Chicken Florentine Recipe

I know how challenging it can be to get a wholesome dinner on the table during a busy week. That’s why I adore this easy chicken florentine recipe – its tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and creamy sauce fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, promising a healthy and satisfying family meal. This chicken florentine recipe is a fantastic solution for those evenings when you crave something special but only have about 30 minutes before soccer practice. Discover core ingredients, simple steps, and clever tricks to make this a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients That Make It Work

• 1.5 lbs (approx. 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide lean protein and cook quickly. Consider organic chicken for an added healthy upgrade for your family dinner.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden finish.
• 1 small onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped: Builds an aromatic depth that makes this chicken florentine recipe truly sing.
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced: An essential flavor base; I sometimes add an extra clove for more punch.
• 10 oz (approx. 280g) fresh spinach: Wilts down beautifully and is packed with nutrients. (Or thawed frozen chopped spinach if that’s what’s on hand).
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth: Adds savory liquid to create a rich sauce, a key component of any great chicken florentine recipe. (Opt for low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake).
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream: Creates a wonderfully rich, creamy texture for your sauce. (You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or full-fat coconut milk as a dairy-free swap).
• 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, umami finish. Freshly grated is always my pick!
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor.
• Optional: Pinch of ground nutmeg: A traditional touch that enhances the creamy elements of this classic dish.

Cooking Steps Made Easy

1. Prep the Chicken (5 minutes): Slice each chicken breast horizontally into two 1.5 cm (1/2 inch) thick cutlets. Season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating. This sets the base for a flavorful chicken florentine recipe.
2. Sear the Chicken (8-10 minutes): Heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil in a large 10-inch skillet on medium-high. Sear chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown (74°C/165°F internal temp). Remove chicken; set aside. They will look beautifully caramelized.
3. Build the Sauce (5 minutes): Reduce heat to medium. Cook onion/shallots in skillet (2-3 min) until softened. Stir in minced garlic (1 min) until fragrant. Pour in 240 ml (1 cup) chicken broth, scraping pan; bring to a gentle simmer. If sauce looks too thin, simmer an extra minute or two to reduce.
4. Add Cream & Spinach (3-5 minutes): Stir in 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream and 60g (1/2 cup) Parmesan. Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted and vibrant green. Season with salt, pepper, optional nutmeg. For spicier chicken florentine recipe, add red pepper flakes.
5. Combine and Serve (2 minutes): Return cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over them. Warm through for 1-2 minutes until gently bubbling. This truly easy chicken florentine recipe is ready for your family dinner!

When and How to Enjoy It

This chicken florentine recipe is incredibly versatile, making it a go-to for many situations.

• Best occasions: Enjoy it as a speedy weeknight dinner, perfect for meal prep, impressive enough for a small gathering, or a cozy Sunday supper.
• Serving suggestions: Pair it wonderfully over pasta, rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. For a great low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Sauces/Toppings: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon brightens all the savory flavors beautifully.
• Drinks: It pairs well with sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing meal.
• Storage/reheating advice: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer keeping, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen meals overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwaving also works, but might dry out the chicken slightly.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Benefits of this easy meal

Our easy Florentine dish offers a host of benefits that support healthy eating and busy lifestyles.

High Protein Power

This dish is a fantastic source of lean protein, essential for sustained energy and muscle support, making it one of the best high-protein meals for active families.

Wholesome & Balanced

Packed with essential vitamins from fresh spinach and calcium from Parmesan cheese, this meal contributes significantly to a balanced diet, ensuring you get vital nutrients.

Family-Friendly

The creamy, savory flavors make this a delicious way to encourage kids to eat their greens, easily becoming one of your go-to easy healthy dinner recipes.

Diet Adaptable

The chicken florentine recipe is easily adjusted for low-carb meals or as diabetic-friendly food by simply serving it with non-starchy vegetables or cauliflower rice instead of grains.

Time, Money, and Convenience

This efficient dish fits perfectly into busy schedules and budget-conscious meal plans.

Quick breakdown

You can have this delicious meal ready surprisingly fast. Expect about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes for cooking, totaling just about 35 minutes from start to finish.

Approximate cost

Making this dish at home is quite economical, typically costing about $3-$4 per serving, depending on the ingredients you choose.

Save money tips

• Buy chicken and spinach when they are on sale or in bulk.
• Opt for store-brand broth and cheese without compromising flavor.

Batch cooking

This recipe doubles easily, making it perfect for make-ahead meal prep for weight loss goals or simply for navigating busy weeks with healthy, ready-to-eat meals.

Smart Shopping Tips for your Florentine

Selecting quality ingredients elevates your Florentine dish from good to great.

Quality ingredients

Look for fresh, vibrant spinach at local markets or your preferred supermarket. Choose high-quality, antibiotic-free chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.

Fresh vs. frozen vs. canned

While fresh spinach is ideal for its texture, frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) works well in a pinch. Fresh chicken breasts are always preferred, but thawed frozen breasts are a convenient alternative.

Mentions that fit naturally

Consider organic grocery delivery for ultimate convenience, especially for sourcing organic ingredients. Also, check health food store finds for specialty creams or cheeses to enhance your meal.

Expert Tips & Adjustments

Customize your chicken florentine recipe with these simple tweaks for an even better home-cooked meal.

Chef-style upgrades

• Deglaze the pan with a splash of extra chicken broth or a hint of white balsamic vinegar after cooking the garlic for enhanced depth.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for an extra savory finish.

Seasoning tweaks

• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end brightens all the flavors.
• For a richer taste, consider using browned butter for searing the chicken cutlets.

Allergy adjustments

• For a dairy-free option, use a full-fat coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free; no flour is needed for thickening.

Kid-friendly adjustments

When I make this for my own family, I often cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces; it makes it easier and more fun for little hands to eat. You can also slightly reduce the amount of garlic if your children prefer milder flavors.

FAQs

Can this dish be made ahead for meal prep?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the Florentine entirely and store it in individual containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for easy grab-and-go healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

What’s the healthiest substitute for heavy cream in this classic?

For a lighter creamy dish, good substitutes include half-and-half, evaporated milk, or even a plant-based milk like unsweetened almond milk thickened with a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed in before adding.

Where can I find quality ingredients for this recipe online?

Many online grocery delivery services or specialty food retailers offer high-quality organic chicken, fresh spinach, and premium cheeses. I often use a local farm delivery service to get fresh, vibrant spinach for my Florentine.

Can I use frozen spinach for this Florentine?

Yes, you can certainly use frozen spinach! The key is to thaw it thoroughly and squeeze out all excess water very well before adding it to your sauce. This step prevents your delicious meal from becoming watery.

Is this chicken florentine recipe good for low-carb diets?

This chicken florentine recipe is naturally low-carb if you skip the traditional pasta or rice. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a side salad, or cauliflower rice for a truly satisfying low-carb meal option.

How long does cooked chicken florentine recipe last in the freezer?

Properly stored, cooked chicken florentine recipe can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s in an airtight, freezer-safe container to maintain quality and prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

This easy chicken florentine recipe is a winner, bringing incredible flavor, speed, and balanced nutrition to your table, proving that healthy eating can be delicious and convenient. It’s affordable, versatile, and I know it will become a family favorite for quick meals and family dinners. Go ahead, add the ingredients to your shopping list and plan to make this amazing chicken florentine recipe this week! Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you always have it handy.

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