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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. This will create the luscious sauce that makes Chicken Florentine so delicious.
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.
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.
Finally, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan and stir until melted, giving the sauce an extra touch of richness.
Serve your Chicken Florentine with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
