Some meals just feel like a warm hug, and this Creamy Chicken Florentine is one of them! 💛 Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken breasts bathed in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce, paired with fresh, vibrant spinach for a perfect balance of indulgence and freshness. The touch of lemon juice brightens up the flavors, making this dish creamy, comforting, yet light and refreshing.
This quick and easy Chicken Florentine recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a date night meal, or even an impressive dish for guests. Whether served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, every bite is packed with delicious, creamy goodness.
🍽️ What is Chicken Florentine?
Chicken Florentine is a classic French-Italian dish that features chicken cooked in a creamy, buttery sauce with fresh spinach. The term “Florentine” in cooking refers to dishes inspired by Florence, Italy, typically involving spinach and a creamy sauce.
This dish is known for its delicate yet bold flavors, with the rich Parmesan cream sauce complementing the earthy taste of spinach. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily make at home in just 30 minutes!
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Florentine Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
✔️ Rich & Creamy: The garlicky Parmesan sauce is velvety smooth and packed with flavor.
✔️ Healthy Twist: Fresh baby spinach adds nutrition and a pop of color.
✔️ Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with the whole family!
🥘 Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Florentine
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (for brightness and balance)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
🕒 Prep & Cook Time:
✅ Prep Time: 10 minutes
✅ Cook Time: 20 minutes
✅ Total Time: 30 minutes
✅ Servings: 4
🥄 How to Make Chicken Florentine
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the pan (this adds flavor!). Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3️⃣ Add the Cream & Spinach:
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using).
- Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using) for a bit of spice.
4️⃣ Combine & Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
- Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice for a fresh, bright finish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
🍝 What to Serve with Chicken Florentine
This creamy, garlicky Chicken Florentine pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
🍝 Over Pasta: Serve with fettuccine, linguine, or penne to soak up the rich sauce.
🍚 With Rice: A side of steamed jasmine or basmati rice complements the flavors perfectly.
🥔 Over Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make the dish extra comforting!
🥖 With Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up the sauce!
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Florentine
✔️ For an extra rich sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
✔️ Add more lemon juice or a splash of white wine for extra tang.
✔️ Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
✔️ Want a keto version? Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice!
🥗 Variations & Additions
Looking to put a unique twist on your Chicken Florentine? Try these variations:
1. Mushroom Chicken Florentine 🍄
Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for a savory, umami-packed dish!
2. Sun-Dried Tomato Florentine 🍅
Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy kick.
3. Creamy Tuscan Chicken 🍃
Add basil, oregano, and roasted garlic for a Tuscan-inspired version.
4. Spicy Chicken Florentine 🌶
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick!
🔥 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make Chicken Florentine Ahead of Time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
2. Can I Freeze Chicken Florentine?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months and add fresh chicken when reheating.
3. What If My Sauce Is Too Thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
4. Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Yes! Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.
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🍗 Creamy Chicken Florentine – Comfort in Every Bite!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Some meals just feel like a warm hug, and this Creamy Chicken Florentine is one of them! 💛 Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce with fresh spinach—every bite is pure comfort. The touch of lemon juice brightens up the flavors, making this dish feel indulgent yet refreshing. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temp). Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3️⃣ Add the Cream & Spinach: Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using). Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
4️⃣ Combine & Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and garnish with parsley. Serve hot!
Notes
✔️ For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 430 per serving
- Sodium: 550mg per serving
- Fat: 30g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 8g per serving
- Protein: 32g per serving
Final Thoughts – The Best Creamy Chicken Florentine!
This easy Chicken Florentine recipe is everything you need for a quick, comforting, and restaurant-worthy meal. With tender, juicy chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and nutritious spinach, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this delicious creamy chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite!