This Creamy Chicken Florentine is a flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, spinach, and a rich sauce. It’s basically comfort food on a plate!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up this tasty meal in just about 30 minutes. I love pairing it with some pasta or crusty bread to soak up the sauce—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here for quick cooking. If you prefer dark meat, use boneless chicken thighs instead for a juicier option.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce richness. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you could substitute half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe. If you only have frozen spinach, use about 1.5 cups, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nice salty flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can work as great alternatives. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free substitute too!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is more aromatic than pre-minced. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used (about 1/4 teaspoon per clove). Remember, fresh is always better.
How Do You Get the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful?
Cooking chicken perfectly is key! Here’s how you can keep it juicy:
- Before cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it cook evenly.
- Heat your pan to medium-high before adding the chicken. This creates a nice sear while keeping moisture inside.
- Cook until golden and just cooked through—use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing from the skillet so the juices redistribute.
Pairing this chicken with a creamy sauce and fresh spinach brings everything together nicely. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Creamy Chicken Florentine takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds a great flavor!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it on a plate to rest.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. This helps to infuse the oil with delicious garlic flavor!
4. Create the Sauce:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together to blend. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the optional Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens a bit, which should take just a few minutes.
6. Incorporate the Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the mix, cooking until they are wilted, about 2-3 minutes. It will look beautiful and vibrant!
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Final Touch:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a nice crusty bread for dipping in the leftover sauce!
Enjoy your creamy, delicious Chicken Florentine!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method (placing it in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water) for quicker results.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
What Can I Use Instead of Spinach?
If you don’t have spinach, kale is a great alternative! Just chop it into smaller pieces and cook it the same way until wilted. You could also try arugula or Swiss chard for similar results.
