Chicken Florentine
Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Florentine is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken with creamy sauce and fresh spinach. It’s simple to make and perfect for a weekday dinner or a special occasion. The flavors blend well together, making it a great favorite among family and friends. This recipe gives you a taste of classic Italian cuisine without requiring too much time or effort.
How to Make Chicken Florentine
Ingredients
- 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 cups fresh spinach (about 6 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Directions
Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth and scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Then, add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce is smooth and thickens slightly.
Add Spinach and Combine
Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook until it wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spoon some sauce over the top, and let everything heat through for a minute or two.
How to Serve Chicken Florentine
Serve Chicken Florentine warm, straight from the pan. You can dish it up over a bed of mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if you like.
How to Store Chicken Florentine
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a skillet or in the microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Chicken Florentine
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian herbs or lemon juice before cooking.
- Use fresh spinach for the best texture and taste, but you can substitute with frozen spinach if needed.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
Variation
You can add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for additional flavor. Also, try swapping out the chicken with shrimp or a vegetarian protein for a different twist on this recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and can add more flavor and juiciness.
Is there a dairy-free version of Chicken Florentine?
Absolutely! You can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese.
How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check. The juices should run clear, not pink, when cut.

Chicken Florentine
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious Chicken Florentine dish featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, scraping any brown bits from the pan, and let simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Add heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to the pan. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Return the chickens to the pan, spoon some sauce over, and heat through for another minute or two.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken beforehand. Use fresh spinach and consider variations with mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Chicken Florentine, Italian, creamy chicken, skillet meal