This Creamy Chicken Florentine is a delicious dish packed with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions!
Get ready for a dinner that feels fancy but is easy to make! I love serving it over pasta or rice for a comforting meal that everyone enjoys. Trust me, it’s a hit! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great because they cook quickly and stay tender. If you’re looking for a lighter option, chicken thighs work just as well. They add more flavor and stay juicy!
Heavy Cream: For a richer sauce, heavy cream is the go-to. If you’re looking for a lighter version, half-and-half or a plant-based cream can be substituted. Keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds great color and nutrition. If you only have frozen spinach, that works too—just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice salty kick. You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or a dairy-free cheese if you want a dairy-free version. Just know the taste may vary a bit!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Tender Chicken?
Cooking chicken breast perfectly is all about timing. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so keep an eye on it! Here are some tips:
- Use medium-high heat to get a nice golden crust while keeping the inside juicy.
- Check for doneness at 5-6 minutes per side; the chicken should be no longer pink inside.
- Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It includes around 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. Simple and quick, perfect for a busy night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This will enhance the flavors of the chicken and the dish.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Making the Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once it’s melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
4. Adding Liquid Ingredients:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds even more flavor to your sauce!
5. Bringing It All Together:
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
6. Adding Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to mix in the crushed red pepper flakes.
7. Final Touches:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of that creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
8. Serving Suggestions:
Your Creamy Chicken Florentine is ready to serve! Enjoy it warm, and it’s delicious over cooked pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the lovely sauce!
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Chicken Florentine that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress!
FAQ: Creamy Chicken Florentine
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is overnight in the fridge or using the cold water method—place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
How Can I Make This Dish Healthier?
To lighten it up, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to boost nutrition without adding many calories.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Chicken Florentine?
This dish goes wonderfully over pasta, rice, or even quinoa for a healthy twist. Additionally, a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad complements it well!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so over low heat on the stove to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to restore creaminess.
