Creamy and Delicious: The Ultimate Chicken Florentine Recipe
Chicken Florentine is a classic dish that combines succulent chicken breasts with a creamy spinach sauce, often topped with melted cheese. It’s a satisfying and elegant meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe provides detailed instructions and tips to help you create a restaurant-quality Chicken Florentine in your own kitchen.
## What is Chicken Florentine?
Chicken Florentine, at its core, is a dish featuring chicken served with a creamy spinach sauce. The term “Florentine” generally refers to dishes prepared in the style of Florence, Italy, and is often associated with the inclusion of spinach. While variations exist, the fundamental elements of tender chicken, a rich and flavorful spinach cream sauce, and often a cheesy topping remain consistent.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its elegant presentation, this Chicken Florentine recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of tender chicken, creamy spinach sauce, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** This dish can be served with various side dishes, such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
* **Impressive:** Chicken Florentine is a dish that is sure to impress your family and guests.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to add your own personal touches to the recipe, such as different cheeses or spices.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* **Spinach:** 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons, unsalted
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium, finely chopped
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded (optional, for topping)
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Nutmeg:** Pinch (optional)
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Pinch (optional, for a little heat)
## Equipment Needed
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Baking dish (optional, if baking the Chicken Florentine)
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Chicken Florentine:
**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
1. **Pound the Chicken:** Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
2. **Season the Chicken:** Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and any other desired spices, such as garlic powder or paprika.
**Step 2: Sear the Chicken**
1. **Heat the Skillet:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough so that the chicken sears and does not stick.
2. **Sear the Chicken:** Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. **Remove and Set Aside:** Remove the seared chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Cover them with foil to keep them warm.
**Step 3: Make the Spinach Cream Sauce**
1. **Sauté Aromatics:** In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2. **Make a Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. **Add Chicken Broth:** Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds flavor to the sauce.
4. **Stir in Cream and Spinach:** Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a simmer. Add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out all the excess water before adding it to the sauce.
5. **Add Cheese and Seasonings:** Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
**Step 4: Assemble and Bake (Optional)**
1. **Place Chicken in Baking Dish:** If you want to bake the Chicken Florentine, lightly grease a baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
2. **Pour Sauce Over Chicken:** Pour the spinach cream sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
3. **Top with Cheese (Optional):** Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, if desired.
4. **Bake (Optional):** Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
**Step 5: Serve**
1. **Serve Immediately:** Remove the Chicken Florentine from the oven (if baked) or skillet and serve immediately.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
## Tips for the Perfect Chicken Florentine
* **Use Fresh Spinach:** Fresh spinach provides the best flavor and texture. However, frozen spinach can be used as a substitute. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Make the Sauce Ahead of Time:** The spinach cream sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
* **Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Add a Touch of Lemon:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors of the dish.
* **Get Creative with Cheese:** Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, provolone, or asiago.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Change up the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the sauce.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions and garlic for a heartier dish.
## Serving Suggestions
Chicken Florentine is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Pasta:** Serve over cooked pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne.
* **Rice:** Serve with white rice, brown rice, or wild rice.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or carrots.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Serve with creamy mashed potatoes.
* **Quinoa:** Serve with quinoa for a healthy and protein-packed meal.
* **Salad:** Serve with a fresh green salad.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
## Variations
* **Chicken Florentine Casserole:** Combine cooked chicken, spinach cream sauce, and cooked pasta in a baking dish. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly.
* **Chicken Florentine Stuffed Shells:** Stuff large pasta shells with a mixture of cooked chicken, spinach, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Bake in a baking dish with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
* **Chicken Florentine Pizza:** Top pizza dough with spinach cream sauce, cooked chicken, and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
* **Chicken Florentine Quesadillas:** Fill tortillas with cooked chicken, spinach cream sauce, and cheese. Grill until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
* **Vegetarian Florentine:** Substitute the chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make Ahead:** The spinach cream sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chicken can also be seared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Storage:** Store leftover Chicken Florentine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat Chicken Florentine in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If baking, preheat oven to 350F and cook for 10-15 minutes. Add a little chicken broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.
## Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Recipe Card
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and chopped (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Spinach Cream Sauce: Melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in chicken broth. Add heavy cream and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts. Stir in Parmesan cheese and seasonings.
4. Assemble and Bake (Optional): Place chicken in a baking dish. Pour sauce over chicken. Top with mozzarella cheese (optional). Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve: Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Florentine!