Chicken Florentine: A Delicious Creamy Spinach Delight
Chicken Florentine is a rich and flavorful dish that features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy spinach sauce. The combination of garlic, spinach, and cream creates a deliciously savory sauce that perfectly complements the juicy chicken. This dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner, dinner parties, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special. Looking for more savory chicken recipes? Check out this collection of chicken dishes for plenty of inspiration. If you’re interested in mastering the art of cooking with spinach, this guide to cooking with leafy greens has some great tips.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making Chicken Florentine from scratch, give you tips for customizing the recipe, and provide ideas for sides that pair beautifully with this dish.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Making Chicken Florentine at home is a simple yet rewarding process. Here’s what you need:
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the spinach sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the spinach sauce: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted (about 3-4 minutes).
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. If desired, stir in the Parmesan cheese to add richness and flavor.
- Combine the chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until fully heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the chicken with the creamy spinach sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy your Chicken Florentine with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Advanced Techniques for Perfect Chicken Florentine
While the basic recipe is simple, there are a few techniques to elevate your Chicken Florentine and ensure it’s as flavorful as possible.
Perfectly Searing the Chicken:
To get a beautifully golden, crispy chicken breast, make sure to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning it. This helps the chicken sear better. Use a high heat for the initial sear and avoid moving the chicken around too much while it cooks. This will help achieve that golden crust.
Infusing the Creamy Sauce:
For a more complex flavor, you can infuse the cream sauce with herbs and spices. Try adding a bay leaf while simmering the sauce, or a small dash of nutmeg for added depth.
Adding Mushrooms:
Mushrooms are often added to Chicken Florentine to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. You can sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and garlic along with the spinach, creating a more robust sauce. This variation is especially delicious and adds a nice earthy flavor.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
If you have leftovers or want to prepare this dish ahead of time, here are some tips for storing and maintaining its quality.
Storage:
Store any leftover Chicken Florentine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy spinach sauce will continue to soak into the chicken, making the flavors even more pronounced the next day.
Freezing:
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the chicken with the sauce for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. You may need to add a little more cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Reheating:
Reheat the dish gently on the stove or in the microwave. If reheating on the stove, do so over low heat and stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
There are a few ways to modify Chicken Florentine for different dietary preferences and restrictions.
Low-Carb:
To make the dish lower in carbs, serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad instead of potatoes or rice. You can also use cauliflower rice as a lower-carb substitute for regular rice.
Dairy-Free:
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Gluten-Free:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no substitutions are necessary. Just be sure to check that all ingredients, such as the chicken broth, are labeled gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
FAQs About Chicken Florentine
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh spinach. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce to avoid excess water.
Can I make Chicken Florentine ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat the chicken in the sauce when ready to serve.
What should I serve with Chicken Florentine?
Chicken Florentine pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a simple green salad for a lighter option.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Chicken Florentine is a wonderfully creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, rich spinach sauce, and a touch of garlic and cream creates a flavorful meal that will surely satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special event, this dish will impress.
Enjoy your Chicken Florentine, and don’t forget to get creative with the ingredients to make it your own!