This Creamy Chicken Florentine is a cozy dinner dish that combines juicy chicken with fresh spinach in a smooth, creamy sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Whenever I make this, I love serving it over pasta or rice to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. It’s a delicious way to sneak in some veggies—and who doesn’t love a creamy sauce? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with boneless, skinless turkey breast or even use diced chicken thighs for extra flavor!
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives this dish its name and a lovely green color. If you can’t find fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
Heavy Cream: This creates the richness of the sauce. You can use half-and-half for a lighter option, or try coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. Pecorino Romano is a good alternative if you want something a bit sharper. Nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan option.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking chicken to juicy perfection can be daunting, but I have some tips! The key is cooking it at the right temperature and not overcooking it.
- Start with medium-high heat for a good sear. This gives a nice golden crust.
- Don’t crowd the pan; give the chicken space. If needed, cook in batches.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (75°C) is your target!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep it juicy when you slice.
Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 5 ounces fresh spinach (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Time Estimate:
This creamy chicken florentine takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, totaling around 35 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet fancy enough for company!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. This will add great flavor to the meat.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, throw in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes fragrant and translucent.
4. Add the Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it wilts down, which should take about 2 minutes.
5. Create the Sauce:
Now pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it heat up a bit!
6. Incorporate Cheese and Thicken:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and optional nutmeg to the mixture, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If you want a thicker sauce, you can sprinkle the flour over the sauce and stir thoroughly, cooking for another 2 minutes to eliminate any lumps.
7. Return the Chicken:
Carefully return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy sauce and spinach over the chicken. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes so everything warms through and the flavors meld together.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve your delicious creamy chicken florentine immediately over cooked pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water to ensure even cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or use half-and-half. Additionally, consider reducing the amount of cheese or using a lower-fat cheese option. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrients!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove until warmed through.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Chicken Florentine?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even quinoa. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread to scoop up that creamy sauce!
