This Creamy Chicken Florentine is a warm hug on a plate! It features tender chicken cooked with fresh spinach in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love how quick this recipe is—ready in about 30 minutes! Serve it over pasta or rice to soak up that yummy sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to make this every week! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless are perfect for a quick cook. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using chicken thighs. They stay juicier and are packed with flavor!
Heavy cream: This gives the dish its creamy richness. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely depth. If you’re out, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
Fresh spinach: Fresh is best for this dish, but you can use frozen spinach in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken just right is key to this dish. Here’s how to ensure it’s juicy and tender:
- Season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Heat oil until shimmering in the pan. This helps create a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this keeps the heat consistent.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, giving each piece time to develop a golden crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Getting the chicken just right makes all the difference! Serve your creamy chicken Florentine over something to soak up that sauce, like pasta or rice, for a satisfying meal.
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
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious creamy chicken Florentine takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to have this meal on the table. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will really enhance the flavor of the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant, making sure not to let it burn.
4. Add Broth and Scrape:
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add great flavor!
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
6. Add the Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until they are wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Stir everything together.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Allow it to heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is heated through, serve your creamy chicken Florentine hot! It’s lovely over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your delicious, creamy chicken Florentine dinner! It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to impress!
FAQ for Creamy Chicken Florentine
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can, but it’s essential to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. The best way to thaw is to place it in the fridge overnight or submerge it in cold water in a sealed bag for a quicker method. Make sure to pat it dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk or cashew cream works well. Just keep in mind that these alternatives may yield a slightly different flavor and texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce during reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store each component separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and chicken together on the stovetop until warmed through, then add fresh spinach just before serving to keep it vibrant and tender.
