Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian American dish combines tender chicken breasts with a spinach cream sauce with its creamy texture, vibrant greens, and perfectly seared chicken.
What is Chicken Florentine?
At its core, Chicken Florentine is pan-seared chicken served in a creamy spinach sauce often flavored with garlic, shallots, white wine, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting yet sophisticated dish that pairs beautifully with sides like pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chicken Florentine
- Season at Every Step: Layering flavors ensures that each bite is well-seasoned. Salt the chicken, sauce, and spinach lightly as you cook.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh spinach, high-quality Parmesan, and organic chicken breasts for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sear the chicken until golden brown but not dry. A meat thermometer is your best friend—165°F is the magic number.
- Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken, deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth. This step adds depth to your sauce by incorporating all those flavorful brown bits.
- Cream Consistency: For a silky sauce, simmer the cream gently and stir continuously to prevent curdling.
Variations of Chicken Florentine
Chicken Florentine is highly adaptable! Here are some creative variations:
- Keto-Friendly: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk, and skip any flour used for thickening.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener for the sauce.
- Seafood Florentine: Swap chicken for salmon or shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Florentine: Replace chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or mushrooms while keeping the creamy spinach sauce.
- Cheesy Twist: Add shredded mozzarella or Gruyère to the sauce for a cheesier version.
How to Serve Chicken Florentine
This dish shines with a variety of sides:
- Bread: A slice of garlic bread or crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
- Pasta: Toss the creamy sauce with fettuccine or penne for a complete meal.
- Rice: Serve over a bed of jasmine rice or wild rice to soak up the sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for complementing the rich flavors.
- Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple garden salad for balance.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Florentine
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While the creamy sauce might separate upon thawing, you can freeze Chicken Florentine for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, whisking in a splash of cream to restore its consistency.
- Reheating Tips: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid overcooking.
Recipe FAQs
1. What does “Florentine” mean in cooking?
It refers to dishes made in the style of Florence, Italy, usually featuring spinach.
2. Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the sauce.
3. What wine pairs well with Chicken Florentine?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
5. How do I thicken the sauce?
You can use a roux (butter and flour mixture), cornstarch slurry, or simply reduce the sauce by simmering until it reaches your desired consistency.
Chicken Florentine
Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian-American dish combines tender chicken breasts with a spinach cream sauce with its creamy texture, vibrant greens, and perfectly seared chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Flour (for dredging)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach (loosely packed)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then dredge in flour.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet, then add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Deglaze the pan with white wine, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until reduced slightly.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble for a couple of minutes. Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
- Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the pan and cook over medium heat for another 4–5 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
4Amount Per Serving Calories 582Total Fat 37gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 145mgSodium 478mgCarbohydrates 30gFiber 1gSugar 2gProtein 28g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Final Thoughts
Chicken Florentine is a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors that will elevate any dinner table. With simple techniques, quality ingredients, and a bit of love, this dish becomes a true masterpiece.
