This Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s packed with flavor and comfort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you prefer, you can substitute with thighs for extra flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich, creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream, but it may alter the flavor slightly. Plant-based cream can be a great alternative for a dairy-free option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for its vibrant color and flavor. If you can’t find fresh, frozen spinach works too—just be sure to drain it well. Kale or Swiss chard can be used for a different twist!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a delicious nutty flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works well, or you can use nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the dish a nice kick. You might consider garlic powder as a substitute, but fresh will provide much better flavor.
How Do I Make My Sauce Creamy and Flavorful?
Creating a rich, creamy sauce is all about layering flavors. First, make sure to properly deglaze your pan after cooking the chicken by scraping up those tasty browned bits. This adds depth!
- Cook garlic briefly to release its aroma without burning.
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer for thickness.
- Adding spinach last keeps it bright and fresh. Stir until just wilted.
- Finally, don’t rush the cheese—let it melt fully into the sauce!
And remember, taste as you go. If you want more flavor, adding a squeeze of lemon juice or more herbs can enhance the dish greatly!
Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black 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
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, which helps them brown nicely. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5–7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits (this adds lots of flavor!).
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly—this is where the magic happens!
6. Add the Spinach:
Now, add the roughly chopped spinach to the sauce and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring until it wilts. If you want a bit of heat, this is a great time to sprinkle in those red pepper flakes!
7. Bring It All Together:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of that delicious sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2 minutes to warm the chicken through.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your Chicken Florentine with fresh chopped parsley. Serve it warm, and it’s perfect over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. Enjoy your homemade meal!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw them quickly by submerging them in a sealed plastic bag in cold water.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, gently reheat the chicken in the sauce on the stove until warmed through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Florentine?
This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it over a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) or with a side of steamed vegetables.
