Name: Chicken Florentine Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 2 Tablespoons Butter; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning; ½ cup flour; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (finely shredded); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 ½ cups white wine (or chicken broth); 1 cup half and half; 1/3 cup softened cream cheese; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1/2 fresh lemon or 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice (optional); Fresh parsley (to garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting yet impressively elegant meal, Chicken Florentine is an absolute must-try. This classic dish features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, garlicky sauce, tossed with tender spinach and a kiss of parmesan. With its vibrant flavors, golden chicken, and lush velvety sauce, Chicken Florentine transforms any dinner into a special occasion that feels both homey and restaurant-worthy—a total crowd-pleaser every single time!

Chicken Florentine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Florentine may look like a dish straight out of an Italian bistro, but it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Every component has a purpose, whether that’s richness, crisp texture, or fresh color—here’s what you’ll need and why:

Chicken breasts: The star of the show! Choose boneless, skinless fillets for quick, even cooking and juicy results.
Olive oil: Adds depth of flavor and helps create that irresistible golden crust on the chicken.
Butter: Brings luscious richness to both the chicken and the sauce, making each bite silky and satisfying.
Salt: A simple seasoning that helps every flavor shine through.
Pepper: Just a touch, for gentle heat and dimension in every forkful.
Italian seasoning: An aromatic blend that instantly lends those signature Italian herb notes.
Flour: Creates a beautiful, crisp coating and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: Adds unmistakable nutty, savory flavor and boosts the creamy texture of the sauce.
Garlic powder: For a subtle, background warmth that supports the fresh garlic’s punch.
Fresh garlic (minced): Delivers robust flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
White wine (or chicken broth): Lifts and brightens the sauce, deglazing the pan and adding complexity.
Half and half: Creates a dreamy, creamy base while keeping the sauce light.
Cream cheese (softened): Makes the sauce extra silky and tangy, with a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color, nutrients, and signature “Florentine” flair.
Lemon or lemon juice (optional): A squeeze perks up the entire dish with a sparkling finish.
Fresh parsley (to garnish): Brings a touch of freshness and makes your Chicken Florentine shine on the plate!

How to Make Chicken Florentine

Step 1: Pound and Prep Your Chicken

Place a sheet of plastic wrap over each chicken breast and use a meat tenderizer to gently pound it to about 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking, extra tenderness, and helps the chicken soak up every bit of that dreamy sauce. Give each piece a good pat dry—you want it ready for a flavorful crust!

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

Combine your dredging ingredients: flour, parmesan, Italian seasoning, a whisper of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat each chicken breast generously in this mix, then tap off any extra. This layer creates a gorgeously golden crust while also lending flavor to the finished Chicken Florentine sauce.

Step 3: Sear and Cook the Chicken

Warm the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once sizzling, add the chicken. Cover the pan and let it cook for 4–5 minutes per side or until each piece turns golden and the coating is crisp. If your pan’s a bit crowded, no problem—just sear the chicken in two batches. Once done, set the chicken aside (and yes, keep those pan juices!).

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Turn the heat off for a moment and pour in the white wine (or chicken broth). Kick the heat back up to medium and gently scrape up the flavorful brown bits from the bottom and sides of the skillet—the secret to deep, restaurant-style flavor in your Chicken Florentine sauce. Reduce until about half the liquid remains; in the final minute, add your minced garlic for a fresh aromatic punch.

Step 5: Start the Creamy Sauce

Warm your half and half in the microwave for about 40 seconds, just so it mixes smoothly and doesn’t cause the sauce to split. Add it to the skillet in small splashes, stirring after each. Bring to a gentle bubble, then immediately reduce the heat to low to keep everything creamy and silky.

Step 6: Make it Extra Creamy

Stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts seamlessly into the sauce—no lumps here! This is where your Chicken Florentine gets its signature luxurious texture. Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and let yourself get excited for what’s next.

Step 7: Add the Spinach and Brighten Up

Drop the fresh spinach right into the skillet and stir until it wilts down and mingles with the creamy sauce. If you love a hint of brightness, squeeze in your lemon juice now. At this point, the aroma will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Nestle your chicken (plus any tasty juices) right back into the skillet, cover, and let everything heat through for a minute or two. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, plate it up, and get ready for applause—your Chicken Florentine masterpiece is complete!

How to Serve Chicken Florentine

Garnishes

A light shower of chopped fresh parsley is my go-to—simple, but it wakes up the whole plate with vibrant color and a kiss of herby freshness. For extra flair, you can grate a bit more parmesan over the top just before serving, or even add a lemon wedge on the side for an inviting pop of color and zesty aroma.

Side Dishes

Chicken Florentine loves a sidekick! I adore serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, pillowy white rice, or a swirl of al dente pasta to soak up all that luscious sauce. For something lighter, a crusty baguette or garlic bread does wonders, or keep it fresh with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be shy with presentation! Plate the chicken on a beautiful platter, drizzle on plenty of sauce, and pile the spinach high for maximum wow-factor. Individual servings can be nestled atop a bed of pasta or rice for an impressive restaurant-style vibe. For a special dinner, sprinkle with lemon zest or arrange a few edible flowers or microgreens for added elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extras? Chicken Florentine holds up beautifully in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. When stacking pieces, place a bit of parchment paper between layers to keep that gorgeous coating intact and the sauce clinging lovingly to every bite.

Freezing

You can freeze Chicken Florentine, though for best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers if possible (the spinach can get a little soft after thawing). Defrost overnight in the refrigerator so it gently comes back to life when reheated.

Reheating

For seriously satisfying leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth or cream if the sauce needs reviving. Cover while warming to lock in moisture, or use the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Avoid high heat to keep that dreamy cream sauce as smooth as your first bite.

FAQs

What makes Chicken Florentine “Florentine”?

The term “Florentine” refers to dishes prepared in the style of Florence, Italy, and always includes spinach as a star ingredient. In Chicken Florentine, the pairing of tender chicken and vibrant spinach in a creamy sauce truly honors this classic tradition.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in Chicken Florentine, offering even more juiciness and rich flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Is there a good substitute for white wine in this recipe?

If you’d prefer to skip the wine, chicken broth is an excellent alternative that still elevates the sauce with savory depth. Your Chicken Florentine will be just as luxurious and family-friendly.

Can I make Chicken Florentine dairy free?

While the creamy sauce is a hallmark of Chicken Florentine, you can experiment with dairy-free options like coconut cream or cashew cream, plus a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that lovely cheesy note. Just watch the flavor and consistency as you adapt.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Chicken breast is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll also see the juices run clear and the chicken will feel firm to the touch. This ensures your Chicken Florentine is both safe and delightfully juicy!

Final Thoughts

With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory spinach, Chicken Florentine is one of those magical dishes that delivers comfort, elegance, and a little taste of Italy right at home. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for both cozy weeknights and special celebrations!

Chicken Florentine Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Chicken Florentine recipe features tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy spinach and garlic sauce, finished with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. A delightful and flavorful dish perfect for a special dinner.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness, coat with flour mixture.
Cook the Chicken: Sear chicken in butter and oil until golden on both sides. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: Deglaze pan with wine, add garlic, then incorporate half and half and cream cheese.
Finish the Dish: Add spinach to sauce, return chicken to pan, and heat through. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian