EASY CHICKEN FLORENTINE RECIPE

Imagine sinking your fork into a juicy, pan-seared chicken breast, smothered in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with fresh spinach and parmesan cheese – that’s Chicken Florentine! This isn’t some complicated restaurant dish; it’s totally achievable in your own kitchen, and I’m here to show you how easy it is to make a Chicken Florentine that will impress everyone at the table.

What You’ll Need: The Chicken Florentine Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Florentine Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended!)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step: Let’s Make Chicken Florentine Magic!

Prepping the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get those chicken breasts ready. Pat them dry with paper towels – this is key for getting a good sear.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated.

Searing the Chicken:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan nice and hot!
2. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches.
3. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Tent it with foil to keep it warm.

Making the Creamy Florentine Sauce:

1. Now, for the star of the show – the Florentine sauce! In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out – all those chicken bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy Florentine sauce.
2. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly.
3. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Serve the Chicken Florentine hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
2. This dish is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

My Sauce is Too Thin!

No worries! If your sauce isn’t thick enough, you can make a quick slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Whisk it into the simmering sauce and cook for a minute or two until it thickens.

My Sauce is Too Thick!

Easy fix! Just add a splash more chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

The Chicken is Dry!

Overcooked chicken is a bummer, but the creamy sauce will help! Make sure you’re not overcooking the chicken in the first place. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the heat immediately. The sauce will keep it moist and delicious.

Variations: Spice It Up!

Add Some Heat:

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomato Florentine:

Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of flavor.

Mushroom Florentine:

Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy twist.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Chicken Florentine

Chicken Florentine is super versatile! Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside it:

• Pasta: Toss cooked pasta (like fettuccine or linguine) with the Florentine sauce for a complete meal. You can even try it with the Parmesan Chicken Pasta recipe for a similar taste but with even more pasta!
• Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice is another fantastic option if you love creamy chicken and rice dishes.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans are healthy and delicious side dishes.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with Chicken Florentine.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of chicken recipes, you’re in the right place! Here are a few more of my favorites that I think you’ll enjoy:

• Honey Garlic Chicken: Sweet, savory, and oh-so-delicious.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes: A complete meal in one pan!
• Creamy Crock Pot Ranch Chicken: The easiest way to make a flavorful and tender chicken dish.
• Craving a creamy pasta? You will love the Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Storage Instructions

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover Chicken Florentine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream before reheating.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – my easy and delicious Chicken Florentine recipe! I promise, once you try it, it’ll become a regular on your dinner rotation. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and elegance, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!