The moment I stepped into the kitchen and caught the waft of garlic sizzling in olive oil, I knew I was about to create something special. This one-pan Chicken Florentine recipe promises not only a burst of flavor but also simplicity in preparation. Imagine succulent chicken breasts beautifully seared and then enveloped in a rich, creamy spinach sauce, perfect for elevating a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering.
The secret? A luxurious blend of cream cheese and white wine that delivers a silky mouthfeel and comforts the soul with every bite. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that feels indulgent yet is effortlessly easy, making it your new go-to for those busy evenings. Let’s dive into this delightful dish that will have you saying goodbye to fast food and hello to homemade goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Florentine Recipe
Simplicity at its finest: This one-pan dish is as easy as it gets, perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and white wine creates a mouthwatering sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes on the clock, you’ll impress your family or guests without breaking a sweat.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs, making it an adaptable option for any meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether you’re serving a family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Wholesome Goodness: Packed with nutrients from baby spinach, it’s not just delicious but also nourishing!
Chicken Florentine Ingredients
• Dive into the deliciousness of this Chicken Florentine dish!
For the Chicken
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The star of the dish; tender and quick to cook. Substitute with chicken thighs for added moisture and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – Lightly coats the chicken for a golden crust; gluten-free flour can be used for a gluten-free option.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for adding flavor; always adjust according to your taste preference.
- Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing; avocado oil can be used as a substitute for higher heat tolerance.
- Butter – Enriches the sauce with its creamy goodness; opt for dairy-free butter for a dairy-free alternative.
For the Sauce
- Medium Shallot – Offers a mild onion flavor; yellow onion or garlic can serve as alternatives.
- Garlic Cloves – Infuses a fragrant aroma and depth; fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Dry White Wine – Adds acidity and enhances flavor; can be replaced with more chicken broth or white grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.
- Chicken Broth – Helps deglaze the pan and adds richness to the sauce; vegetable broth offers a vegetarian option.
- Heavy Cream – Creates a luxuriously creamy texture; for lighter versions, use half-and-half or coconut cream.
- Cream Cheese – Thickens the sauce and boosts creaminess; Neufchâtel cheese or non-dairy cream cheese can be alternatives.
- Dried Basil – Enhances the dish with herbal notes; fresh basil gives a more vibrant flavor.
- Dried Oregano – Complements the chicken and sauce with earthy undertones; fresh oregano can substitute for a fresher taste.
- Baby Spinach – Adds vibrant green color and valuable nutrition; other greens like kale or Swiss chard can work too.
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan – Offers a savory finish; for a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast.
How to Make Chicken Florentine
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Prepare the Coating: Combine all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper on a plate. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture, ensuring an even and light coating. This will create a wonderful golden crust!
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Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts, cooking until golden brown, approximately 4 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed, melting it down before adding minced shallots and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring until fragrant and soft.
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Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the pan. Add the dried basil and oregano, and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese, cooking and whisking until the sauce is smooth and thickens, about 6 minutes.
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Add Spinach and Chicken: Gently fold in the baby spinach, cooking just until wilted, which should take about 1 minute. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the sauce and simmering for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through.
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Serve and Garnish: Plate the chicken and spoon the creamy spinach sauce generously over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
Optional: Serve with crusty bread for dipping in that delicious sauce!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Florentine preparations are a lifesaver for busy weeknights! You can prepare the creamy spinach sauce up to 24 hours in advance by following the sauce-making steps, then allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container for refrigeration. The chicken can be seasoned and coated in flour, then stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the chicken in a skillet until golden brown, reheat the sauce gently over low heat, and combine. This method ensures that your meal is just as delicious, saving you time and stress without sacrificing flavor!
Chicken Florentine Variations
Feel free to make this delightful dish your own with creative twists and substitutions.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour to coat the chicken for a delicious, celiac-friendly meal. You’ll still get that perfect crust without the gluten!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream for a creamy, dairy-free version that’s equally rich.
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Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful bite that’s perfect for slow cooking.
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Veggie Boost: Add in colorful bell peppers or zucchini along with the spinach, creating a vibrant dish packed with nutrition and flavor.
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Herb Variations: Swap dried basil and oregano for fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon for a fresh, aromatic twist that’ll elevate the flavors.
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Spicy Kick: Stir in some crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat which will warm your palate and add complexity to every bite.
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Creamy Spinach Mix: Instead of just spinach, try incorporating cooked broccoli or asparagus for added texture and nutrients, making the dish even more satisfying.
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Nutty Finish: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top before serving, giving a delightful crunch alongside the creamy sauce.
What to Serve with Chicken Florentine?
Creating a comforting meal is a joy, especially when it can be paired with delicious sides that complement your creamy dish.
- Garlic Bread: The perfect vehicle for that rich creamy sauce, giving you an irresistible crunch and aromatic experience.
- Roasted Baby Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside; their earthy flavor enhances the richness of the Chicken Florentine.
- Steamed Asparagus: Adding a fresh, crisp element, these spears beautifully contrast the sauce while offering vibrant color and nutrition.
- Caesar Salad: A classic blend of romaine, croutons, and Parmesan, this salad brings a crunchy bite and tangy notes to balance the meal.
- Herbed Quinoa: Light and fluffy, quinoa adds a nutty flavor and holds up wonderfully under the creamy sauce while boosting the dish’s nutritional content.
- Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, the cool, refreshing taste offers a bright contrast, cleansing the palate after the rich main course.
- Chardonnay: The buttery notes in this white wine pair perfectly with the creaminess of the sauce, elevating your dinner experience.
Storage Tips for Chicken Florentine
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the creamy sauce and rich flavors of your Chicken Florentine.
Freezer: If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to help restore the creamy texture.
Make-Ahead: The creamy sauce can be prepared a day in advance. Store it separately and warm it before adding the chicken to ensure freshness and flavor.
Expert Tips for Chicken Florentine
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Even Thickness: Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking. This prevents dry edges and ensures juicy dinner perfection.
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Warm the Cream Cheese: To avoid lumps, always let the cream cheese come to room temperature or whisk it into the warm sauce gradually.
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Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning at each step. You want those rich flavors of the Chicken Florentine to shine!
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Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices in, resulting in a tender bite.
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Customizable Greens: Feel free to experiment with different greens! Adding kale or Swiss chard offers a unique twist and a boost in nutrition.
Chicken Florentine Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for Chicken Florentine?
For this recipe, boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer something richer and juicier, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for a more flavorful option.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in Chicken Florentine?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works just fine. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to your sauce. This will help maintain the integrity of the creamy texture without making the sauce watery.
How should I store leftover Chicken Florentine?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will keep all the creamy goodness intact. If you’re planning to keep it longer, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If you find that your chicken Florentine sauce has thickened more than you’d like, worry not! Simply add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream while gently stirring over low heat. This should bring the sauce back to a creamy consistency.
Can I make Chicken Florentine ahead of time?
Of course! The creamy sauce can be made a day in advance. If you do this, store it separately in the fridge to maintain its freshness and flavor. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove before adding the freshly cooked chicken for the best results.
Is Chicken Florentine suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Definitely! You can easily make this dish gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Rest assured; you won’t miss out on the delicious flavor or texture in your Chicken Florentine recipe!
Irresistible Chicken Florentine: A Comforting Weeknight Feast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine flour, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper on a plate. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown, approximately 4 minutes per side.
- In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, then add minced shallots and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in white wine and chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits. Add basil and oregano, simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until smooth and thickened, about 6 minutes.
- Fold in the baby spinach, cooking just until wilted, about 1 minute. Return chicken to skillet and simmer for another 4-5 minutes.
- Serve by plating chicken and spooning sauce over it. Garnish with grated Parmesan.