Velvety Chicken Florentine Style Recipe: A Classic Reimagined

Cooking chicken florentine style brings pure comfort to your evening meal.

Creamy spinach and tender chicken create a delightful combination that feels luxurious yet simple.

Italian-inspired dishes always spark excitement in home kitchens.

Delicate flavors merge beautifully with each carefully prepared ingredient.

Parmesan cheese adds a rich, subtle depth that makes this recipe special.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with such an elegant yet approachable main course.

You won’t believe how quickly this sophisticated meal comes together in your kitchen.

Why Chicken Florentine Deserves a Spot at Dinner

• Boost Flavor Fast: Packed with rich, tangy Parmesan and bright lemon, this chicken recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a gourmet meal in minutes.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Cook everything in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.
• Customize with Ease: Swap spinach for other greens, adjust cheese quantities, or pair with various sides like rice or pasta to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Without Stress: Restaurant-quality dish that looks sophisticated but requires basic cooking skills, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining with friends and family.

The Ingredients That Make Chicken Florentine Shine

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein that serves as the primary component of this Florentine-style dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Create a rich, flavorful base for cooking the chicken and adding depth to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the chicken.

• Garlic: Provides a pungent and savory foundation for the sauce.

• Spinach: Adds nutritious green color and earthy flavor to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a creamy, luxurious sauce with a rich, tangy flavor profile.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brighten the sauce with a fresh, zesty undertone.

• Fresh Basil: Adds a final aromatic and herbal touch to the finished dish.

Cooking Chicken Florentine with Ease

Step 1: Prep the Poultry

Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring both sides are evenly seasoned.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat a large skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and chicken is fully cooked through.

Move chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until its fragrance fills the kitchen.

Toss in fresh spinach leaves and cook until they gracefully wilt and soften.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to incorporate all the delicious browned bits from the chicken.

• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return chicken breasts to the skillet, generously coating them with the creamy spinach sauce.

Let everything bubble together for 3-5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the dish just before serving, adding a burst of herbal brightness.

Smart Tips for Creamy Chicken Florentine

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and faster preparation.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and crispy texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.
• Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat if you enjoy spicy flavors.
• Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter, more vibrant green color and fresher taste.

New Spins on Classic Chicken Florentine

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace spinach with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh oregano, adding crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Incorporate jalapeños, replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese, and add chili powder to create a bold, zesty version.
• Mushroom Cream Chicken: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms with garlic before adding cream sauce, enhancing the earthy richness of the dish.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast, using almond-based Parmesan for a lighter, plant-based option.

What to Eat with Chicken Florentine

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay with bright acidity that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Herb-Infused Accompaniment: Serve with lemon-garlic roasted asparagus that echoes the dish's zesty notes and provides a fresh, complementary vegetable side.
• Bread Recommendation: Add crusty sourdough bread to soak up the luxurious Parmesan cream sauce, creating a perfect textural contrast and flavor absorption.
• Refreshing Beverage Choice: Pair with a light, sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the dish's bright, lemony undertones.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Florentine Right

• Refrigerator Storage: Place leftover Chicken Florentine in an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Freezer Storage: Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Your Chicken Florentine FAQs Solved

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it completely, then squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the skillet.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Chicken Florentine can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated gently in a skillet or microwave.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative in place of Parmesan to create a dairy-free version.

Chicken Florentine Style Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

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

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Description

Savor rich layers of creamy chicken florentine with spinach and parmesan nestled in a silky sauce. Hearty Italian-inspired comfort blends tender chicken and elegant flavors that elevate weeknight dining for passionate home cooks.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Herbs and Spices:

• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Main Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both surfaces to enhance flavor profile.
2. Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F). Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, maintaining its warmth.
4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 60 seconds until aromatic and releasing its essential oils.
5. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing leaves to wilt and reduce in volume, creating a vibrant green base.
6. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, gently incorporating pan drippings and creating a rich, smooth foundation.
7. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and zest, stirring continuously to develop a creamy, tangy sauce with approximately 2-3 minutes of cooking.
8. Carefully return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the sauce and allowing them to reheat for 3-5 minutes, ensuring even coating and temperature.
9. Finish by garnishing with delicate, torn fresh basil leaves for a fragrant, herbaceous touch before serving immediately.

Notes

• Use chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
• Low-fat alternative: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter sauce without compromising taste.
• Gluten-free option: Ensure all ingredients like Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg