Chicken Florentine Recipe That’s Creamy, Quick, and Irresistible

Chicken Florentine Recipe is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a gourmet chef—even if you’re just trying to survive Tuesday night dinner with two picky kids and a load of laundry waiting. This cozy classic combines juicy, golden-seared chicken with a velvety spinach cream sauce that practically begs to be poured over pasta or sopped up with a chunk of warm bread. And the best part? You don’t need a culinary degree (or even a long grocery list) to pull it off in under 30 minutes. Yep, Chicken Florentine Recipe hits that magical trifecta: quick, creamy, and comforting.

Table of Contents

What is Chicken Florentine?

Chicken Florentine is one of those Italian-inspired dishes that sounds way fancier than it actually is. At its core, it’s tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and a generous helping of fresh spinach (hello, iron boost!). The name “Florentine” comes from Florence, Italy, and whenever you see it in a recipe, it usually means spinach is involved. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that doesn’t require restaurant-level stress—just a skillet, a few pantry staples, and a little kitchen confidence.

Reasons to Try Chicken Florentine Recipe

Still deciding whether this recipe is worth the 30 minutes? Here’s the scoop: Chicken Florentine checks all the boxes. It’s fast enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for date night. Got picky eaters? This creamy sauce might be your new secret weapon for sneaking in greens. It also works beautifully with whatever you’ve got on hand—pasta, rice, cauliflower mash, or even a baked potato. Plus, it saves well and reheats like a dream. Need another reason? It’s way cheaper (and healthier) than ordering Italian takeout again.

Ingredients Needed to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe

When it comes to making the perfect Chicken Florentine Recipe, you don’t need anything fancy or hard to pronounce. What you do need are simple, flavorful ingredients that come together to create something truly crave-worthy. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s made with real, everyday ingredients that are likely already hanging out in your fridge or pantry—and if not, they’re easy to grab at any local grocery store.

Let’s break down everything you’ll need and why it matters.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (4 pieces)
Start with four medium-sized chicken breasts. These are lean, protein-packed, and the perfect base for soaking up that creamy Florentine sauce. If they’re extra thick, consider slicing them in half lengthwise or pounding them slightly for quicker, more even cooking. No time to pound? Totally fine. Just add a couple minutes to your cook time.

Olive Oil and Butter (2 tablespoons each)
Using a mix of olive oil and butter gives you the best of both worlds—olive oil for a higher smoke point and buttery richness for that comforting flavor. These two work together to help sear the chicken to golden-brown perfection.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Fresh garlic is a must. It’s one of the key flavor builders in this dish and gives your sauce a fragrant, slightly sweet bite that makes everything taste homemade and delicious. Pro tip: don’t burn it—just a minute in the pan is all it needs.

Chicken Broth (1 cup)
This not only helps deglaze the skillet after you sear the chicken, but it also builds the base of your sauce. Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake, or use homemade if you’re feeling extra fancy. It’s a simple way to add savory depth without a ton of work.

Heavy Cream (1 cup)
Here’s where the magic happens. Heavy cream turns the pan drippings and garlic into a luscious, velvety sauce that coats every bite of chicken. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could swap in half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick or dreamy.

Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated)
You want the good stuff here—freshly grated Parmesan, not the kind from a green can. It melts beautifully and gives the sauce that slightly salty, nutty finish that makes people go, “Whoa, what’s in this?”

Fresh Spinach (6 packed cups or about 6 ounces)
This is what makes this a Chicken Florentine Recipe—Florentine means spinach is front and center. You might think six cups sounds like a lot, but it wilts down fast. It adds nutrition, color, and that little pop of earthiness that balances the richness of the sauce.

Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon)
This blend of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme brings the whole dish together with just one spoonful. It gives that classic Italian flair without overcomplicating things.

Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Don’t underestimate the power of seasoning! Salt brings out all the other flavors, and a touch of freshly cracked black pepper adds just the right amount of warmth.

If you’re the kind of home cook who likes making big-batch meals with familiar ingredients, you might also love our Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Casserole—it shares a lot of pantry staples with this dish and is just as cozy and satisfying.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Mushrooms: Want to bulk this out a little? Add some sliced cremini or baby bella mushrooms when you sauté the garlic. They pair beautifully with the spinach and cream sauce.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: For a tangy twist, throw in a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes when adding the cream.
• White Wine: Replace ¼ cup of the chicken broth with dry white wine for a more elevated flavor profile.

So there you have it—all the ingredients you need to bring this Chicken Florentine Recipe to life. The best part? You don’t have to be a gourmet chef or spend hours in the kitchen. Just a few smart, flavorful ingredients and 30 minutes of your time are all it takes to create a creamy, comforting meal that’s bound to become a regular in your weeknight rotation.

For another creamy chicken dish that’ll warm your soul (and fill your belly), don’t miss our Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole—another reader favorite loaded with similar ingredients.

Instructions to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe

Making this Chicken Florentine Recipe is easier than you might think—and you don’t need to be a professional chef to pull it off. Whether you’re whipping this up after work or impressing guests at a weekend dinner party, these step-by-step instructions will walk you through everything from searing the chicken to spooning that luscious creamy sauce onto your plate.

Take your time or speed through it—either way, you’ll end up with a dish that’s comforting, creamy, and seriously satisfying.

Step 1: Season the Chicken with Italian Goodness

Start by patting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them get that golden sear instead of steaming in the pan. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning.

That blend of oregano, thyme, and basil is the secret to giving this dish that warm, Tuscan flavor without a ton of effort. You can even make your own homemade Italian seasoning if you’ve got a spice cabinet that’s out of control (we’ve all been there).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy

In a large skillet (preferably one with high sides), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. The combo of oil and butter gives your chicken a rich flavor while preventing the butter from burning.

Once hot and shimmering, add your seasoned chicken breasts. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (an internal temp of 165°F is your magic number).

Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic for Big Flavor

With all those tasty brown bits still in the pan (don’t you dare wash that out!), reduce the heat to medium and toss in your minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. If it starts to brown too quickly, pull the pan off the heat—it keeps cooking even after you turn the burner off.

This step builds the foundation of the sauce, and those browned bits? That’s pure flavor gold.

Step 4: Deglaze with Broth for a Flavorful Sauce Base

Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. This step turns your skillet into a savory base and gives your sauce that “slow-cooked all day” flavor—except, you know, you didn’t.

Let it simmer for 2 minutes, just enough to reduce slightly and pull all that flavor into the broth.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese for the Dreamy Sauce

Now it’s time for the star of the show: the creamy Parmesan sauce. Lower the heat and slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Let it simmer gently, stirring every minute or so, for 3–5 minutes, until it thickens into a silky sauce. The cheese will melt and blend right in, creating that creamy, slightly salty flavor that makes this Chicken Florentine Recipe so irresistible.

Want to switch things up next time? Try the cream base from our Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup for a spicy twist!

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach Like a Pro

Toss in 6 cups of fresh spinach and stir gently to coat the leaves in the sauce. It’ll look like too much at first, but don’t panic—it wilts down quickly. In about 2 minutes, it will soften into the sauce and add a pop of green that makes the dish feel extra vibrant and wholesome.

Spinach not your thing? You can sub in kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula, but the spinach keeps things traditional—and that’s kind of the point in a Chicken Florentine Recipe, right?

Step 7: Bring Back the Chicken for a Final Simmer

Now for the grand reunion: place your seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into that creamy spinach sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top of each piece, because this dish is all about full flavor in every bite.

Let everything simmer together for 5 more minutes. This final step allows the chicken to soak up all the garlicky, creamy goodness and ensures every bite is perfectly juicy and flavorful.

Step 8: Serve and Savor Every Creamy Bite

And just like that, your Chicken Florentine Recipe is ready to serve! Plate the chicken with a generous spoonful of that dreamy sauce and wilted spinach on top.

It’s perfect over pasta (try fettuccine or pappardelle), mashed potatoes, or even on its own with crusty garlic bread. For a cozy dinner night lineup, pair it with a bowl of Italian Orzo Spinach Soup or Homemade Chili if you want to double down on the comfort food vibes.

What to Serve with Chicken Florentine Recipe

The creamy sauce in this Chicken Florentine Recipe is basically begging for something to soak it up. Think buttery pasta, fluffy white rice, or even mashed potatoes. If you’re going low-carb (hey keto folks!), try cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles. And don’t forget a hunk of crusty bread or garlic knots on the side—you’ll want every drop of that sauce. For something fresh, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully.

Want another creamy comfort food idea? Check out this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole—it’s a warm hug in a dish.

Key Tips for Making Chicken Florentine Recipe

• Use thin chicken breasts or pound them slightly for even cooking. No one wants dry chicken.
• Fresh spinach wilts fast, so don’t overcook it or it’ll turn mushy.
• Taste the sauce before serving—sometimes a pinch more salt or cheese takes it from good to unforgettable.
• Parmesan works best freshly grated—the pre-shredded stuff doesn’t melt the same.
• Don’t skip deglazing the pan! All that flavor is gold.

Short on time? Try using rotisserie chicken and just make the sauce—boom, dinner in 10.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Chicken Florentine Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store any extra Chicken Florentine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce if it thickens too much. This one doesn’t freeze super well (the cream can separate), so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days. But honestly, leftovers rarely last that long!

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Just thaw and squeeze out as much water as you can first.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Try using half-and-half for a good middle ground.

What if I don’t eat dairy?
Swap cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Still creamy, still delish.

Is this gluten-free?
Yep—just serve it with gluten-free sides and double-check your broth and cheese.

Can I make this ahead?
Sure! Make the sauce in advance and sear fresh chicken when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably already picturing this Chicken Florentine Recipe bubbling away in your skillet tonight. And you should be. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if everything else is chaos. It’s cozy, creamy, and surprisingly fast. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself (glass of wine in hand, of course), this dish never disappoints.

For more comforting, creamy dinner inspiration, you’ll love our Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Casserole or Easy Chicken Burrito Casserole—equally dreamy, just as easy.

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print