Chicken Florentine is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, garlic, spinach, and a velvety sauce. This classic Chicken Florentine recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal without complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Florentine is packed with flavor yet incredibly simple to make. The creamy spinach sauce pairs beautifully with golden pan-seared chicken, creating a dish that feels restaurant-quality but is easy enough for weeknights. It’s family-friendly, satisfying, and made with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Chicken Dredge:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Florentine Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/3 cup softened cream cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 fresh lemon or 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Place plastic wrap over each chicken breast and pound to about ½-inch thickness. Pat dry.
- Combine dredge ingredients and coat the chicken evenly, shaking off excess.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Turn off heat, add chicken broth, then return heat to medium. Scrape the skillet to deglaze. Let it reduce by half (6–7 minutes). Add garlic in the last minute.
- Warm the half and half slightly, then add gradually while stirring. Let it gently simmer.
- Stir in cream cheese until smooth.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Add lemon juice if desired.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer until heated through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve your creamy Chicken Florentine.
Tips & Tricks
- Pound chicken evenly for consistent cooking
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture
- Substitute half and half with light cream for a richer sauce
- Add mushrooms for extra depth
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Halal-friendly
Notes
- You can swap cream cheese with heavy cream for a smoother sauce
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 30g
FAQ
What is Chicken Florentine?
Chicken Florentine is a dish featuring chicken served with a creamy spinach sauce, inspired by Italian cuisine.
Can I make Chicken Florentine without cream cheese?
Yes, you can use heavy cream or a roux-based sauce instead.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw and drain it well before adding.
What goes with Chicken Florentine?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables pair well.
How do I make it lighter?
Use milk instead of half and half and reduce the cream cheese.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (sauce texture may change slightly)
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth
Similar Recipes
Chicken Florentine
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Chicken Dredge:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese finely shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Florentine Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/3 cup softened cream cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 fresh lemon or 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place plastic wrap over each chicken breast and pound to about ½-inch thickness. Pat dry.
- Combine dredge ingredients and coat the chicken evenly, shaking off excess.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Turn off heat, add chicken broth, then return heat to medium. Scrape the skillet to deglaze. Let it reduce by half (6–7 minutes). Add garlic in the last minute.
- Warm the half and half slightly, then add gradually while stirring. Let it gently simmer.
- Stir in cream cheese until smooth.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Add lemon juice if desired.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer until heated through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve your creamy Chicken Florentine.
Notes
- You can swap cream cheese with heavy cream for a smoother sauce
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Conclusion
This Chicken Florentine recipe is a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. It’s simple enough for everyday cooking yet elegant enough to impress. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.