Thinking about Chicken Florentine already makes me smile—it’s that dreamy 5‑ingredient wonder that turns a hectic evening into dinner perfection. Whether you’re rushing home after work or feeding a family on the fly, this dish has your back with creamy comfort and elegant flair.
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Why You’ll Adore This Chicken Florentine
This Chicken Florentine hits the sweet spot between fancy and fuss-free. It’s a one‑pan meal with minimal prep, but the creamy Parmesan spinach sauce gives it chef‑level flair. Ideal for impressing loved ones without sacrificing sanity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Spinach: 6 cups fresh (or 3 cups frozen, thawed & drained)
- Cream: ½ cup heavy cream or half‑and‑half
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup freshly grated
- Garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced
- Butter + Olive Oil: 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chicken Broth: ½ cup
- Seasoning: 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt & pepper to taste
Simple Step‑by‑Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
2. Whip Up the Sauce
- Add garlic to the skillet; sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits—those are flavor gold!
- Stir in cream and Parmesan until silky.
3. Add Spinach + Bring It Together
- Toss in spinach, cooking until just wilted.
- Nestle chicken back into the skillet; spoon sauce over it.
- Simmer 5 minutes so flavors mingle and sauce thickens slightly.
Chef’s Tips & Tricks
- Lumpy sauce fix: Don’t stress if it looks a tad chunky—just whisk vigorously, and it smooths out.
- Keep it moist: Don’t overcook the chicken; internal temps around 165°F ensure juiciness.
- Brothy twist: Swap chicken broth for white wine for extra zing (mom tip: great for a glass while cooking).
A Quick Story from Me
I first whipped up this Chicken Florentine after a long school‑pickup afternoon. My kids sniffed around the kitchen (they love spinach, thankfully!), and before I knew it, the plate came back empty—kids ask for seconds? That’s my kind of win!
FAQs About Chicken Florentine
Can I swap spinach with kale?
Absolutely—just cook kale a bit longer until tender, and reduce the broth slightly to maintain creaminess.
How should I store leftovers?
Let it cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently—add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
What does Chicken Florentine taste like?
It’s rich, creamy, and garlicky with a savory blend of Parmesan and tender spinach—basically comfort food heaven in a skillet.
Where did Chicken Florentine originate?
The dish has Italian roots, specifically Florence (hence the name), where spinach is a beloved staple. But the creamy sauce twist? That’s totally French-inspired flair!
How long is Chicken Florentine good for in the fridge?
You can safely store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
How long do you cook Florentine chicken for?
The chicken usually needs 4–5 minutes per side to get golden and fully cooked, plus an additional 5 minutes simmering in the sauce to lock in all those flavors.
Dinner Magic, Wrapped in One Pan
There’s something so comforting about simmering creamy Chicken Florentine filling the kitchen with garlic and Parmesan. For busy women (and men) juggling careers, families, and a million to‑dos, this dish delivers warmth, flavor, and that extra touch of love—without taking half your evening.
Go ahead—serve it on your prettiest plates, and enjoy every bit of that delicious, comforting moment you just created.
Keep the Chicken Magic Going: More Creamy Chicken Favorites to Try
If this Chicken Florentine made your taste buds dance, you’re in for a real treat with more creamy, cozy chicken recipes from the Chicken Magic kitchen! Here are a few delicious dishes that pair perfectly with your new favorite Florentine:
- Try the indulgent comfort of Melt-in-Your-Mouth Caesar Chicken for another creamy weeknight lifesaver.
- Craving something with bold flavor and elegance? You’ll love French Onion Stuffed Chicken—it’s rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Keep it fresh and wholesome with a one-pan wonder like the Sheet Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Zucchini.
- For a healthy, skillet-style comfort meal, don’t miss the Healthy Chicken Pomodoro Skillet—a perfect balance of fresh and filling.
No matter your mood or menu, these dishes are here to make dinnertime feel magical all over again!
Print
Chicken Florentine
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, this Chicken Florentine is a one-pan meal featuring golden seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce with wilted spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving cozy Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 cups fresh spinach (or 3 cups thawed frozen spinach)
Instructions
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add spinach and cook until wilted.
Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer 5 more minutes.
Serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Swap spinach for kale if you prefer a heartier green.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg