The Best Chicken Florentine Recipe

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When I set out to create the best Chicken Florentine recipe, I knew it had to be comforting, creamy, and full of flavor without being overly complicated. This dish is one of those timeless classics that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight. The way tender chicken is smothered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with fresh spinach never fails to impress.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, perfecting the balance of herbs and cream to complement the spinach rather than overpower it. The silky sauce clings to the juicy chicken, and every bite feels indulgent without being heavy. I even love watching the spinach wilt just so into the sauce—it’s the perfect way to sneak in some greens while still enjoying something cozy.

For me, Chicken Florentine is more than just a meal; it’s a little bit of culinary magic in under 30 minutes. It’s become a favorite in my home, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent place in yours too.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Florentine Recipe

This Chicken Florentine recipe combines simplicity and elegance in a way few dishes can. You’ll love how quickly it comes together with minimal prep, yet feels like something you’d order at a fine restaurant. The creamy sauce is balanced by the earthiness of fresh spinach, and the chicken is seared to golden perfection before finishing in the sauce. It’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze and leaving you more time to enjoy every delicious bite.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts are the star of this recipe, providing a lean and tender protein that soaks up all that creamy sauce. Fresh spinach is essential to bring a pop of color and a subtle earthiness that makes this dish feel light and wholesome. Garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth. Heavy cream creates the silky texture that defines Chicken Florentine, while chicken broth helps balance the richness. Grated Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty finish. Olive oil and butter are used for searing and building flavor in the pan. Finally, a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning ties everything together perfectly.

How to Make The Best Chicken Florentine Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce slightly, then stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring it into the creamy sauce until just wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top, and let everything simmer for another minute. Serve hot, spooning plenty of sauce and spinach over the chicken on each plate.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

One of my favorite things about Chicken Florentine is how easy it is to adapt. You can swap the chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut. If you’d rather avoid cream, try using half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or even a dairy-free creamer for a vegan-friendly version. Fresh baby spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard, though they take a little longer to wilt. For a cheesier finish, sprinkle mozzarella on top and broil for a few minutes until bubbly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Chicken Florentine pairs beautifully with a side of pasta, especially fettuccine or angel hair to soak up the luscious sauce. It’s also wonderful with a simple bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes. I like to add a fresh green salad and maybe a crisp glass of white wine for a complete and elegant dinner. You can also serve it with crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken. This dish isn’t ideal for freezing because the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

What makes this the best Chicken Florentine recipe?

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and fresh, vibrant spinach, while being easy enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for guests.

Can I make the best Chicken Florentine recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but wait to add the spinach until just before serving so it stays fresh and bright.

How can I make the best Chicken Florentine recipe lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and serve it with a big salad or steamed vegetables instead of pasta.

Can I use frozen spinach for the best Chicken Florentine recipe?

Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly before adding it to the sauce. It won’t have quite the same texture as fresh, but it works well.

What should I serve with the best Chicken Florentine recipe?

Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, and crusty bread all make excellent companions to this creamy chicken dish.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you loved this Chicken Florentine, you’ll definitely enjoy my Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken Recipe for another comforting chicken dish packed with flavor. You might also want to try the Roasted Zucchini and Squash as a vibrant, veggie-packed side. And for another creamy, decadent dinner, don’t miss my Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta, which is perfect for pasta lovers.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to save this Chicken Florentine recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can find it again anytime! You can also share it with your friends and family on Facebook or Instagram so everyone can enjoy this delicious, comforting meal. It’s too good not to pass along!

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