This Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine is a cozy dish with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner!
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up on a busy night. I usually serve mine over pasta, and let’s be honest, who can resist that creamy goodness? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you prefer dark meat, feel free to use thighs! They’ll add a rich flavor.
Heavy Cream: This gives a luxurious texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan provides the best flavor. If you don’t have any, shredded mozzarella or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) works too.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is wonderful, but frozen spinach can be used in a pinch. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the sauce.
How do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
To keep your chicken juicy, cook it on medium-high heat just until it’s golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside, usually 5-7 minutes per side. Don’t forget to let it rest for a few minutes after cooking for the juices to redistribute!
What’s the Best Way to Thicken the Sauce?
For a creamy and thick sauce, add the Parmesan cheese after the broth and cream. Stir continuously while it heats to avoid clumping. If the sauce seems too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes!
How Do I Know When the Spinach is Done?
When you add spinach, cook it on medium-low heat until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. It should be bright green and tender but not overcooked.
Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cooking time, for a total of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step adds a lot of flavor to your dish!
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
Next, in the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it gets nice and fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Making the Sauce:
Now it’s time to bring in the flavor! Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine everything. This creates a rich base for your sauce.
5. Adding Cheese and Seasoning:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and the Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
6. Cooking the Spinach:
Lower the heat to medium-low, then add the fresh spinach and butter. Cook this for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted down and is tender.
7. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure to spoon the creamy spinach sauce over the top. Let it heat through for about 2 more minutes so the flavors blend together nicely.
8. Serving:
Serve your creamy Chicken Florentine warm, ideally over cooked pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a truly comforting meal!
Enjoy your creamy, delicious Chicken Florentine!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it first! For quick thawing, place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water. This method typically takes about 30-60 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you need a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that these alternatives may alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture. Just sauté them along with the garlic for about 2-3 minutes before adding the cream.
