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Chicken Florentine Recipe

Chicken Florentine Recipe

4.6 from 57 reviews

Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a luxurious, creamy Parmesan and spinach sauce. With rich flavor and a beautiful presentation, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. This one-pan recipe is simple yet elegant, coming together in just about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter

For the Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6 cups fresh spinach (about 6 ounces)

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Generously sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This ensures each piece is well-flavored before cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and just cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and begins to turn golden.
  4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 2 minutes, letting the liquid reduce slightly.
  5. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring to coat with the sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and tender.
  7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce generously over the top of the chicken. Simmer everything together for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld and ensure the chicken is heated through.
  8. Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and top with plenty of the creamy spinach sauce. Serve immediately, ideally with your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • Chicken cutlets or thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts—adjust the cooking time as needed.
  • For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be a bit thinner.
  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
  • Serve with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken florentine, creamy chicken, spinach chicken recipe, easy Italian dinner, one pan chicken