There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy, flavorful chicken dish that feels both elegant and effortless. Chicken Florentine is one of those classic recipes that hits the sweet spot between rustic and refined. This Perfect Chicken Florentine features golden pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy spinach sauce infused with garlic, parmesan, and a touch of white wine—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The dish originates from Florence, Italy, hence the name “Florentine,” and is traditionally made with spinach and a creamy base. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and balance of flavors. The savory chicken is seasoned and seared to golden perfection, locking in juices while providing a crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the velvety sauce.
The sauce is the true heart of Chicken Florentine. Fresh spinach is sautéed until just wilted, then simmered with garlic, onions, and a splash of white wine. Add in some heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a dash of nutmeg, and you’ve got a luxurious, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
What makes this version stand out is its depth of flavor and foolproof method. The chicken is finished in the same skillet as the sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken around each piece. It’s an all-in-one pan dinner that feels like a gourmet meal.
Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even rice, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality plate at home. The creamy texture, combined with the slightly earthy taste of spinach and the savory umami notes from parmesan, makes it a favorite among both kids and adults.
Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to prepare. In just about 30 minutes, you can go from raw ingredients to a plated dish that looks and tastes like it took hours. It’s a great go-to for busy evenings or a cozy weekend dinner.
You don’t have to be a master chef to pull this off. Even beginners can achieve amazing results with this recipe, and the cleanup is minimal thanks to the one-pan approach.
This recipe is also easy to customize—swap the white wine for chicken broth if you’re avoiding alcohol, or use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter touch.
Make it once, and you’ll likely add it to your regular rotation. It’s a wonderful dish to impress guests, nourish your family, or simply treat yourself.
Chicken Florentine is comfort food with a touch of class—creamy, garlicky, and satisfying. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and your taste buds will thank you.
Servings: 4 servings
Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté onions for 2–3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add heavy cream and nutmeg.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and let sauce thicken slightly.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
Tips:
- Use thin chicken breasts for quicker cooking.
- Don’t overcook the spinach—just wilt it.
- Add mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Double the sauce if serving over pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Creamy and flavorful with minimal effort
- Perfect for weeknights or dinner guests
- One-pan cleanup
- Easily customizable
- Restaurant-quality results at home
Summary: Perfect Chicken Florentine is a creamy, comforting one-pan dish featuring golden seared chicken in a garlic parmesan spinach sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for cozy nights in or impressing your dinner guests.
