Let’s dig in!

Chicken Florentine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple, everyday staples become the stars of this Chicken Florentine Recipe. Every ingredient here pulls its weight, lending its own flavor, creaminess, or color to this truly irresistible dinner.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a juicy, hearty base for that luscious sauce to soak into.
Olive oil: A few tablespoons ensure beautiful browning and flavor as you sear the chicken.
Butter: Butter adds richness and that signature silky sauce texture.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a punch of aromatics, making the sauce deeply savory.
Chicken broth: Enhances the overall flavor and deglazes the pan for extra savoriness.
Heavy cream: Forms the base of the creamy Florentine sauce, turning everything smooth and luxurious.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts in and thickens the sauce, adding a nutty, cheesy note.
Fresh spinach: A generous heap of vibrant spinach wilts down just enough, adding bright color and freshness.
Italian seasoning: The herb blend ties the dish together with classic Italian flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing all those creamy, cheesy flavors.

How to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this is the key to a nice sear. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy; a good seasoning is the foundation for every memorable Chicken Florentine Recipe.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and smells beautifully nutty, add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for 4–5 minutes, aiming for a gorgeously golden crust. When the chicken is fully cooked and its juices run clear (or it reaches 165°F inside), transfer it to a plate and set aside—no need to clean the pan!

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

With the heat on medium, toss the minced garlic into the same skillet. Let it sizzle for about a minute, just until you catch that irresistible, fragrant aroma. Be careful—it browns quickly!

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Those are pure flavor gold! Let the broth bubble and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Slowly stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring as the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken, typically after 3–5 minutes. This is where the Chicken Florentine Recipe truly becomes creamy comfort food.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

Pile in the fresh spinach—it looks like a lot, but it will wilt down beautifully and blend right into the sauce. Stir everything together for about 2 minutes until the spinach softens and shrinks to silky green ribbons.

Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon that dreamy sauce over the top. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the chicken to get ultra-juicy. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing!

Step 8: Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon extra creamy spinach sauce over each chicken breast and get ready to dig into a restaurant-worthy Chicken Florentine Recipe right at home!

How to Serve Chicken Florentine Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a scattering of chopped fresh parsley will brighten up every plate. For a dash of color, add a few turns of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to wake up the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Florentine Recipe plays beautifully with a twirl of pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or a mound of fluffy rice. For something lighter, go for a crusty piece of bread to soak up that sauce, or serve with roasted vegetables and a crisp green salad for even more color and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual chicken breasts atop toasted sourdough or a bed of sautéed spinach for a bistro-worthy touch. For dinner parties, try arranging the chicken and sauce on a large serving platter, garnished with lemon wedges and Parmesan curls—guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), let the dish cool completely, then store chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep perfectly for up to 3 days, making a delicious next-day lunch.

Freezing

Chicken Florentine Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Note that the cream sauce might separate a bit after thawing, but a gentle reheat will bring it back together. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer your chicken and sauce to a skillet or saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce looks too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy again—just like fresh!

FAQs

What is Chicken Florentine Recipe known for?

This classic is loved for its combination of pan-seared chicken, a rich, garlicky spinach cream sauce, and a finishing sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, making it both comforting and elegant enough for guests.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Simply thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the sauce. While fresh spinach gives a pop of color and texture, frozen works well in a pinch.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and extra Parmesan for a slightly lighter version. The sauce may be a bit thinner, but it will still be delicious!

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The safest way is to check with a meat thermometer—your chicken is ready when the thickest part registers 165°F. The juices should run clear, and the meat should feel firm but still juicy.

What does “Florentine” mean in cooking?

Florentine refers to dishes served with spinach, inspired by Florence, Italy. The Chicken Florentine Recipe pairs tender chicken with a creamy spinach sauce to capture that classic Italian flair.

Final Thoughts

You’re just a few steps away from enjoying restaurant-level comfort food right at home with this Chicken Florentine Recipe. Give it a try and let every bite transport you straight to Italy—your family and friends will beg you to make it again and again!