This Creamy Chicken Florentine is a tasty blend of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
It’s so easy to whip up after a long day—I just sauté the chicken, toss in the spinach and creamy goodness, and dinner is served! Perfect with pasta or rice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish due to their tenderness. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier option or use shrimp for a different flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is a must for that vibrant color and taste. If unavailable, frozen spinach works too—just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: While grated Parmesan brings great flavor, pecorino Romano is a good substitute. Nutritional yeast is a nice vegan alternative if you’re looking for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a nice touch, but are totally optional. Fresh tomatoes can also work if chopped finely, or you can skip them altogether for a simpler dish!
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken breasts properly is key to a juicy result. Here are some tips to ensure they’re perfectly done!
- Use medium-high heat to get a good sear. This locks in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; it can steam the chicken instead of browning it.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking—it helps keep it juicy.
What’s the Best Way to Build Flavor in the Sauce?
The sauce is where the magic happens! Here’s how to enhance the flavor:
- Always sauté garlic until fragrant but not browned. Burned garlic can make it bitter.
- Deglazing the pan with chicken broth not only adds flavor but also uses all those tasty bits stuck to the skillet.
- Let the sauce simmer to thicken; stirring occasionally helps integrate all the ingredients.
With these tips and insights, you’ll have a delicious Creamy Chicken Florentine that’s both simple and satisfying!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), for added flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25-30 minutes in total—10 minutes to prep the ingredients and about 15-20 minutes for cooking. You’ll have a wonderful, hearty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step adds great flavor to the chicken!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts, cooking for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover it lightly to keep it warm.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Add the Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down.
5. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds extra flavor to your sauce!
6. Mix in the Cream and Cheese:
Reduce the heat to medium-low, and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let this cook for about 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. It should be creamy and delicious!
7. Optional Flavor Boost:
If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes, toss them in now and stir everything to combine.
8. Return the Chicken:
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Creamy Chicken Florentine hot, drizzling extra creamy spinach sauce over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal!
Enjoy your creamy, comforting Chicken Florentine dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking! Thaw chicken in the fridge overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Simply refrigerate everything separately. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes! If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and flour to thicken it. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works well and adds a nice flavor!
