Chicken Florentine – Creamy Spinach Chicken Delight

📝 Recipe Description

Chicken Florentine is a classic dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy spinach sauce. The word Florentine refers to a style of cooking with spinach, popularized by French cuisine. This recipe blends seared chicken with garlic, parmesan, and cream—creating a comforting yet elegant dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

🍗 Ingredients for Chicken Florentine – Creamy Spinach Chicken Delight

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally into cutlets)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach

• ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for variation)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.

2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make Sauce: Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

4. Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream, chili flakes, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.

5. Add Spinach: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Add lemon juice if desired.

6. Combine: Return chicken to pan and spoon sauce over top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

7. Serve: Garnish with more Parmesan or parsley. Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

🍽️ Servings

Serves 4 people

📌 Recipe Notes

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist.

• Make it low-carb by serving with cauliflower rice.

• Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.

💡 Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken—this ensures a proper golden crust.

• Deglaze the skillet with broth or wine to enhance flavor.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and texture in the sauce.

• Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.

🔍 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 30g

• Carbs: 6g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

Note: Values can vary depending on cream and cheese types used.

🌿 Health Benefits

• Spinach: Rich in iron, vitamins A, C & K

• Chicken: Lean protein for muscle repair

• Garlic: Immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory

• Cream Sauce: Offers satiety when eaten in moderation

❓ Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Florentine?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing—reheat slowly and stir well.

Q: What can I serve this with?
A: Great with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even over roasted veggies.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Try unsweetened coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.