If you’re looking for a meal that’s pure comfort but still elegant enough to wow any dinner guest, Chicken Florentine is going to change your meal plan game. This creamy, dreamy skillet classic brings juicy golden chicken together with garlicky spinach, a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, and a hint of Italian flair. Whether it’s a weeknight or a special occasion, Chicken Florentine always delivers big flavor with a surprisingly simple ingredient list. Let’s dive into making this Italian-American favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I truly love about Chicken Florentine is how its handful of carefully chosen ingredients work together in perfect harmony, making every bite sing with flavor and color. Simple, high-quality pantry staples become the stars of the show in this creamy, spinach-packed chicken dish.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts make for quick cooking and plenty of juicy tenderness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings, but absolutely crucial for bringing out all the savory notes in your chicken and sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting creates a golden crust on the chicken and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken sear to a perfect golden brown.
- Butter: Brings unbeatable creaminess and flavor to the sauce — don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Just a few cloves, but they add a huge burst of aroma and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Dry White Wine (or Chicken Broth): For deglazing and building flavor — wine adds a lovely brightness, but broth is a perfect substitute.
- Heavy Cream: The key to a lush, silky Florentine sauce that hugs every bite of chicken and spinach.
- Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty Parmesan thickens the sauce and brings that restaurant-worthy finish.
- Fresh Spinach: Four generous cups wilt down and weave lovely color and nutrients into every forkful.
- Ground Nutmeg (optional): A classic in creamy Italian dishes — a pinch takes the sauce to the next level.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: The final pop of freshness and color for garnishing your Chicken Florentine masterpiece.
How to Make Chicken Florentine
Step 1: Season and Dredge the Chicken
First, pat your chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Then, lightly dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess. This creates that beautiful golden crust and helps your sauce cling to the chicken later on — it’s a secret step you don’t want to skip!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, lay in the chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until both sides are golden-brown and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate; they’ll finish their journey in the creamy sauce soon!
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In that same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the butter. Once it’s melted and foamy, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant — watch closely, as garlic can go from golden to burnt in a flash.
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine or Broth
Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those golden-brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the liquid reduce slightly and the flavor become concentrated. This is one of those steps that builds tons of depth into your Chicken Florentine sauce.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer everything together for another 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a dreamily creamy consistency. (If you’re using nutmeg, now’s the time for a sprinkle!)
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
Next, pile in your fresh spinach. It might look like a lot, but as you stir, the leaves wilt and blend right into the sauce. Cook until all the spinach has softened, which only takes a minute or two — this adds lovely color and makes the Chicken Florentine hearty and wholesome.
Step 7: Return the Chicken and Finish
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning plenty of spinach-Parmesan sauce on top of each one. Simmer everything together for 2 to 3 more minutes, letting the chicken soak up all the luscious flavors. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Chicken Florentine
Garnishes
There’s nothing like a final shower of fresh chopped parsley to liven up your Chicken Florentine. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or even a pinch of lemon zest for zing. These little touches make the dish feel restaurant-special, right at home.
Side Dishes
This creamy skillet chicken practically begs to be served over a silky bed of pasta, fluffy rice, or light mashed potatoes. You could also keep things low carb and plate it with sautéed zucchini or cauliflower mash. Don’t forget some crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that glorious sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing the chicken and piling it onto toasted garlic bread to make open-faced Chicken Florentine melts, or tuck it into a baked potato for a cozy comfort meal. Hosting brunch? Spoon it onto a puff pastry square and bake until golden — an instant crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Chicken Florentine, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days without losing its creamy texture or flavor. The flavors even seem to develop a bit more overnight!
Freezing
You can freeze Chicken Florentine, though for the best texture, it’s wise to do so before adding the spinach. Prepare the chicken and sauce, let cool, then freeze in a well-sealed container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, and add your fresh spinach at the end.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir gently so the cream sauce stays velvety and doesn’t separate, and heat just until warmed through. Microwave reheating is possible, but the stovetop keeps everything smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in Chicken Florentine, adding even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through.
What’s the best substitute for white wine?
Chicken broth is a perfect alternative if you prefer not to cook with wine. It brings savory depth without altering the creaminess of the sauce. For a touch of acidity, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon as well.
Can I make Chicken Florentine dairy-free?
While the cream and Parmesan are key for the signature sauce, you can use your favorite plant-based cream and a dairy-free Parmesan style cheese. The result is still deliciously creamy and rich, with all of the cozy vibes!
Is there a way to lighten up this dish?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even whole milk for a thinner but still satisfying sauce. Low-fat cheese can be used, and skipping the butter for extra olive oil helps, too.
Can I add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms or slivers of sun-dried tomatoes add welcome earthiness and brightness to Chicken Florentine. Add them with the garlic, and they’ll blend into the luscious sauce perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about making a skillet of Chicken Florentine at home — it feels both luxurious and effortlessly cozy. I hope you give this recipe a try and let it become one of your go-to favorites, too. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your own creative twists! Enjoy every creamy, garlicky, Parmesan-spiked bite!
Print
Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Chicken Florentine, a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luxurious spinach and Parmesan cream sauce. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that will impress your family or guests.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional:
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then coat with flour.
- Cook the Chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through; set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add wine or broth, then stir in cream and Parmesan until thickened.
- Add Spinach: Wilt spinach in the sauce, season with nutmeg if desired.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, simmer briefly, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
