Chicken Florentine

There’s something truly heartwarming about preparing a dish like Chicken Florentine. I remember the first time I experimented with this recipe in my cozy kitchen. The aroma of sautéed garlic mingled with the generous cream sauce filled the air, instantly transporting me to a quaint Italian bistro. I could almost hear the clinking of wine glasses and the laughter of friends gathered around the table. This dish is not just about the flavors; it’s about the memories created around the dinner table, the smiles shared with loved ones, and the joy of cooking something comforting and rich. When I serve Chicken Florentine, I know I’m sharing a piece of my heart. It makes any evening feel special, turning an ordinary meal into a celebration of flavors.

Ingredients Overview for Chicken Florentine

When it comes to making Chicken Florentine, the quality and freshness of your ingredients play a crucial role. Each component complements the others harmoniously, creating a cohesive and delightful dish. The stars of this recipe include succulent chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich cream sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

• 2 medium chicken breasts: The backbone of the dish, providing protein and substance. Make sure to choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: This is used to dredge the chicken, giving it a delightful crust when sautéed.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish, making the sauce velvety smooth.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This blends beautifully with the butter, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a delightful aroma and flavor to the Chicken Florentine.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to the dish.
• 4 garlic cloves: Minced garlic gives depth and a savory kick to the sauce.
• ¼ cup chicken broth: A key ingredient for deglazing the pan and adding moisture to the sauce.
• ¾ cup heavy cream: This creates the creamy sauce, making Chicken Florentine indulgent and rich.
• 2 cups spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down beautifully, adding color and nutrition to the dish.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: This cheese melts into the sauce, providing a savory finish.

The Method for Chicken Florentine

Preparing Chicken Florentine is a straightforward process that results in a dish bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into the steps to create this culinary delight.

1. Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise. This ensures that the cutlets are even in thickness, which helps them cook uniformly. Using a meat tenderizer, pound them gently until they reach an even thickness of about half an inch.
2. Next, season each cutlet generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides. This seasoning is crucial for enhancing the flavors of the chicken as it cooks.
3. Now, dredge each cutlet in all-purpose flour on both sides. This step is essential for creating a nice crust as the chicken browns in the skillet.
4. In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. The combination of the two fats adds flavor and prevents the butter from burning.
5. Place the floured chicken cutlets in the skillet and brown them for about four to five minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
6. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
7. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir, allowing the herbs to infuse their flavor into the garlic for about one minute. This step elevates the overall taste of the dish.
8. Next, deglaze the pan by adding chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet with a wooden spoon; this adds depth to the sauce.
9. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. This will create the luscious sauce that makes Chicken Florentine so delicious.
10. Add the spinach and Parmesan cheese to the pan, stirring until the spinach wilts and combines with the sauce. The cheese should melt beautifully, enriching the sauce.
11. Return the chicken to the pan, allowing it to simmer in the sauce on low heat until heated through. This step melds all the flavors together.
12. Finally, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan and stir until melted, giving the sauce an extra touch of richness.
13. Serve your Chicken Florentine with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Helpful Hints

Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken Florentine turns out perfect every time. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, these hints can enhance your cooking experience.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but I recommend freezing the chicken and sauce separately to maintain quality.
• Pairing: Serve this dish with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A light white wine can also complement the flavors if you’re enjoying this for a special occasion.
• Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

What to Serve With Chicken Florentine

• Pasta: This dish goes beautifully with fettuccine or penne. The sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, making every bite delicious.
• Rice: A side of fluffy white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes continue the comfort theme and pair wonderfully with Chicken Florentine.
• Vegetable Sides: Consider serving steamed broccoli or a salad for a fresh contrast to the rich flavor of the dish.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even date nights.
• Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy Chicken Florentine year-round, but it’s particularly comforting in cooler months when you crave something warm and hearty.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken Florentine is a dish that beautifully combines simplicity with rich flavors, making it a standout recipe for any dinner table. I encourage you to try making it yourself and experience the joy it brings. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish promises a warm, satisfying meal that will be remembered long after it’s gone.

Chicken Florentine

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Florentine is a creamy, flavorful dish that will satisfy any craving. Tender chicken is paired with fresh spinach and rich cream, making it an easy weeknight dinner that feels special. You'll want to make this delicious recipe tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium Chicken breasts
• ¼ cup All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter divided
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
• 4 cloves Garlic minced
• ¼ cup Chicken broth I used low sodium
• ¾ cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Spinach
• ½ cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Grater
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Saucepan

Method

 

1. Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise. This ensures that the cutlets are even in thickness, which helps them cook uniformly. Using a meat tenderizer, pound them gently until they reach an even thickness of about half an inch.
2. Next, season each cutlet generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides. This seasoning is crucial for enhancing the flavors of the chicken as it cooks.
3. Now, dredge each cutlet in all-purpose flour on both sides. This step is essential for creating a nice crust as the chicken browns in the skillet.
4. In a large skillet, melt unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. The combination of the two fats adds flavor and prevents the butter from burning.
5. Place the floured chicken cutlets in the skillet and brown them for about four to five minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
6. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
7. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir, allowing the herbs to infuse their flavor into the garlic for about one minute. This step elevates the overall taste of the dish.
8. Next, deglaze the pan by adding chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet with a wooden spoon; this adds depth to the sauce.
9. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. This will create the luscious sauce that makes Chicken Florentine so delicious.
10. Add the spinach and Parmesan cheese to the pan, stirring until the spinach wilts and combines with the sauce. The cheese should melt beautifully, enriching the sauce.
11. Return the chicken to the pan, allowing it to simmer in the sauce on low heat until heated through. This step melds all the flavors together.
12. Finally, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan and stir until melted, giving the sauce an extra touch of richness.
13. Serve your Chicken Florentine with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Notes

• Tip: If you can't fit 4 cutlets in your pan, fry 2 at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan or the chicken will boil in its juices.
• Tip: I highly recommend using fresh spinach in this dish; frozen and thawed spinach has a distinct flavor and can overpower the sauce.
• Tip: Use Parmesan cheese in a wedge, not the stuff from a green bottle, please.
• Tip: I used heavy whipping cream to make the sauce but half and half or evaporated milk works great too; you may need to whisk in a teaspoon or two of cornstarch to ensure the sauce will thicken.

Previous PostChicken Ranch Wraps

Next Post Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks

Meet Maya Warren

Our main recipe developer and resident forager. My passion is cooking with what the season gives us, whether it’s wild mushrooms from the woods or fresh berries from the garden. I work with Chloe to create our main dishes and with Tessa on new flavor ideas for her bakes. I love the challenge of turning a fresh, raw ingredient into something magical.