Ever notice how a creamy bite of chicken can pull you back to your mom’s Formica kitchen in ’97? This Chicken Florentine recipe is blowing up on TikTok lately, and it’s no wonder—it’s buttery, flavorful, and weeknight-doable. Just one pan, 30-ish minutes, skills optional. Welcome to your new favorite cozy dinner!
It’s a cozy dish that warms the soul and makes your spinach feel special. Juicy chicken, garlicky cream, a handful of parmesan—nothing wild in here. You’ve probably got half the ingredients already hiding in your fridge. Like grandma’s comfort food, but sassier. Full details in the blog!
I nearly scorched the cream sauce the first time—classic me. My daughter saved the day with a splash of broth and a lucky stir. Cooking this reminds me of learning beside my grandma: no timers, just trust. We added a twist (lemon!) and it’s magic. You’ll see.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Florentine recipe is the dinner trifecta: creamy, flavorful, and quick enough for a Wednesday night meltdown. The chicken is juicy, the sauce is decadently garlicky, and the fresh spinach adds a touch of “look, I ate something healthy today!” Plus, it’s all done in one pan—meaning fewer dishes to battle afterward. Cozy, Italian-inspired comfort food at its best, and you’ll feel like a rockstar making it in under 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: It’s the perfect “pantry meets fresh” kind of recipe. If cream and spinach are in the fridge, you’re halfway to dinner!
Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
Here’s the lowdown: you’ll need boneless chicken breasts, fresh spinach, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, butter, olive oil, and grated Parmesan. Season it up with Italian seasoning, salt, and a little pepper. Nothing fancy! If your fridge is spinach-light, grab a frozen bag and thaw it—it works like a charm.
Essential tools include a sturdy skillet (cast iron if you’ve got it) and a whisk to keep that sauce velvety smooth. Let’s keep it simple and mess-minimal.
Ingredient
Swap or Add-On
Heavy Cream
Half-and-half (for lighter sauce)
Spinach
Frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry)
Parmesan
Asiago or Pecorino Romano
How to Make It
Start by heating olive oil and butter in your skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear them to golden perfection—4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
In the same pan, toss in the minced garlic and let it get fragrant (but don’t let it burn—it’s sneaky like that). Add the chicken broth, letting it deglaze the pan and soak up all those yummy browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan, letting the sauce thicken for a few minutes. Finally, fold in the spinach, letting it wilt down like magic!
Return the chicken to your skillet, simmer for a few minutes until cooked through, and you’re ready to serve. It’s that easy.
Common Issues & Tips for Success
Worried about curdled cream? Keep the heat on medium—no boiling allowed here. Sauce too thick or thin? Add a splash of broth to loosen it up, or simmer a bit longer to thicken. If your spinach releases extra liquid, don’t panic—it’ll blend right into the sauce.
Pro Tip: Slice the chicken before serving if you’re cooking for picky eaters—makes dishing up a breeze!
Step
Time
Seared Chicken
8–10 minutes
Cook Sauce
5–7 minutes
Simmer with Chicken
3–5 minutes
Creative Twists & Storage Options
Feeling creative? Toss in sun-dried tomatoes for tang, or sauté mushrooms with the garlic for extra coziness. A sprinkle of crispy bacon on top wouldn’t hurt either (because, bacon).
For storage, let leftovers cool completely, then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to revive that luscious sauce.
Repurpose Tip: Shred the leftover chicken and roll it into wraps, or toss it with pasta for a whole new meal. Dinner 2.0, done!
Expert Insight: Perfecting Chicken Florentine
Chicken Florentine is a classic combination of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and creamy sauce. The key to success lies in properly sautéing the spinach to release moisture without wilting it completely, preserving texture and flavor in this iconic Chicken Florentine recipe.
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Behind the Scenes
This Chicken Florentine recipe always transports me back to quiet Sunday dinners with Rachel, where between bites, she’d insist on adding “just a little more spinach.” It’s become our little tradition—proving that even in kitchen chaos, simple dishes can create the warmest memories.
Chicken Florentine is a classic dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy spinach sauce. It combines flavors of garlic, lemon, and Parmesan cheese, making it both flavorful and comforting. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels fancy yet is easy to prepare.
How do I make Chicken Florentine creamier?
To get a creamier texture, use heavy cream or half-and-half when making the sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently so it thickens without curdling. Adding a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone can boost richness and provide an extra smooth finish.
Can I use frozen spinach for Chicken Florentine?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works well in this recipe and saves prep time. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to your sauce to avoid a watery texture.
What side dishes go well with Chicken Florentine?
Chicken Florentine pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or buttered pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. Steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans also complement the dish perfectly for a balanced meal.
Is Chicken Florentine Recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This Chicken Florentine Recipe is keto-friendly as it’s low in carbs and rich in fats and proteins. Just be mindful to skip or replace any pasta or high-carb sides with keto-approved veggies to keep it within your macros.
Wrapping Up Your Cozy Chicken Florentine
This Chicken Florentine recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, delivering tender chicken bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress, with familiar ingredients that make your kitchen feel like home.
Want to mix it up? Add sun-dried tomatoes or swap Parmesan for Pecorino to jazz things gently. Leftovers? They reheat beautifully with a splash of broth, or shred the chicken for tasty wraps—a real win for busy days. A little kitchen magic, no fuss.
Give it a try, then share your twist or kitchen wins—did this remind you of a favorite family meal? Pass it on to someone who deserves a cozy dinner tonight. Trust me, you’ll wanna make this one again and again.
A creamy and flavorful chicken florentine recipe perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich spinach and Parmesan cream sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
6 cups fresh spinach about 6 ounces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Season chicken breasts with salt pepper and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook chicken until golden and cooked through about 5-7 minutes each side then remove from skillet.
Add garlic to skillet and sauté for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach cook until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
Return chicken to skillet coat with sauce and heat through.
Serve hot garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For best results use fresh spinach and do not overcook chicken to keep it tender
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas—together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
