The aroma of Chicken Florentine wafts through the kitchen, inviting you to experience a dish that promises both comfort and elegance. With tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a creamy sauce, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate, making it perfect for any occasion.
Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and you need something quick yet impressive to serve your family. That’s when Chicken Florentine swoops in to save the day! It’s easy enough for a Tuesday dinner but fancy enough to impress friends on a Saturday night.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Chicken Florentine features easy prep steps that anyone can master.
- The flavor profile combines savory chicken with rich cream and fresh spinach for an irresistible taste.
- Visually appealing with its colorful ingredients, it’s a feast for the eyes as well.
- Highly versatile, you can serve it over pasta or rice to suit your cravings.
My friends often rave about how I manage to whip up this dish in under 30 minutes, leaving them wonderstruck—and slightly envious of my culinary prowess.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Spinach: Opt for vibrant green leaves; they add color and nutrition to the dish.
Heavy Cream: This is your secret weapon for achieving that rich, velvety sauce everyone loves.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; garlic makes everything better!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan lends saltiness and depth; don’t skimp on this ingredient.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it enhances the overall flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; always adjust according to your taste preferences.
For the Sauce:
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps it healthy while adding moisture; it’s key in balancing flavors.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish with its tangy goodness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Florentine
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the garlic finely. This ensures everything is ready when you start cooking.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, season chicken with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on each side—about 6-7 minutes per side.
Add Garlic and Spinach: After removing chicken from skillet, toss in minced garlic until fragrant. Add fresh spinach next; sauté until wilted and vibrant—about 2-3 minutes should do.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet along with chicken broth and lemon juice. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for added flavor.
Add Chicken Back In: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to simmer gently in creamy goodness for another 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked.
Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over everything just before serving. Allow it to melt slightly—this adds that irresistible cheesy pull we all love!
Enjoy your Chicken Florentine served over pasta or rice for an unforgettable meal that dazzles both taste buds and dinner guests!
You Must Know
- Chicken Florentine is not just a dish; it’s a symphony of flavors that transforms any meal into a celebration.
- The delicate balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach makes it irresistible.
- You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes while impressing your guests with a beautiful presentation.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy spinach sauce to save time and enhance flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor that will leave everyone asking for more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid drying out the chicken and sauce.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh spinach for better texture and flavor; wilted greens won’t give you that vibrant color.
- Don’t skip the cream; it’s what makes this dish luxuriously smooth.
- Remember to let the chicken rest before slicing for juicier results.
Cooking Chicken Florentine has become my go-to recipe for impressing friends at dinner parties; they always rave about it!
FAQ
What is Chicken Florentine?
Chicken Florentine is a creamy chicken dish served with sautéed spinach and often pasta.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but be sure to drain excess moisture to prevent a watery sauce.
How can I make Chicken Florentine lighter?
Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or low-fat milk for a healthier option.
Chicken Florentine
Chicken Florentine is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with vibrant spinach and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties, this recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it both quick and impressive. The harmonious blend of flavors and colors creates a meal that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Serve it over pasta or rice for an unforgettable dining experience that will leave your family and friends raving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping garlic and measuring out the other components.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and lemon juice; stir to combine while scraping any browned bits from the skillet.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for an additional 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Just before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the dish to melt slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 340g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider substituting spinach with kale or incorporating sun-dried tomatoes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.
