This Easy Chicken Florentine is a tasty dish that combines tender chicken with creamy spinach goodness. It’s comforting and full of flavor, making it perfect for any night of the week!
You won’t believe how quickly this comes together! I love to serve it with pasta or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, your taste buds will be very happy! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the main protein in this dish. If you want to mix it up, boneless thighs work well too for a juicier bite. You can also use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a vibrant green color and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a wonderful salty flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Nutritional yeast is also a good option for a dairy-free version.
Red Pepper Flakes: These give a nice touch of heat. If you prefer no spice, simply leave them out. Alternatively, you can also use a pinch of black pepper for a milder flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but here’s a simple way to ensure it’s juicy and tender:
- Use a meat thermometer! Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
- Don’t rush the cooking process. Cooking over medium-high heat allows the chicken to brown nicely without burning.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain moisture before you slice or serve it.
Easy Chicken Florentine with Creamy Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and seasoning the chicken, then another 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by sprinkling salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts. This will help flavor the chicken while it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but be careful not to let it burn!
4. Make the Sauce:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. That’s where a lot of flavor is!
5. Add Cream and Cheese:
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning (if you’re using it). Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens a bit. It should get creamy and delicious!
6. Spinach Time!
Now it’s time to add the chopped spinach. Stir it into the sauce and cook until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy spinach sauce over them. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and the flavors meld beautifully.
8. Serve It Up:
Finally, serve the chicken topped with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if you like. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or some crusty bread to soak up that amazing creamy sauce.
Enjoy your comforting and creamy Chicken Florentine!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Florentine with Creamy Spinach
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain off any excess moisture before adding it to the sauce. This helps prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it will still be delicious. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut milk or a nut-based cream.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Just reheat everything together on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve, ensuring the chicken is heated through to a safe temperature.
