This Creamy Chicken Florentine is a tasty dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s simple to make, perfect for busy nights!
I love how quick this meal comes together—just sauté the chicken, add the spinach, and mix in the creamy goodness! It’s like a warm hug on a plate! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish due to their quick cooking time. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Just keep in mind that it might not be as thick.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is perfect here, but you can swap it with frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach well to avoid excess water in your sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated Parmesan gives the best flavor, but you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a nice tang. If you don’t have them, try fresh tomatoes for a milder taste or even roasted red peppers.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly Without Drying It Out?
Cooking chicken can sometimes be tricky. To avoid dryness, follow these tips:
- Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). This way, you won’t overcook it!
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This helps keep it juicy.
- Consider pounding the chicken to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender.
By taking a little extra care, your chicken will turn out perfect every time!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking, and then the rest of the time for everything to come together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Cook the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper on both sides. Then, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned—this adds so much flavor to the sauce!
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine everything. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes so it can thicken up just a bit.
4. Add Cheese and Spices:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Mix everything well until the cheese melts and blends into the creamy sauce.
5. Incorporate the Vegetables:
Now, add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet (and the sun-dried tomatoes, if using). Cook this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and gives off its beautiful color and flavor.
6. Bring it All Together:
Finally, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, and spoon the lovely creamy spinach sauce over them. Let it simmer together for another 2 minutes to heat everything nicely.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Creamy Chicken Florentine hot, making sure to spoon extra sauce over each piece of chicken. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even some warm, crusty bread. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely first. The best way to thaw is overnight in the fridge, or you can quickly submerge the sealed chicken in cold water for about an hour. Make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
How Do I Store Leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help revive the sauce and keep it creamy.
What Are Some Good Substitutes for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for lighter alternatives, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to thicken. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, but keep in mind it might change the flavor slightly.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini. Just be sure to sauté them a bit before adding the cream to ensure they are cooked through and add a nice flavor to the sauce!
