Chicken Florentine  

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant Yet Easy: Despite its sophisticated appearance, this dish is straightforward to prepare, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Pairings: The creamy spinach sauce complements a variety of sides, allowing you to customize the meal to your liking.
• Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of seared chicken and a luscious spinach-infused cream sauce offers a comforting and satisfying dining experience.

Ingredients

• 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 flour
• ¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Florentine Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups white wine or chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• ⅓ cup softened cream cheese
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• Juice of ½ fresh lemon (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound to about ½-inch thickness using a meat tenderizer. Pat dry.
2. Dredge the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, flour, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Coat each chicken breast in the mixture, shaking off excess.
3. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in white wine (or chicken broth) and bring to a gentle boil, allowing it to reduce by half.
5. Add Cream and Spinach: Slowly stir in the half and half, bringing the mixture to a boil before reducing to a simmer. Let it reduce by half again, then stir in the softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Combine and Serve: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Add lemon juice if desired. Cover and cook until the chicken is heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for added depth of flavor.
• Tomato Enhancement: Incorporate sun-dried or cherry tomatoes into the sauce for a tangy twist.
• Cheese Options: Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer texture.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or thyme to the sauce for aromatic complexity.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened.

FAQs

What is Chicken Florentine?

Chicken Florentine is a dish where chicken is served atop a bed of spinach and covered with a creamy sauce, often enhanced with white wine and garlic.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used; adjust cooking times as needed to ensure they are cooked through.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for white wine?

Chicken broth can replace white wine in the sauce for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Frozen spinach can be used; thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding to the sauce to prevent excess moisture.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Allow the sauce to reduce further by simmering longer, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad complement Chicken Florentine nicely.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently and add freshly cooked chicken before serving.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking the chicken and ensure it is covered with sauce during reheating to retain moisture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for dredging the chicken.

Can I add other vegetables?

Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, or tomatoes to enhance the dish.

Conclusion

Chicken Florentine combines tender chicken with a luxurious spinach cream sauce, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Its simplicity and elegance make it a cherished recipe for both everyday meals and special gathering

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