Creamy Chicken Florentine is an elegant, comfort-filled dish combining tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce. Our perfected version of this Italian-inspired classic brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen — all in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Florentine
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 oz baby spinach, fresh
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Authentic Flavor
1. Prepare and Season the Chicken
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour, shaking off excess.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
3. Build the Aromatic Base
In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Add garlic and shallot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
4. Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce
Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
5. Add Parmesan and Spinach
Whisk in grated Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. Fold in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Return Chicken to Pan
Nestle seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let simmer for 2-3 more minutes to reheat chicken and meld flavors.
7. Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish for balance. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~550 kcal |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 39g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this luxurious dish with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
- Crusty artisan bread to soak up the creamy sauce
- Steamed asparagus or roasted carrots for balance
Make It Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Sauce can be made a day in advance and gently reheated.
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly to preserve texture.
Variations and Additions
Protein Swaps
- Substitute chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Try shrimp or salmon for a seafood spin.
Low-Carb or Keto Option
- Use almond flour for dredging.
- Replace wine with additional broth.
Add Mushrooms
Sauté 1 cup sliced cremini or baby bella mushrooms with shallots to add earthy depth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Overcooking chicken | Pound to even thickness and sear over medium-high heat |
| Curdling sauce | Avoid boiling after adding cream |
| Watery sauce | Simmer to reduce before adding spinach |
Why Our Chicken Florentine Stands Out
- Restaurant-quality flavor from layers of garlic, wine, and cream.
- Balanced richness with lemon and mustard for contrast.
- Velvety texture thanks to slow-simmered sauce and fresh spinach.
- One-pan convenience, fewer dishes, less mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of cream and cheese, though flavor will differ slightly.
What wine works best?
Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, dredge chicken in cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Florentine is the perfect harmony of hearty and refined. With its silky sauce, juicy chicken, and fresh greens, it’s a timeless classic that turns any night into a special occasion. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this dish delivers bold flavor and elegant simplicity every time.