Slow Cooker Chicken Florentine Recipe

Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian-inspired dish known for its creamy sauce and savory spinach base. Traditionally, this dish is made with chicken breast, spinach, garlic, and a rich, creamy sauce of cream and cheese. It’s a wonderful combination of flavors that’s both comforting and elegant, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re hosting guests. With this Slow Cooker Chicken Florentine, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors with minimal effort.

Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become ultra-tender. The creamy spinach sauce is rich, garlicky, and indulgent, making this a standout dish that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Chicken (Optional)

While this step is optional, browning the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker adds flavor and depth to the dish.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and basil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage, just browned on the outside.

Once browned, transfer the chicken breasts to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Florentine Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese until smooth. If you want a slightly tangier sauce, feel free to add a little extra lemon juice or even a splash of white wine.

Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add in the minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring that everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Add the Spinach

Next, add the spinach into the slow cooker. If using fresh spinach, you can add it in whole and allow it to wilt during cooking. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thoroughly thawed and drained to prevent excess liquid from being released into the sauce.

Stir the spinach into the sauce to ensure it’s evenly distributed. The spinach will cook down significantly, so don’t worry if it seems like a lot of greens at first.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken Florentine

Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Alternatively, you can cook it on high for about 2-3 hours.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken (Optional)

Once the chicken is cooked, you can either serve the chicken breasts whole or shred them for a more comforting and hearty presentation. To shred the chicken, use two forks to pull apart the chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker.

If you like a creamier, more cohesive sauce, you can stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce to let the flavors meld together. The cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan will combine with the chicken’s juices to create a thick, rich sauce.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Final Touches

For an extra layer of cheesy goodness, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and spinach mixture in the slow cooker. Let it melt for about 10 minutes on the “warm” setting or by switching to the “low” setting for a few minutes.

Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer more brightness in the dish, add a little more lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and added flavor before serving.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your Chicken Florentine hot over your favorite sides. It pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even zucchini noodles if you’re looking for a low-carb option.

Tips and Variations

1. Choosing the Right Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and easy to use in this recipe, but they can dry out if overcooked. Using a meat thermometer will help ensure the chicken stays moist and tender.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a juicier, more flavorful option, chicken thighs are a great choice. They’ll stay moist in the slow cooker, and their richer flavor complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

2. Make It Lighter:

• Lighten the Cream Sauce: To lighten up the dish, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Using reduced-fat cream cheese can also help cut down on the calories while still maintaining a creamy texture.
• Lower the Sodium: Opt for a low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to make it healthier.

3. Vegetable Variations:

• Add More Veggies: If you want to bulk up the dish with more vegetables, you can add other options like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just chop them up and add them to the slow cooker with the spinach.
• Frozen Spinach vs. Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a great texture and color, but if you’re short on time, frozen spinach can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess water from frozen spinach before adding it to the slow cooker.

4. Adding Herbs and Spices:

• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added for a deeper flavor profile. If you prefer a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes can be added as well.
• Garlic: If you love garlic, you can increase the number of garlic cloves or even use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter flavor.

5. Make It Gluten-Free:

• This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free sides such as rice or gluten-free pasta. Just double-check the labels for your cream cheese, broth, and Parmesan cheese to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

6. Meal Prep:

• Prepare in Advance: This dish can be prepped ahead of time. Assemble the chicken, cream sauce, garlic, and seasonings in the slow cooker insert, then refrigerate overnight. The next day, cook as directed.
• Leftovers: Chicken Florentine stores well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Why Slow Cooker Chicken Florentine?

There are several reasons to love this slow cooker Chicken Florentine recipe:

1. Hands-Off Cooking:

• The slow cooker does all the work for you! After a quick prep, the chicken and sauce cook together while you go about your day. This makes it a great option for busy families, working professionals, or anyone who loves minimal effort with maximum flavor.

2. Delicious and Creamy:

• The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with the spinach and chicken. It’s indulgent yet simple enough for everyday meals.

3. Customizable:

• Whether you’re looking for a keto-friendly option, want to add extra veggies, or need a gluten-free meal, this recipe is easily adaptable to suit your needs.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep:

• This recipe makes a large batch and keeps well in the fridge, making it an ideal option for meal prep. You can enjoy it for several days, which helps take the stress out of daily cooking.

5. Family-Friendly:

• Kids and adults alike will love the creamy sauce and tender chicken. Plus, the spinach adds a healthy boost without being too overpowering, so even picky eaters may enjoy it!

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chicken Florentine is a perfect dish for those who love creamy, comforting meals without spending too much time in the kitchen. The slow cooker makes the process easy and hands-off, while the flavors meld together to create a rich and savory dish. Whether served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this chicken florentine will surely become a family favorite. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides for a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Slow Cooker Chicken Florentine Recipe

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Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian-inspired dish known for its creamy sauce and savory spinach base. Traditionally, this dish is made with chicken breast, spinach, garlic, and a rich, creamy sauce of cream and cheese. It’s a wonderful combination of flavors that’s both comforting and elegant, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re hosting guests. With this Slow Cooker Chicken Florentine, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors with minimal effort.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a different flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: Cooked pasta or rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil.
2. Layer ingredients in the slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the spinach on top (fresh or thawed frozen spinach).
3. Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the mixture over the chicken and spinach in the slow cooker.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Shred the chicken (optional): Once the chicken is fully cooked, you can shred it with two forks and stir the sauce to combine, or serve the chicken breasts whole.
6. Serve: Serve the chicken and creamy sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or on its own with a side of vegetables.

Notes

Spinach: If you’re using frozen spinach, be sure to drain it well to avoid excess water in the sauce.

Creaminess: For an extra creamy sauce, you can add more heavy cream or even a little cream cheese.

Customize: You can add other veggies like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to change up the flavor profile.

Make it lighter: Use a lighter version of the cream of chicken soup or replace the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lower-fat option.