This Easy Chicken Florentine is a tasty dish featuring tender chicken and creamy spinach sauce. It’s quick to whip up, making it perfect for dinner any night of the week!
The creamy sauce really makes this dish special—who doesn’t love a good spinach hug for their chicken? I like to serve it over pasta or rice for a complete meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook quickly and remain tender. You can also use thighs if you prefer a more flavorful cut, or even swap for tofu for a plant-based option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for that vibrant green color and taste. If you only have frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess water before adding it to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: This is key for the creamy texture of the sauce. You can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter option or coconut milk for a dairy-free version, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice savory flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work well too. Nutritional yeast is a great cheese substitute if you’re looking for a vegan option!
Nutmeg: Although optional, nutmeg brings warmth to the dish. If you don’t have it, a pinch of ground cinnamon can add a unique touch.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken perfectly in this recipe is crucial for a delicious meal. Here’s how to ensure it’s juicy and tender:
- Start with even-sized chicken breasts for uniform cooking. If they’re thick, you might want to pound them to an even thickness.
- Always season with salt and pepper before cooking; it enhances flavor.
- Use medium-high heat for browning the chicken. This helps seal in juices and adds a nice color.
- Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) means they’re done!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing to retain its juices.
Easy Chicken Florentine with Creamy Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 5 ounces fresh spinach (about 5 cups packed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30 minutes in total, including prep and cooking time. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts well on both sides with salt and pepper. This adds flavor to the meat.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauté:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the Spinach:
Next, toss in the fresh spinach and cook, stirring gently, until it wilts—this will take about 3-4 minutes. Make sure it’s fully wilted for that great flavor and texture!
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the spinach and stir everything together. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Keep stirring and let the sauce cook for another 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. You want it creamy and luscious!
6. Combine & Simmer:
Return the cooked chicken breasts back to the skillet, spooning some of that delicious creamy sauce and spinach over the top. Let it all simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors nicely.
7. Serve Up:
Before serving, sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like. This dish is delightful served over pasta, rice, or alongside some crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. Enjoy every bite of your comforting Easy Chicken Florentine!
FAQ for Easy Chicken Florentine with Creamy Spinach
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes! You can absolutely use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the sauce. About 1 ½ cups of cooked frozen spinach will work well in place of the fresh spinach.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cornstarch. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or almond milk can work, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and the creamy spinach sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over low heat.
What Should I Serve with Chicken Florentine?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or quinoa. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal!
