Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe That’s Easy and Delicious

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for convenience. If you prefer, chicken thighs can add more flavor and juiciness.

Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy. If you’re looking to lighten it up, half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream works well, but it will be thinner.

Spinach: Fresh spinach gives it that vibrant color and flavor. If fresh is unavailable, frozen spinach can be a great substitute, just be sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness. You can swap it for Pecorino Romano or a Nutritional Yeast for a dairy-free option.

How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?

The key to perfectly cooked chicken lies in the cooking time and temperature. Here’s how to do it right:

• Use medium-high heat for a nice sear. Make sure the skillet is hot.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C).

Letting the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing helps keep it juicy.

What’s the Best Way to Make the Creamy Sauce?

Creating a creamy sauce is simple if you follow these steps:

• Sauté the garlic just until fragrant; don’t let it burn.
• Pour in the chicken broth first to deglaze the pan; this adds extra flavor.
• Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and cheese. This helps it melt evenly without clumping.

Let it simmer gently to thicken and combine flavors perfectly.

Enjoy making this delicious dish that’s sure to impress!

Deliciously Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 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
• 5 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Creamy Chicken Florentine recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 20 minutes for cooking, making a total time of about 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Seasoning the Chicken:

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor as the chicken cooks. Get ready for some deliciousness!

2. Cooking the Chicken:

Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Sautéing the Garlic:

Now, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!

4. Making the Sauce:

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These bits add flavor to your sauce! Then stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let this simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Adding the Spinach:

Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook it for about 2 minutes, stirring until it wilts into that creamy goodness.

6. Combining Everything:

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and lovingly spoon some of that delicious sauce over the top. Allow everything to cook together for another 2 minutes, just to reheat the chicken and let those flavors meld.

7. Serving it Up:

Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the creamy Chicken Florentine warm, ideally over your choice of pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to mop up all that goodness!

Enjoy your creamy, delicious Chicken Florentine! It’s sure to become a favorite at the dinner table!

FAQ for Creamy Chicken Florentine

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.

What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream works well, though it won’t be as rich. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes along with the spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them until tender before adding the cream sauce ingredients.