Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Chicken Florentine is a rich, elegant dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce with wilted spinach. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The creamy texture, savory herbs, and fresh greens strike the perfect balance of indulgent and wholesome.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastsflour (for dredging)olive oilbuttergarlicshallot (optional)chicken brothheavy creamparmesan cheesebaby spinachItalian seasoningsaltblack pepperlemon juice (optional, for brightness)fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, season with salt and pepper, and lightly dredge in flour.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add more butter if needed and sauté minced garlic and shallot until fragrant.

Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Stir in heavy cream, parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Add baby spinach and cook until wilted.

Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use boneless thighs for a juicier cut of chicken.

Add mushrooms for an earthier flavor.

Swap cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.

Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the sauce.

Top with sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave—add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.Not ideal for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

What does “Florentine” mean?

It refers to dishes made with spinach, a nod to Florence, Italy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour or skip dredging the chicken.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.

What’s the best way to pound chicken?

Place it between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just warm it in the sauce at the end.

Do I have to use parmesan?

Parmesan adds flavor, but you can use Romano or Grana Padano.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use a larger pan and adjust cooking times slightly.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Florentine is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for entertaining. With its rich sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach, it’s a satisfying dish that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides. Simple, classic, and sure to impress, this recipe is a keeper.