This Creamy Chicken Florentine is a delightful dish with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a quicker option, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. For a lighter version, you could substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its richness. If you’re watching your fat intake, you can swap it with half-and-half or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a unique twist.
Spinach: While fresh spinach is the star here, you can also use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain it well. Kale is another great substitute, although it may need slightly longer to cook and soften.
Cheeses: Parmesan and mozzarella create a lovely cheesy sauce. If you need to, try substituting them with cheddar or a dairy-free cheese option. Remember, the type of cheese can change the flavor profile of the dish.
How Can You Achieve the Best Creamy Sauce?
The creaminess of the sauce is essential, and getting it right requires a few delicate steps. After cooking the garlic, it’s important to slowly incorporate the cream and broth to prevent curdling.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently; high heat can cause the cream to separate.
- Add cheese gradually, stirring continuously until it’s fully melted for that luscious, creamy texture.
- Don’t rush the wilt of the spinach, as this ensures it blends nicely into the sauce.
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 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy and delicious Chicken Florentine takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the chicken and the remaining time making the creamy sauce and bringing everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. This step is important for flavor, so don’t be shy with the seasoning!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown and are cooked through (you can check with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter:
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the butter and minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine everything. Add the Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble softly for a minute or two.
5. Wilt the Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach into the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted. This should take about 3 minutes—watch it transform from fresh leaves to a tender green!
6. Add the Cheeses:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and velvety.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, making sure to spoon the creamy sauce over each piece. Let them heat through for another 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is hot, plate your creamy chicken Florentine. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with slices of crusty bread for a complete meal!
Enjoy your easy and delicious Creamy Chicken Florentine!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before seasoning for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to make sure it heats evenly without separating the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative. For cheeses, look for dairy-free cheese options available at your grocery store. Just be aware that the flavor profile may change slightly.
What Can I Serve with Creamy Chicken Florentine?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even quinoa. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance the creaminess of the sauce.
