Elegant Chicken Florentine Recipe

Luscious Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Golden, creamy, and packed with spinach, this elegant chicken Florentine recipe brings Italian-inspired comfort to your dinner table.

Succulent chicken breasts nestle into a rich, velvety sauce that whispers of sophistication.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth that makes every bite memorable.

Fresh spinach wilts gently into the sauce, creating a vibrant green backdrop for tender meat.

Weeknight dinners rarely feel this luxurious or taste this complex.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy trattoria.

Prepare to savor a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Serving Ideas For Creamy Chicken Florentine

  • Elegant Dinner Plate Presentation: Arrange golden-brown chicken atop a bed of fresh wilted spinach, creating a stunning color contrast that makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.
  • Cheese and Herb Garnish: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan and chopped basil or parsley over the chicken to add brightness, texture, and a professional touch that elevates the entire meal.
  • Perfect Pairing Partners: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic asparagus, or a light orzo salad to complement the savory chicken and create a balanced, satisfying dinner.
  • Wine Companion Suggestion: Match this chicken with a crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio to enhance the dish's delicate flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich protein.

Storage Notes For Creamy Chicken Florentine

  • Refrigeration Haven: Store leftover chicken florentine in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out, heating until internal temperature reaches 165F.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Prep-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken in seasoning mix up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat and enhance overall taste profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 510 kcal

Servings: 3

What You Need For Creamy Chicken Florentine

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean, selecting fresh, plump cuts ensures juicy, flavorful meat.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Classic spice combination that creates a robust, aromatic coating for the chicken, enhancing its natural flavors.
For Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin oil provides a smooth cooking surface and subtle Mediterranean-inspired taste, perfect for searing chicken to golden perfection.

Equipment For Creamy Chicken Florentine

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken with perfect golden-brown sear.
  • Tongs: Helps flip chicken evenly and safely while cooking.
  • Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F / 75C.
  • Cutting board: Clean surface for preparing and checking chicken doneness.
  • Sharp knife: For slicing or checking chicken's internal texture.

Easy Directions For Creamy Chicken Florentine

  • Spice Up the Chicken

Sprinkle a blend of zesty seasonings all over the chicken, creating a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil, letting it heat until it’s ready to transform your chicken into a golden masterpiece.

  • Cook to Perfection

Lay the seasoned chicken in the hot skillet, letting it sear and develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust while cooking completely through. Watch for that perfect internal temperature that signals it’s ready to be the star of your meal.

  • Rest and Prepare

Gently transfer the chicken to a waiting plate, allowing it to take a quick breather before the next culinary adventure begins.

Cooking Tips For Creamy Chicken Florentine

  • Culinary Mastery Techniques: Low and slow cooking ensures juicy, tender chicken without drying out.
  • Flavor Boost Hack: Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes before seasoning to enhance moisture and tenderness.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version.
  • Quick Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, turkey breast, or white fish like cod for versatile meal options.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra chicken and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinner shortcuts.
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Elegant Chicken Florentine Recipe

Elegant Chicken Florentine Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Succulent chicken Florentine emerges as a luxurious Italian-inspired dish blending spinach and creamy sauce. Parmesan cheese and garlic elevate this classic recipe, offering you a delightful culinary experience perfect for elegant dining.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups (90 g) fresh spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps butter
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Prep: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage.
  2. Skillet Activation: Heat olive oil in a generously sized skillet over medium-high temperature, waiting until the oil becomes translucent and releases a subtle, aromatic fragrance.
  3. Searing Stage: Gently deposit seasoned chicken into the sizzling skillet, allowing each piece to transform into a golden-brown delicacy with a tantalizingly crisp exterior, flipping once to guarantee even caramelization and thorough cooking.
  4. Resting Phase: Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a pristine plate, permitting the internal juices to redistribute and preserve the meat’s succulence and tenderness, ensuring a mouthwatering final result.

Notes

  • Seasoning Secrets: Ensure chicken is evenly coated with spice blend for maximum flavor penetration, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat to help it adhere.
  • Heat Management: Watch for oil shimmer and slight smoke to guarantee the perfect searing temperature that creates a golden-brown crust without burning.
  • Moisture Preservation: Allow chicken to rest after cooking to let internal juices redistribute, preventing dryness and maintaining tender, succulent meat texture.
  • Thermometer Trick: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein without overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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