Easy Chicken Florentine Recipe

Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy spinach sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and will impress your family with its delicious flavors and elegant presentation.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge in Flour: Lightly dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat Olive Oil and Butter: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
3. Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
5. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Return Chicken to Skillet: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach sauce over the top.
2. Simmer: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the Dish: Serve the Chicken Florentine hot, spooning extra sauce over each serving.
2. Pair with Sides: This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Tips and Variations

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
• Wine: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a richer taste.
• Low-Fat Option: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Florentine recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic dish. The creamy spinach sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, making it a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce to prevent excess water from thinning the sauce.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Combine and reheat just before serving.

4. What can I serve with Chicken Florentine?

Chicken Florentine pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a different flavor profile.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Chicken Florentine!

Yield: 4

Easy Chicken Florentine Recipe

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Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian-American dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy spinach sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and will impress your family with its delicious flavors and elegant presentation.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breasts 454g
• Flour for dredging optional
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste
• 1 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter divided
• ½ small onion finely diced
• 6 oz sliced mushrooms 170g
• 3 cloves garlic finely minced
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
• ¾ cup chicken broth 6oz, 170g
• ¾ cup cream or half and half 6oz, 170g
• ½ cup parmesan cheese 1.5oz, 43g
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves loosely packed (1.5oz, 43g)

Instructions

• For quicker, more even cooking, slightly flatten breasts with a kitchen mallet. If they are very thick, slice them in half horizontally before flattening. Season with salt and pepper. Dust with the optional flour if using.

• Heat a skillet over high heat. When pan is hot, add oil and 1 tablespoon butter.

• When oil is hot, put chicken breasts in pan and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove chicken from pan.

• Add remaining tablespoon butter to pan. Add onions and cook for 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and sauté until soft and any released liquid has evaporated. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

• Add the broth, cream, and Italian seasoning and bring to a simmer. Simmer on medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until it has reduced slightly.

• Stir in the parmesan until melted. Salt and pepper to taste.

• Turn off the heat and stir in the baby spinach. Return the chicken to the pan and serve.