Chicken Florentine Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, creamy, and comforting dinner that doesn’t take all night to whip up, let me introduce you to your new favorite: Chicken Florentine Recipe. This rich and hearty dish brings together juicy seared chicken, garlicky spinach, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce—all made in one skillet in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, impressing dinner guests, or just need something foolproof and delicious on a weeknight, this Chicken Florentine Recipe hits every note. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

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What Is Chicken Florentine?

Let’s kick things off with a little backstory. The term “Florentine” in cooking refers to dishes made with spinach—an Italian nod to Florence, the land of bold flavors and buttery sauces. So when we talk about Chicken Florentine, we’re talking about a creamy chicken and spinach recipe that’s basically a warm hug in a bowl (or plate, if you’re classy).

Here’s the best part: this dish isn’t just for fancy dinners. It’s just as perfect for a weeknight meal as it is for a dinner party. With minimal ingredients and big flavor, Chicken Florentine makes you look like you really know your way around a skillet—even if you just learned how to defrost chicken last week.

Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Florentine Recipe

This is where the magic starts. Here’s what you need to make this dreamy, creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe come to life:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you’re a dark meat lover)
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium if you can)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)

Optional but awesome:

• A pinch of red pepper flakes
• Squeeze of lemon juice

Need more creamy meal ideas?
Explore this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup

How to Make Chicken Florentine: Step-by-Step Instructions

This Chicken Florentine Recipe is a one-pan wonder. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep and Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry (this helps with that golden crust). Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make That Creamy Florentine Sauce

Lower the heat a bit. In the same skillet (no need to wash—those browned bits are flavor gold), add your minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds.

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the tasty bits with a wooden spoon.

Next, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.

3. Add Spinach and Reunite With Chicken

Toss in the spinach and stir until just wilted. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s well-drained—nobody wants watery sauce.

Return the chicken to the pan and spoon some of that creamy goodness over each piece. Simmer everything together for about 5 minutes, just to let the flavors get cozy.

Looking for more skillet dinners?
Try our Baked Caprese Chicken Skillet Recipe

Tips for the Best Chicken Florentine Recipe

• Fresh is best: Go for fresh spinach and Parmesan if you can. It really makes a difference.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Once it hits 165°F internally, it’s done. Overcooked chicken = dry chicken.
• Thin out or thicken the sauce: Want it lighter? Use milk. Thicker? Stir in a cornstarch slurry.
• Use one skillet: Less mess, more flavor.

For a creamy variation you’ll love, check out this Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Recipe

What to Serve With Chicken Florentine

This dish is begging for a sidekick. Here are some of our favorite pairings:

• Fettuccine or linguine (classic move)
• Steamed rice or mashed potatoes
• Garlic bread or crusty artisan loaf (to mop up every drop)
• Roasted veggies (like asparagus or carrots)

Chicken Florentine Recipe Variations

This Chicken Florentine Recipe is super flexible. Here’s how you can remix it:

• Keto Version: Ditch the flour and pasta. Serve over zucchini noodles and thicken sauce with a pinch of xanthan gum.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a plant-based Parmesan alternative. Still creamy, still dreamy.
• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthier twist.

Looking for high-protein dinner ideas?
Discover 5 Delicious High-Protein Dishes

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Florentine

Storing:

• Let leftovers cool completely before storing.
• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze (without pasta) for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Warm on low heat in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream.
• Microwave is fine too, just go slow to avoid rubbery chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Related Recipes

Here are some other crave-worthy meals you’ll love:

• Try this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef – Perfect pasta side or main dish with creamy, garlicky goodness.
• Explore this Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup – Another creamy favorite, perfect for soup season (or any season, honestly).
• Don’t miss this Homemade Lasagna Recipe – Layers of love, cheese, and Italian flavor in every bite.

Chicken Florentine Recipe

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Juicy chicken breasts, garlicky spinach, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce all come together in one skillet for the ultimate comforting dinner.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
• Optional: squeeze of lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping browned bits.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
6. Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over each piece. Simmer for 5 more minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

Use fresh spinach and Parmesan for the best flavor. Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy. Adjust sauce consistency with cream or a slurry as needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a Chicken Florentine Recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and totally doable on a weeknight. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and that pop of spinach come together in one skillet to make dinner feel a little fancy without any of the fuss.

Whether you’re a busy parent juggling dinner and homework, a student tired of cafeteria food, or just someone who loves a good creamy chicken dish—this one’s got your back. Keep it in your rotation and don’t be surprised when it becomes your new go-to.

Want to mix things up or find more easy dinners to keep the kitchen exciting? We’ve got plenty of ideas.

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