Creamy Chicken Florentine is a warm, comforting dish with tender chicken and fresh spinach, all swimming in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner!
This dish makes me feel fancy even on a busy weeknight! I love to pair it with pasta or rice to soak up that yummy sauce. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a classic choice because they cook evenly and remain tender. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option. They might take a bit longer to cook but can add more flavor.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add a nice earthy flavor. If you’re not a fan, try zucchini or bell peppers instead. They’ll add different textures and tastes to your dish.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully, adding color and nutrition. If you have frozen spinach, you can use that instead—just make sure to thaw and drain it to avoid excess water in your sauce.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Vegan cream alternatives can also work if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a lovely savory depth. Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can be good substitutes. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free option if you want a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken to perfection is crucial for this recipe. Follow these tips to ensure it’s juicy and tender:
- Start with even-sized chicken breasts. If they’re thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Heat your skillet well before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the outside, giving it a nice golden color.
- Cook on medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes on each side without moving the chicken around too much. Just let it sit to get that nice sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should be at 165°F (75°C) internally before removing it from the skillet.
By paying attention to these key ingredients and techniques, you’ll create a delicious creamy chicken Florentine that’s sure to impress! Enjoy! 🍽️
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients like slicing mushrooms and mincing garlic. Then, cooking the chicken and creating the creamy sauce will take around 20 minutes. A delicious dinner is just around the corner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance their flavor as they cook.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
4. Adding Mushrooms:
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and nicely browned.
5. Making the Sauce:
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—that’s all flavor! Let it simmer and reduce for about 2 minutes.
6. Creating the Creamy Base:
Reduce the heat to medium, then add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and allow the sauce to gently thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
7. Adding Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until it wilts down, which should take just a couple of minutes.
8. Combining Everything:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes to warm through.
9. Final Touches:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed with extra salt and pepper.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy Chicken Florentine hot, over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious sauce. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your creamy and savory Chicken Florentine with rich spinach and mushroom goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if the thighs are thicker than the breasts.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach instead. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid adding extra moisture to the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative along with nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, dairy-free version!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
