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Chicken Florentine is a weeknight favorite in my kitchen thanks to its perfectly golden chicken breasts nestled in a creamy spinach sauce that feels both comforting and elegant. Whenever I want a dish that impresses but still fits right into our family routine, this recipe delivers every time. Pair it with pasta or rice or keep it simple with salad and bread to soak up every last drop of sauce.
When I first tried this recipe it was after a long workday and cooking it felt like giving our regular chicken dinner a restaurant twist. Since then it has become my reliable go to whenever guests drop by unexpectedly.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: perfect for juicy and tender results look for breasts of even thickness
- Olive oil: brings out the rich flavor and helps get that perfect golden crust use a good quality extra virgin oil
- Butter: makes everything taste better and gives the sauce depth always use real unsalted butter if possible
- Salt and pepper: for balancing flavors freshly ground black pepper is best
- Italian seasoning: layers in an herbaceous depth choose a blend that contains oregano basil and thyme for authentic flavor
- Flour: helps seal in juices and creates a light crust use all purpose flour for best results
- Parmesan cheese: finely shredded gives the breading a cheesy finish use real Parmigiano Reggiano for authentic flavor
- Garlic powder: punches up overall savoriness use fresh for the sauce but powder for dredging
- Fresh garlic: four cloves minced infuses the sauce with aromatic base flavor
- White wine or chicken broth: builds the sauce pick a dry white wine you would drink or a good homemade broth
- Half and half: gives the sauce its dreamy creamy consistency opt for high quality for a richer taste
- Cream cheese: softened creates a super silky sauce always bring to room temperature for easy blending
- Fresh spinach: three cups this is the heart of Florentine buy crisp deep green leaves
- Lemon or lemon juice: adds bright freshness and lifts the sauce squeeze your own juice for best taste
- Fresh parsley: for garnish brings color and a hint of flavor choose flat leaf parsley for best results
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pound the Chicken:
- Lay chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until they are half an inch thick and even throughout. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
- Mix and Dredge:
- Combine flour Parmesan salt pepper Italian seasoning and garlic powder in a bowl. Dredge each chicken breast well coating both sides and gently shake off extra flour. This step builds the perfect crust.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high. Lay chicken in making sure not to crowd the pan. Cover and cook each side for about five minutes until deeply golden and cooked through. If needed cook in batches. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Deglaze the Pan:
- Turn off heat and pour in wine or broth then turn heat back to medium. Use a silicone spatula to gently scrape up any browned bits from the pan as these boost the sauce’s flavor. Let the liquid simmer until reduced by half about seven minutes. Stir in minced garlic in the last minute.
- Make the Sauce:
- Microwave half and half for forty seconds to warm it slightly. Slowly stir it into the reduction letting everything bubble gently. Lower the heat and mix in softened cream cheese whisking until completely blended and smooth.
- Wilt the Spinach:
- Add fresh spinach to the pan in batches folding gently until fully wilted but still bright green. Squeeze in lemon juice if using for added zest.
- Return Chicken to Finish:
- Nestle cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over top cover and warm gently for a few minutes. Scatter with fresh parsley just before serving.
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What I love most about making Chicken Florentine is the transformation as handfuls of spinach wilt into the creamy sauce and the kitchen fills with the garlic butter aroma. My family always hovers around the stove eager to steal a saucy taste.
Storage Tips
Chicken Florentine keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat place leftovers in a skillet over low heat and gently stir until warmed through to prevent the sauce from splitting. For longer storage portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Ingredient Substitutions
No half and half Use equal parts milk and heavy cream for a similar texture. If you do not have wine try all chicken broth. Spinach can easily be swapped for baby kale. To make it gluten free dredge the chicken with a one to one gluten free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal serve with buttered fettuccine or a fluffy bed of rice to soak up the sauce. Crisp roasted asparagus or a fresh green salad balances out the richness. Warm crusty bread is always welcome to mop up anything left on the plate.
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Cultural and Historical Context
Florentine dishes are typically Italian inspired featuring a bed of spinach in creamy sauce. The style became popular in French and Italian kitchens sometimes referencing the city of Florence. While classic Florentine dishes often include fish or eggs this chicken version is a beloved American adaptation that combines comfort with Italian flair.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of wine works best for Chicken Florentine sauce?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best for creating depth in the sauce. Chicken broth is a good substitute.
- → How do you keep chicken breasts juicy when pan-searing?
Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking, avoid overcooking, and let the chicken rest after browning to retain moisture.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative for the sauce?
You can substitute unsweetened plant-based cream and vegan cheese, and use olive oil for a dairy-free version of the creamy sauce.
- → Can you use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen spinach very well before adding it to prevent excessive moisture in the sauce.
- → What are some good side dishes for Chicken Florentine?
Classic pairings include pasta, cooked rice, crusty bread, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- → How do you add extra flavor to the sauce?
Adding extra garlic, a little more Parmesan, or a pinch of nutmeg enhances the richness and savor of the sauce.