Description
Chicken Florentine is a classic dish featuring golden seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy spinach sauce. This elegant yet approachable recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion meal. Infused with garlic, Parmesan, and optional lemon, this comforting dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a crisp green salad.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Chicken Dredge:
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Florentine Sauce:
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups white wine (or chicken broth)
1 cup half and half
⅓ cup softened cream cheese
3 cups fresh spinach
½ fresh lemon or 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Chicken:
Cover each chicken breast with plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels.
Dredge Chicken:
In a bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and garlic powder. Coat each chicken breast thoroughly, tapping off excess.
Sear Chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, covered, until golden and cooked through. Sear in batches if needed. Set aside.
Deglaze Pan:
Turn off heat. Add white wine (or broth), then set heat to medium.
Use a spatula to scrape the brown bits off the pan for flavor. Simmer and reduce by half (about 6–7 minutes). Add garlic in the last minute.
Make Cream Sauce:
Warm half and half slightly in the microwave (40 seconds).
Slowly stir into the skillet. Bring to a light bubble, then reduce to low.
Stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Add Spinach and Finish:
Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in lemon juice if using.
Return chicken and drippings to the skillet. Cover to reheat through. Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
You may use 10 oz. frozen spinach—thaw and squeeze out excess liquid before adding.
Optional add-ins: mushrooms, capers, cherry tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Cream cheese adds richness and thickness but can be omitted.
Allow chicken to rest at room temp before cooking for more even results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
