The aroma of chicken sautéing in a buttery garlic sauce, mingling with the earthy scent of spinach, fills the kitchen. This is not just any dish; it’s comfort food: Chicken Florentine that hugs you from the inside out, whispering sweet nothings of creamy goodness while your taste buds dance. Picture this: a golden-brown chicken breast topped with vibrant green spinach and a velvety cream sauce, transforming an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.
I still remember the first time I made comfort food: Chicken Florentine for my friends. Their delighted faces lit up brighter than the candles on my birthday cake. We laughed, we ate, and most importantly, we savored every delicious bite. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish promises to be a showstopper that leaves everyone asking for seconds. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner options recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This comforting Chicken Florentine recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners
- The rich flavors and creamy texture make it irresistible to anyone who tries it
- Its vibrant colors will have your guests oohing and aahing at your cooking skills
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with pasta or serve over rice!
Sharing this dish with loved ones brings back warm memories of laughter and joy around the table.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose 3-4 breasts depending on your crowd; they cook evenly and absorb flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Spinach: Use baby spinach for a tender texture that wilts perfectly into the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The secret behind that luscious sauce; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; they really elevate the flavor profile of this dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own for maximum flavor impact; trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds depth and richness to sautéed ingredients.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together harmoniously; adjust them according to taste.
- Lemon Juice: A splash brightens flavors beautifully; don’t leave it out!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Chicken: Start by seasoning each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Sear the Chicken Breasts: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The delightful sizzling sound will make your mouth water!
Add Garlic and Spinach : Once cooked, remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—then toss in fresh spinach until wilted.
Create the Creamy Sauce : Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted, creating a rich sauce that coats every ingredient beautifully.
Combine Everything : Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece generously. Allow everything to simmer together for about 3-5 minutes so flavors meld together seamlessly.
Add Finishing Touches : Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving for an added brightness that complements all those creamy flavors perfectly.
Now you’ve created an incredible comfort food: Chicken Florentine that will have everyone coming back for more! Serve it over pasta or rice for a satisfying meal everyone will adore.
You Must Know
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then remove it and cook garlic and spinach in the same pan. Add cream and simmer before returning the chicken to finish cooking. This method maximizes flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the spinach with kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top can elevate your dish even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Florentine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream to keep it smooth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F internally
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to enhance flavors
- Fresh ingredients will elevate this dish significantly, so avoid stale spices!
Memories of sharing this dish with friends during a rainy dinner party always warm my heart. Their delighted reactions made all the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
What can I serve with Chicken Florentine?
Pasta, rice, or crusty bread pair perfectly with this comforting dish.
Can I make Chicken Florentine ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a day in advance; just reheat gently before serving.
Is Chicken Florentine suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s a great candidate for meal prep and reheats wonderfully throughout the week.
Chicken Florentine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Florentine is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken breasts with fresh spinach and a rich, creamy garlic sauce. This delectable dish not only satisfies your cravings but also impresses your guests with its vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions, Chicken Florentine is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- 1. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 2. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- 3. In the same pan, reduce heat slightly and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- 4. Pour in heavy cream, scraping browned bits off the pan. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted, creating a creamy sauce.
- 5. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, and simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- 6. Finish with a splash of lemon juice before serving over pasta or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 185mg