Creamy Chicken Florentine Style: An Easy Skillet Recipe

Welcome to a kitchen adventure where elegance meets ease! This Creamy Chicken Florentine Style dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right in your own skillet. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a rich, creamy spinach sauce. It’s the perfect comforting weeknight dinner, proving that gourmet flavors don’t require hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this straightforward recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Florentine Style

You’re going to adore this skillet Chicken Florentine Style for so many reasons! It’s a fantastic recipe for busy parents and beginners alike, making dinner simple and delicious.

• Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Most of the magic happens in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
• Rich, Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Indulge in a luxurious, creamy sauce that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian bistro.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for those evenings when time is short.
• Impressive for Guests: This dish looks and tastes sophisticated, making it perfect for entertaining without the stress.
• Nutritious with Spinach: Enjoy a delicious way to incorporate healthy greens into your diet. Discover more about the wide-ranging advantages of nutritional and health benefits of spinach.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Chicken Florentine Style at home, gather these simple ingredients. Fresh, quality components truly make a difference in flavor and texture for this classic dish.

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• All-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 2 cups (loosely packed) fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this Florentine chicken recipe to fit your pantry and preferences. For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work well; just increase cooking time slightly. Feel free to adjust the garlic powder or Italian seasoning to your taste. If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for dredging. For a lighter sauce, half-and-half can replace heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich. Always opt for fresh baby spinach for the best texture and flavor. Lastly, freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and offers superior taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools to whip up this amazing meal. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick.

• Large skillet (a 10-12 inch oven-safe skillet is ideal)
• Tongs or a spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious Chicken Florentine Style. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this restaurant-worthy meal comes together.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Take your two large chicken breasts and carefully slice each one in half lengthwise. This gives you four thinner, more evenly sized pieces of chicken.
2. Season and Dredge: Generously season both sides of each chicken piece with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your liking. Next, lightly coat each seasoned chicken piece in all-purpose flour. This creates a beautiful crust.
3. Sear the Chicken: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the floured chicken to the hot pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove Chicken: Once the chicken is seared and golden, carefully remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer all the cooked chicken pieces to a clean plate and set them aside for a moment.
5. Sauté Garlic: Return the pan to the heat, still set to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced fresh garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, and the Italian seasoning. Use your spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor!
7. Reduce Sauce: Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the liquid starting to visibly reduce, and the sauce will thicken slightly. This concentrates the delicious flavors.
8. Add Cream and Spinach: Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently for about 2 minutes. Then, stir in the fresh baby spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach just begins to wilt down into the creamy sauce.
9. Combine and Thicken: Carefully return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Cook over medium heat for another 4 to 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to finish cooking through and the sauce to thicken to a lovely consistency.
10. Finish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken and sauce. Taste the sauce and add extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Florentine chicken!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making delicious food should be fun, not frustrating! Use these tips to ensure your Florentine chicken turns out perfectly every time.

• Don’t Overcrowd Skillet: Cook chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, leading to steaming instead of a golden sear.
• Achieve Golden Sear: Ensure your pan is hot before adding chicken. A beautiful golden crust adds tremendous flavor to this Florentine style dish.
• Proper Sauce Reduction: Allow enough time for the broth to reduce. This step is crucial for developing deep, concentrated flavors in your sauce.
• Prevent Curdling: Always add heavy cream slowly to a simmering sauce. Avoid bringing the cream to a rapid boil after it’s added, as this can cause it to curdle. Understanding the culinary science can help you master creamy sauces and prevent issues like dairy curdling.
• Spinach Wilting: Add the fresh spinach at the very end of the cooking process. It wilts quickly, and adding it too early can result in mushy, overcooked greens.
• Adjusting Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper. Different broths and cheeses vary in sodium content, so tasting is key.
• Sauce Too Thin/Thick: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce. If it becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it slightly.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Once your creamy chicken is ready, you’ll want to enjoy every bite! Here’s how to best serve, store, and even adapt this wonderful recipe.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Chicken Florentine Style pairs beautifully with many sides.

• Serve it generously over your favorite pasta, like fettuccine or penne.
• It’s fantastic with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Don’t forget a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce.
• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the dish.

Storage Instructions

Planning for leftovers is a smart move!

• Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer the cooled Florentine chicken to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days, ensuring freshness.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your creamy spinach chicken!

• Mushroom Florentine: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms after the garlic, before adding the broth, for an earthy addition.
• Spicy Florentine: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a subtle kick.
• Sun-Dried Tomato: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained) with the spinach for a burst of sweet-tart flavor.
• Lemon Florentine: Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors and add a lovely tang.

Nutrition

This Chicken Florentine Style offers a balanced meal with good protein and vital nutrients. It features lean chicken breast and healthy spinach, making it a satisfying choice. While the heavy cream contributes to the dish’s richness, it also provides healthy fats. For those looking to reduce calories or fat, consider using half-and-half or even a lower-fat cream cheese in place of some heavy cream, which can still yield a creamy sauce. Enjoy the comforting flavors knowing you’re getting a wholesome dinner!

Note: These are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQ

Got questions about making this delightful Chicken Florentine Style? We’ve got answers to help you cook with confidence!

• Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, but ensure you thaw and squeeze out all excess water. This prevents your sauce from becoming watery.
• Can I make it gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for dredging.
• How to thicken the sauce if needed? If your sauce is too thin, you can create a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then slowly stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
• Is it freezer-friendly? We generally recommend against freezing this dish. Dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate or become grainy after thawing and reheating.
• Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe! They tend to be more forgiving and stay moist, though they might require a few extra minutes of cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Conclusion

You’ve now mastered the art of making a truly incredible Creamy Chicken Florentine Style dish right in your own kitchen! This recipe proves that you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to create a meal that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. Its simplicity, combined with its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients, makes it an absolute winner for busy weeknights or special occasions. We encourage you to try this delightful skillet Florentine, experiment with the variations, and make it your own. Don’t forget to share your cooking experiences with us – we love seeing your creations!

Creamy Chicken Florentine Style: An Easy Skillet Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Florentine is a quick and comforting one-pan dinner featuring golden-seared chicken breasts nestled in a rich, garlic-infused spinach and Parmesan cream sauce.

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Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• All-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (loosely packed)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• large skillet (10–12 inch)
• tongs or spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Sharp knife

Method

 

1. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner cutlets.
2. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour.
3. Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Scrape up any browned bits. Let simmer 3–5 minutes to reduce.
7. Add heavy cream and simmer 2 minutes. Stir in spinach until just wilted.
8. Return chicken to skillet and cook for another 4–5 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken.
9. Top with Parmesan cheese. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 flour blend for dredging. Swap half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Use boneless chicken thighs if preferred (add cook time). Avoid pre-shredded cheese for best melting. Add red pepper flakes or sun-dried tomatoes for flavor variation.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com