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If you are searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender, pan-seared chicken with a luscious sauce bursting with garlic, fresh baby spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese, all enveloped in a velvety cream base. Every bite is a perfect balance of savory flavors and comforting textures that make this recipe a true weeknight winner and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe are delightfully simple yet incredibly important for creating the depth and the creamy texture you crave. Each component adds a unique layer—from the subtle garlic undertones and golden crust on the chicken to the fresh vibrancy from spinach and a punch of umami from Parmesan.
- 2 large chicken breasts: Sliced thin to cook quickly and stay tender while soaking up the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle garlic flavor that beautifully preps the chicken for that rich sauce.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- Flour (for dredging): Creates a light crust and helps thicken the sauce later on.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a fruity, subtle flavor and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided): Adds richness both to cooking the chicken and to the sauce base.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with fresh, aromatic garlic to tantalize your senses.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine: Provides a tangy depth and helps deglaze the pan for that wonderful sauce flavor.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds body and savory notes to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a subtle herbaceous touch that enhances the dish’s Italian flair.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The star that gives this recipe its luxuriously creamy texture.
- 2 cups (loosely packed) fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a healthy freshness to every forkful.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Delivers a nutty, salty finish that crowns the dish perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces that cook quickly and evenly. Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for foundational flavor. Then, gently dredge each piece in flour to form a light coating that will help achieve a crispy golden crust and assist in thickening the sauce later on.
Step 2: Pan-Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once sizzling, add the chicken and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until you see a beautiful golden color develop. This step locks in juices and creates a flavorful base. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and let it soften for about 30 seconds to release its aroma without browning it. This quick step ensures the garlic flavor won’t overpower the dish but adds a lovely aromatic undertone.
Step 4: Deglaze and Reduce
Pour the dry white wine into the skillet, scraping up any brown bits left from the chicken — these bits are pure flavor gold. Add chicken broth and Italian seasoning, then let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until it reduces noticeably. This concentrates the flavors and forms a fantastic base for your creamy sauce.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Spinach
Now, add the heavy cream and allow it to bubble gently for about 2 minutes, thickening slightly. Then, fold in the fresh baby spinach just until it wilts, keeping the leaves tender yet vibrant. This combination brings richness and a pop of green that feels fresh and satisfying.
Step 6: Finish Cooking and Add Parmesan
Place the chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the gorgeous sauce over each piece. Cook over medium heat for another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and the sauce has thickened to a perfect consistency. Finally, sprinkle the parmesan generously over the top, letting it melt slightly before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed to balance every flavor beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe, try adding freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan right before serving. A crack of fresh black pepper enhances aroma and visual appeal, making your meal feel even more indulgent and inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the luscious sauce: creamy mashed potatoes, garlic buttered pasta, or even a warm crusty bread to mop every last bit from your plate. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans add color and a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling a bit fancy, plate this dish over a bed of saffron risotto or serve it family-style with a large platter of garlic-roasted potatoes and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Layering the chicken atop buttered noodles or creamy polenta makes a stunning and comforting presentation that everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient choice for meal prep or a cozy next-day lunch that tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that cream sauces sometimes change texture slightly after freezing. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately or use this meal within 1 to 2 months, reheating gently to maintain creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low to medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while warming helps restore that silky texture. Microwave reheating is possible but watch carefully to avoid curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use spinach other than baby spinach in this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby spinach is preferred for its tenderness and quick wilting, you can substitute with regular spinach or even kale. Just prepare the greens by roughly chopping and adjust cooking time to allow tougher leaves to soften adequately.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?
White wine adds depth and a subtle acidity that brightens the sauce, but if you prefer to omit it, you can replace it with extra chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for a coconut cream or cashew cream alternative and use a dairy-free butter substitute. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here because they cook evenly and quickly when sliced thinly. However, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result, but expect a slightly different texture and cook time.
How can I thicken the sauce if it stays too thin?
If your sauce needs thickening, mix a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and gradually whisk it into the simmering sauce. Cook a few minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to rely on again and again when you crave comfort food that feels a little special. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet wonderfully rich and satisfying, making it a standout in your recipe collection. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with those tender chicken pieces bathed in beautifully creamy, garlicky spinach sauce!
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Print
Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Chicken Florentine is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe delivers a comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Flour (for dredging)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 cups (loosely packed) fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder and salt & pepper. Dredge the chicken pieces in flour to lightly coat them.
- Cook the chicken. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the pan from heat and transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Sauté garlic. Return the skillet to the heat and add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze skillet. Pour in the white wine, chicken broth, and sprinkle Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes until it reduces noticeably.
- Add cream and spinach. Stir in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently for about 2 minutes. Then, fold in the fresh baby spinach, allowing it to wilt into the sauce.
- Finish cooking. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook over medium heat for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts that are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with extra chicken broth or white grape juice.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding the spinach.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan works best for flavor and texture.
