Chicken Florentine is the kind of dish that tastes like a restaurant classic but is simple enough to make at home any night of the week. With tender, golden-seared chicken breasts nestled in a creamy garlic and Parmesan spinach sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and elegant. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Florentine is rich, creamy, and full of bold flavor, all while being quick and easy to prepare. The juicy chicken is cooked to perfection and paired with sautéed spinach in a luscious garlic cream sauce. Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth, while the spinach gives it a fresh, earthy balance. It’s a complete comfort dish that pairs well with pasta, rice, or a simple green salad.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Serve warm with a side of rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Mushroom Florentine: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an extra layer of umami.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in mozzarella or cream cheese for an extra creamy, cheesy finish.
Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a lower-fat milk with a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and add even more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I use frozen spinach?

You can! Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.

3. What’s the best side dish for Chicken Florentine?

This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the dish ahead and reheat before serving. It reheats well with a little added cream or broth.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free alternatives for cream and Parmesan, and check that your chicken broth is also dairy-free.

6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches. Double the sauce ingredients to ensure you have enough.

8. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and fits well into a keto or low-carb diet when served with cauliflower rice or steamed veggies.

9. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

10. Can I freeze Chicken Florentine?

Freezing is not ideal due to the cream sauce, which may separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy fresh or store in the fridge.

Conclusion

Chicken Florentine is a creamy, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, sautéed spinach, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce for a truly comforting meal. Quick to prepare and impressive enough for guests, it’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed with your favorite sides or as a stand-alone star of the dinner table. Give it a try and enjoy a little bit of Italian-inspired comfort at home!

Chicken Florentine

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

This Chicken Florentine is a creamy, savory dish featuring golden-seared chicken breasts in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce with sautéed spinach. Quick and easy to make, this comforting meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve with pasta, rice, or a salad for a complete and satisfying dish that’s full of flavor and elegance!

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add chopped spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Serve warm with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Notes

Mushroom Florentine: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in mozzarella or cream cheese for a creamier, richer sauce.
Lighter Option: Swap half-and-half for heavy cream or use low-fat milk with cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Courses
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten Free