Chicken Florentine

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Chicken Florentine is a dish that combines tender, seared chicken with a rich and creamy spinach-infused sauce. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with a fresh green salad, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. With a perfect balance of flavor and texture, Chicken Florentine is both elegant and comforting. In this blog, we’ll go over everything you need to know about making this delicious dish, including tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with Chicken Florentine! Here are just a few:

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of half and half, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese creates an incredibly smooth and luscious sauce that coats every bite.
• Packed with Flavor: From the garlic-infused sauce to the perfectly seasoned chicken, every element of this dish brings out rich and comforting flavors.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve it with pasta, rice, or even a side of roasted vegetables – this dish complements a variety of sides.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer adding mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a bit of spice, this recipe is adaptable to your taste preferences.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Skip the expensive restaurant meal – this recipe brings the flavors of a gourmet dish right to your kitchen.
• Nutritious & Satisfying: With protein-rich chicken and nutrient-packed spinach, you get a balanced meal that’s both hearty and healthy.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make a delicious Chicken Florentine, you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons butter

Chicken Dredge:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ cup flour
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Florentine Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 ½ cups white wine or chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 1/3 cup softened cream cheese
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• ½ fresh lemon or 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing saran wrap over each chicken breast and use a meat tenderizer to pound it to about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tenderness. Then, pat the chicken dry.

2. Coat the Chicken

In a shallow dish, combine the chicken dredge ingredients: salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, flour, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Coat the chicken breasts in the mixture, tapping off any excess.

3. Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. To maintain an even sear, avoid moving the chicken too much while it’s cooking. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits. Let the mixture bubble gently until it reduces by half (about 5 minutes).

5. Add the Cream

Warm the half and half in the microwave for about 40 seconds, then slowly add it to the skillet while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat to low.

6. Stir in the Cream Cheese

Add the softened cream cheese and stir until smooth and fully incorporated into the sauce.

7. Add the Spinach

Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. If desired, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy contrast.

8. Return the Chicken to the Pan

Place the seared chicken back into the pan along with any accumulated juices. Cover the skillet and let everything heat through for a few minutes.

9. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Chicken Florentine pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Florentine

• Pound the chicken evenly: This ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
• Let the chicken sit out: Bringing the chicken to room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
• Use a combination of butter and olive oil: This helps achieve a golden sear without burning the butter.
• Deglaze properly: Scraping up the browned bits from the pan after searing the chicken gives the sauce extra depth of flavor.
• Keep the chicken undisturbed while cooking: This helps form a beautiful golden crust.

Variations and Add-Ons

Chicken Florentine is already a flavor-packed dish, but here are some ideas to customize it:

• Add mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms before adding the garlic for an earthy depth.
• Include sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet contrast.
• Try capers: A briny addition that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
• Use frozen spinach: If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.

What to Serve with Chicken Florentine

• Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work beautifully.
• Rice: White rice, wild rice, or risotto are great options.
• Garlic bread: To soak up the creamy sauce.
• Roasted vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, zucchini, or carrots makes for a well-rounded meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work well and add even more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the sauce and sear the chicken in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add the chicken back to the pan to warm through.

Can I make this dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute half and half with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Florentine is a rich, creamy dish that feels elegant but is easy enough to make on a weeknight. With its luscious sauce, perfectly seared chicken, and fresh spinach, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish will always be a hit!

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