Craving a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and brings a restaurant-quality experience right to your kitchen? Look no further than Chicken Florentine , a classic Italian dish that perfectly blends crispy, seasoned chicken with a creamy spinach-infused sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight meal, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible dish at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before jumping into the preparation, gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts : Ensure they are evenly pounded to about 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil : For frying the chicken to a crisp golden brown.
- 2 Tablespoons butter : Adds richness and enhances the sear on the chicken.
Chicken Dredge (Coating):
- 1 teaspoon salt : To elevate the flavor of the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon pepper : Adds a subtle kick of heat.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning : Infuses each bite with aromatic herbs.
- ½ cup flour : Helps the chicken get that perfect crispy outer layer.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded : Adds a cheesy, savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder : Enhances the flavor of the dried coating.
For the Florentine Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced : The base that brings tons of flavor.
- 1 ½ cups white wine or chicken broth : Either adds depth, wine for a slight zing or broth for a rich savory taste.
- 1 cup half-and-half : This cream brings the sauce together, making it silky and smooth.
- 1/3 cup softened cream cheese : Melts into the sauce for added creaminess.
- 3 cups fresh spinach : This adds the “Florentine” element, offering a nice pop of green and nutrition.
- ½ fresh lemon or 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice (optional) : Balances the creamy richness with a fresh, zesty touch.
- Fresh parsley : A garnish that makes everything pop both in color and flavor.
Kitchen Tools Required
Having the right tools on hand simplifies the cooking process and allows you to whip up the dish with ease. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Meat Tenderizer : Essential for evenly flattening the chicken breasts.
- Large Skillet : A roomy, heavy skillet will ensure even cooking and provide space for the sauce.
- Whisk and Silicone Spatula : To mix ingredients and deglaze the pan properly.
- Tongs : For flipping chicken without damaging the crust.
- Microplane or Zester : For grating the Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended for maximum freshness).
How to Prepare Chicken Florentine
Step 1: Flatten and Prep the Chicken
To start, place a sheet of plastic wrap (or wax paper) over each chicken breast and use a meat tenderizer to pound them until they are about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and helps to keep the chicken juicy. Once flattened, pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because it helps the coating cling better to the meat.
Step 2: Create the Chicken Dredge
In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the chicken dredge ingredients: flour, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Combine thoroughly.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Breasts
Coat each flattened chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well covered on all sides. Gently shake off any excess so it doesn’t burn in the pan, but leave enough so the chicken gets a beautiful, crispy exterior once it cooks.
Step 4: Searing the Chicken
Now that your chicken is coated in the flavorful dredge, it’s time to get cooking! Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. The combination of oil and butter not only prevents sticking but also helps you achieve that golden, crispy crust.
Once the butter is melted and the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cover the pan with a lid and cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side . The goal here is to get a golden-brown sear on each side while ensuring the chicken cooks all the way through. You may need to do this in batches if your pan isn’t large enough to avoid crowding the chicken.
To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F . Once cooked through, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a plate. Cover them with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Pro Tip : If you’d like to keep your chicken extra warm, place it in a preheated 200°F oven while you prepare the sauce.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pan
After removing the chicken, you’ll notice some delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Those are flavor gold! Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
Next, add 1 ½ cups of white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic option) to deglaze the pan . Use a silicone spatula to scrape up the brown bits from the bottom. These bits will mix into the liquid and significantly enhance the flavor of your sauce. Let the liquid gently bubble and reduce by half, which will take approximately 5 minutes . This step concentrates the flavors and thickens the sauce slightly.
Step 6: Create the Florentine Sauce
Now that you’ve deglazed the pan and reduced the wine (or broth), it’s time to build that rich and creamy Florentine sauce . Here’s how you go from a simple pan sauce to a restaurant-quality masterpiece:
Temper the Half-and-Half
To avoid curdling, you’ll want to temper your half-and-half before adding it to the hot skillet. Heat 1 cup of half-and-half in a small microwave-safe container for about 40 seconds . This warms it gently, allowing it to mix smoothly into the sauce.
Slowly pour the warmed half-and-half into the skillet a little at a time, whisking continuously as you add it. This ensures everything blends smoothly without any lumps.
Incorporate the Cream Cheese
Next, add 1/3 cup softened cream cheese into the mixture. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated. The cream cheese really elevates the sauce, giving it a smooth, rich texture.
Wilt the Spinach
It’s time to add the star of the show—fresh spinach . Toss in 3 cups of fresh spinach and stir occasionally until it wilts down into the sauce, which takes about 1-2 minutes . The spinach not only adds texture but also makes the dish visually appealing with its vibrant green color.
Optional: Add Lemon Juice
For a bit of brightness to cut through the richness, you can squeeze half a fresh lemon or stir in 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice . Lemon juice is optional, but it balances the creamy sauce with its tangy acidity.
Step 7: Bring it All Together
Now that your Florentine sauce is complete, it’s time to reintroduce the chicken into the mix.
Return the Chicken to the Pan
Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them right into the creamy spinach sauce. Be sure to include any juices that may have pooled on the plate; this adds even more flavor to the sauce. Cover the skillet , and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s heated through and infused with all the sauce’s goodness.
Baste the Chicken
Spoon some of the creamy spinach sauce over each chicken breast, allowing the flavors to soak into the crispy dredge. This step ensures that every bite is filled with that delicious blend of cream, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese!
Step 8: Garnish & Serve
To finish, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top to brighten up the dish. If you want to take it up a notch, you can also scatter just a touch more freshly grated Parmesan over the chicken for added richness.
Serve!
Your Chicken Florentine is now ready to be served! This dish is best enjoyed hot, served with your favorite sides like buttered pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all that luscious sauce.
Bonus Tips for Serving:
- Pairing Ideas : A light side salad or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli would make a wonderful and easy addition to the plate.
- Wine Suggestions : If you’ve used white wine in the sauce, you can pair the dish with a chilled glass of the same wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the rich cream sauce.
Storing and Reheating
How to Store:
Leftovers? No problem! Store any remaining Chicken Florentine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days .
Reheating:
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to loosen up the sauce if it has thickened in the fridge.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A creamy, delectable Chicken Florentine that’s sure to impress during any dinner occasion. The tender chicken topped with a garlicky, creamy spinach sauce is guaranteed to be a hit—whether you’re serving the family on a weeknight or wooing guests at a special event. Best part? It’s quick and easy to make, yet packed with flavor, making it a wonderful choice for cooks of all skill levels.
Ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home? Time to dig in!