This Creamy Chicken Florentine is a warm hug for your taste buds! It’s made with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s just heavenly.
You won’t believe how quick it is to whip up! I love serving it over pasta or rice. Trust me, it’ll have you dreaming of dinner all day long. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish, giving it a tender texture. If you want, you can swap them for chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness.
Fresh Spinach: Use fresh spinach for a vibrant color and nutrients. If you have frozen spinach, that works too! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich. You could also use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano can be a tasty substitute. For a nut-free option, try nutritional yeast!
Butter and Olive Oil: This combo not only adds flavor but helps to brown the chicken nicely. You can use just one or substitute with ghee or a plant-based oil if needed.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Getting the chicken tender and juicy is key! Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure the chicken breasts are similar in thickness for even cooking. You can pound them a bit for uniformity.
- Heat the skillet until hot, then add olive oil. This helps in getting that golden brown crust!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side.
- Check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s fully cooked but still juicy!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 5 ounces fresh spinach (about 5 cups)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Creamy Chicken Florentine takes about 30 minutes, including preparation and cooking time. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by generously sprinkling salt and black pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts. This adds great flavor to the chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked (make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Start Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the butter and let it melt. Then, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. This will give your sauce a flavorful base!
4. Add Garlic and Spinach:
Now, add the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts—this will take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Create the Creamy Mixture:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together.
6. Mix in the Cheese and Seasoning:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Combine Chicken with the Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let it all simmer together for about 2-3 minutes so the chicken gets reheated and infused with the delicious sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. This creamy chicken florentine is fantastic on its own, or you can serve it over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Creamy Chicken Florentine
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just ensure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Make sure to adjust cooking time slightly, as frozen chicken will take a bit longer to cook through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, coconut cream works wonderfully but will impart a slight coconut flavor. Adjust the seasoning if using any substitutes to keep the flavor balanced.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Dish?
I recommend serving Creamy Chicken Florentine over pasta, rice, or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also enjoy it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
