Chicken Florentine Recipe

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Creamy, rich, and bursting with savory flavor, this Chicken Florentine recipe is an absolute classic for a reason. Perfectly seared chicken breasts are nestled into a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce loaded with tender spinach—a dish that looks elegant but comes together with simple ingredients in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just want to treat yourself to something restaurant-quality at home, Chicken Florentine delivers every time. It’s comforting without being heavy, and the flavor of the creamy spinach sauce pairs beautifully with the golden-browned chicken.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Florentine Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s quick, easy, made in one pan, and tastes like it came out of a gourmet kitchen. The balance of earthy spinach, creamy garlic sauce, and juicy chicken creates a dish that feels indulgent yet still wholesome. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together—perfect for weeknights, yet fancy enough for entertaining.

Plus, it pairs beautifully with everything from pasta and mashed potatoes to cauliflower rice or crusty bread.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common cut for Chicken Florentine because they cook quickly and soak up the sauce well. If you’d like a juicier cut, boneless thighs also work beautifully and add more richness.

Make sure the chicken is patted dry and seasoned before searing to get that perfect golden-brown crust. You can also butterfly thicker breasts or pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.

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Ingredients for the Chicken Florentine

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in creating the rich, comforting flavors that define Chicken Florentine.

• Chicken breasts – The base protein, pan-seared until golden and juicy.
• Olive oil and butter – For searing the chicken and creating a rich base for the sauce.
• Garlic – Adds aromatic depth to the creamy sauce.
• Shallots or onions – Brings a delicate sweetness and enhances the savory flavor.
• Baby spinach – A classic element of Florentine dishes, wilted into the sauce.
• Heavy cream – Creates the luxurious, creamy base of the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Chicken broth – Balances the cream with a savory note and lightens the texture.
• Salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes – For seasoning and a hint of heat.

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How To Make the Chicken Florentine

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden-brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add more butter if needed. Sauté the shallots (or onions) and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese and let the sauce thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

Add the spinach and cook until just wilted, stirring gently to coat in the sauce.

Step 5: Return the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

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Serving and Storing Your Chicken Florentine

This recipe serves 4 people, making it ideal for a family dinner or dinner-for-two with leftovers.

To store, let the dish cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Avoid freezing the sauce, as cream-based sauces tend to separate when thawed.

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What to Serve With Chicken Florentine?

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy potatoes are the perfect companion to soak up that rich, garlicky sauce.

Buttered Noodles

A quick and easy side that complements the creamy flavors without overpowering.

Steamed Rice

Fluffy rice offers a simple base to balance the rich sauce.

Roasted Asparagus

Crisp, roasted asparagus adds texture and brightness to the meal.

Crusty Bread

Ideal for scooping up every drop of that creamy spinach sauce.

Cauliflower Mash

For a lower-carb option, creamy cauliflower mash pairs beautifully.

Simple Garden Salad

A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before adding to the sauce.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! As long as you serve it with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash or steamed vegetables, it’s very keto-friendly.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free parmesan alternatives, but the flavor and texture will change slightly.

Can I prep this in advance?
You can sear the chicken and prep the sauce ingredients in advance, but it’s best to cook the sauce fresh for best consistency.

Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless thighs work great and add extra juiciness and flavor.

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Let me know how your version turned out! Did you use chicken breasts or thighs? Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes?

Drop your tweaks or questions below and let’s get inspired by each other!

Explore creamy, comforting, and easy dinner recipes on Tanya Recipes on Pinterest for more delicious ideas.

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