This Creamy Chicken Florentine is a cozy dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with spinach. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
I love how quick it is to make this dish. Just sauté the chicken, add the sauce, and stir in the spinach. Yum! Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the main focus here for a tender meal. If you need a substitute, try chicken thighs for more flavor or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use half-and-half or a plant-based cream to fit dairy-free diets.
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor, but you could easily substitute with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best here since it wilts nicely. If it’s not available, you can use frozen but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Tender?
Cooking the chicken properly is key to keeping it juicy. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with chicken at room temperature for even cooking.
- Use medium-high heat to get a nice golden brown crust, which adds flavor.
- Don’t overcook it! Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F. A meat thermometer is super helpful here!
Why Is Deglazing Important?
Deglazing the pan after cooking the chicken extracts delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor! Just add the chicken broth and scrape the pan with a wooden spoon to lift those tasty morsels.
Following these tips will help you make a wonderful Creamy Chicken Florentine that everyone will love!
Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients List:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Chicken Florentine recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need approximately 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick and delightful dish, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Adding Flavor:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This will give your dish a wonderful aroma!
4. Deglazing the Pan:
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits provide incredible flavor to your sauce!
5. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Now, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer, cooking until it slightly thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
6. Adding Spinach:
Next, add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until it’s wilted, about 2 minutes. The vibrant green spinach will add color and nutrition to your dish!
7. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Allow everything to warm together for a couple of minutes so that the chicken absorbs the delicious flavors.
8. Serving:
Once everything is heated through, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve your creamy Chicken Florentine hot, ideally over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside some crusty bread for a filling meal.
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Chicken Florentine! It’s sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great for a more flavorful option, or you can use shrimp or salmon for a seafood variation. Just adjust the cooking times as needed to make sure they’re fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream and replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. It’s a tasty option for those avoiding dairy!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken up to a day ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently on the stove, adding a little cream if needed to refresh the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
