This Easy Chicken Florentine is a tasty dish that features juicy chicken cooked in a creamy spinach sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a meal that’s both comforting and simple? I always pair it with rice or pasta for a filling meal. You’ll want to make this over and over! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish for their quick cooking time and tenderness. If you want to mix things up, try using chicken thighs for a more flavorful option.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to your sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream, though it will change the flavor a bit.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for that vibrant color and texture. You can use frozen spinach as a substitute—just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a great depth of flavor. If you’re out of it, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option work well too.
How Do You Cook Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking chicken properly is key to a delicious meal. Here are my straightforward tips to ensure it’s juicy and flavorful:
- Always season your chicken with salt and pepper—this enhances its natural flavors.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each piece space so it browns nicely.
- Use medium-high heat to get that nice golden color while keeping the inside moist.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing; this helps retain juices.
Easy Chicken Florentine with Creamy Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Spinach:
- 5 cups fresh spinach leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy Chicken Florentine recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor as they cook.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Base:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned—it should still be golden!
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Next, add in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps all the flavors blend beautifully.
5. Add the Parmesan:
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Incorporate the Spinach:
Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach leaves! Toss them into the sauce, cooking until they wilt down and become tender, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Return Chicken to the Skillet:
Finally, return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of that luscious sauce over the top, and gently cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm everything through.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Chicken Florentine is ready! Serve the chicken topped with creamy spinach sauce, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or using the quick-thaw method by submerging them in cold water for a couple of hours.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. For the cheese, use nutritional yeast to get that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and prepare the creamy sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove until warmed through, adding a splash of cream if necessary to refresh the sauce.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
