Description
Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy spinach sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this versatile recipe pairs well with pasta, rice, or salad, offering a flavorful and comforting dining experience.
Ingredients
- 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 flour
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness. Pat dry.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Mix salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, flour, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. Coat chicken, shaking off excess.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add white wine or chicken broth, boiling to reduce by half.
- Stir in half and half and simmer until reduced by half again. Add softened cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Add Spinach:
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and cook until heated through. Add lemon juice if desired. Garnish with parsley
Notes
- For a richer sauce, substitute cream cheese with mascarpone.
- Optional additions: mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier option, adjusting cooking times.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American