Best Spinach-Packed Chicken Florentine Recipe for Dinner

Whipping up a delectable chicken florentine recipe transports you straight to the heart of comfort cooking.

Aromatic spinach and creamy sauce create an irresistible combination that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Nestled with tender chicken breasts, this classic dish promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen.

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, the recipe brings gourmet magic to weeknight dinners.

Rich parmesan and subtle garlic notes dance across each perfectly seasoned bite.

Mediterranean influences shine through with every forkful of this satisfying meal.

You’ll find yourself craving these harmonious flavors again and again.

Prepare to impress with this mouthwatering chicken florentine that turns an ordinary evening into a celebration of taste.

Chicken Florentine: Why It’s a Creamy Classic

• Tackle Uneven Cooking: Pounding chicken ensures uniform thickness, preventing dry or undercooked sections while guaranteeing a perfectly cooked, juicy protein.
• Craft a Creamy Flavor Explosion: The combination of cream cheese, half-and-half, and Parmesan creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Master One-Pan Magic: This recipe minimizes cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking chicken, sautéing vegetables, and creating a rich, flavorful sauce, making it ideal for busy home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: The flexible recipe allows substitutions like different proteins, vegetables, or wine, making it adaptable to personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

What You’ll Need to Build Chicken Florentine Magic

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender cuts of meat that serve as the primary protein for this creamy Florentine dish.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Light coating that helps create a golden-brown exterior on the chicken.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy texture to the sauce.
• Half-and-Half or Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and richness to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth or White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

• Shallot, Garlic: Fragrant ingredients that build a foundational flavor for the sauce.
• Red Bell Pepper or Tomatoes: Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
• Spinach Leaves: Brings a fresh, green element and nutritional boost to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and creating a non-stick surface.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, tangy finish when sprinkled on top.

How to Sauté, Simmer & Serve Chicken Florentine

Step 1: Flatten Chicken Pieces

Gently pound chicken breasts or thighs to create an even thickness using a meat mallet. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for deep flavor infusion.

Step 2: Coat Chicken

Lightly dust the seasoned chicken with flour, carefully shaking off any excess coating to ensure a light, crispy exterior.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add chopped shallots and minced garlic. Cook until they become soft and release their aromatic flavors, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 5: Add Vegetables

Introduce chopped red bell peppers and fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts and vegetables become tender.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream cheese
• Half-and-half
• Chicken broth

Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Let it simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Serve immediately with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a delightful meal.

Must-Know Tricks for Chicken Florentine Glory

• Pound chicken evenly to guarantee uniform cooking and tenderness throughout the meat.
• Shake off excess flour after dredging to prevent a heavy, soggy coating on the chicken.
• Choose fresh spinach for maximum flavor and nutrition in the Florentine sauce.
• Adjust cream sauce consistency by adding more broth if it becomes too thick during simmering.
• Allow chicken to rest in the sauce briefly to absorb rich, creamy flavors before serving.

Chicken Florentine Twists to Explore Tonight

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace garlic powder with a blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Add cumin, chili powder, and diced jalapeños to the seasoning mix. Swap spinach for roasted corn and black beans.
• Mushroom Marsala Chicken: Substitute white wine with Marsala wine and include sautéed cremini mushrooms for an earthy, rich variation.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken: Mix prepared basil pesto into the cream sauce and top with toasted pine nuts for an Italian-inspired version.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Florentine’s Rich Flavor

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes to complement the creamy sauce and enhance the chicken's rich flavor profile.
• Create Bread Companion: Serve with rustic sourdough or garlic-infused ciabatta to soak up the luxurious sauce and add delightful textural contrast.
• Design Side Salad Partner: Craft a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint.
• Match Vegetable Accent: Roast asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt to introduce a subtle green vegetable that harmonizes with the Florentine's spinach elements.

Store Chicken Florentine Without Losing That Creamy Touch

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Chicken Florentine stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Properly stored, it maintains quality for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing spinach-based dishes for best texture.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even warming.

Chicken Florentine FAQs You’ll Want Handy

• What makes Chicken Florentine different from other chicken dishes?

Chicken Florentine stands out with its creamy spinach sauce, Italian-inspired flavors, and the combination of tender chicken with rich, velvety textures.

• Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with salmon, shrimp, or even tofu for a similar cooking method and flavor profile.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

While delicious, the dish is moderately high in calories due to cream cheese and half-and-half. You can make it lighter by using low-fat dairy options or reducing the cream-based ingredients.

• What herbs work best with Chicken Florentine?

Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley complement the dish perfectly. Adding a sprinkle of these herbs enhances the overall flavor and provides a fresh aromatic touch.

Chicken Florentine Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken florentine elevates classic Italian cuisine with creamy spinach and parmesan sauce, creating a restaurant-quality dish at home. Perfectly balanced flavors and elegant presentation make you feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Seasonings and Flour:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth or dry white wine
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Fat:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Flatten chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet to promote uniform cooking. Season thoroughly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Lightly coat seasoned chicken in flour, carefully removing excess to prevent clumping.
3. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (375°F). Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, sauté shallots and garlic until translucent and aromatic, approximately 2 minutes.
5. Incorporate red bell peppers and cook briefly. Add spinach and allow leaves to wilt completely.
6. Reduce heat to low. Blend cream cheese, half-and-half, and chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Gently reintroduce chicken to the skillet, allowing it to absorb sauce flavors for 3-4 minutes.
8. Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately alongside pasta, rice, or crusty artisan bread.

Notes

• Pound chicken evenly to guarantee uniform cooking and tender meat texture.
• Shake off excess flour to prevent clumpy, heavy coating on chicken surface.
• Sauté shallots and garlic slowly to release deep, rich aromatic flavors without burning.
• Substitute dairy for dietary needs: use coconut cream for dairy-free version or Greek yogurt for lighter sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg