Chicken Florentine is like a warm hug on a plate, with tender chicken nestled in a creamy spinach sauce that sings of comfort and nourishment. The moment you pull this dish from the oven, your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that makes everyone wonder if dinner is actually a five-star restaurant experience. creamy chicken alfredo variations. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe.
Picture this: it’s a chilly Friday evening, and you’re looking for something to impress your family without breaking a sweat. Enter Chicken Florentine – the culinary equivalent of a cozy blanket and a good book. perfect cornbread pairing It’s perfect for date night or when you want to gather friends around the table for some laughter and good food. This dish promises an explosion of flavors that will leave you dreaming about it long after the last bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Chicken Florentine is easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavors and creamy texture will delight your taste buds
- Visually stunning with vibrant greens against golden chicken, it’s sure to impress
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread
I once made Chicken Florentine for my best friend’s birthday, and I swear she practically swooned over each bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work great; adjust according to your crowd size.
- Fresh Spinach: Use about 4 cups of fresh spinach; sauté until just wilted for maximum flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This adds richness; you can substitute half-and-half if you’re feeling lighter.
- Garlic: A few cloves of minced garlic will give your dish a fragrant kick.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan elevates the cream sauce into something truly magical.
- Olive Oil: Use for cooking; it pairs beautifully with chicken and enhances flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp on these flavor enhancers.
- Lemon Juice: Just a squeeze brightens up the entire dish; freshness is key!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your favorite baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sauté the Spinach: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and toss in minced garlic. savory vegetable side dishes Sauté until aromatic but not browned; then add fresh spinach. Stir until wilted and vibrant.
Prepare the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste; mix well until everything is combined.
Combine Everything: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Pour the creamy spinach sauce over them evenly, ensuring each piece is coated.
Bake to Perfection: Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You want it juicy but thoroughly cooked!
Serve It Up: Once out of the oven, let it rest for about five minutes before serving. This allows those delightful juices to redistribute! Serve hot with pasta or crusty bread to soak up all that glorious sauce.
Enjoy preparing this delicious Chicken Florentine as you savor every moment! Mediterranean chicken bowl ideas.
You Must Know
- Chicken Florentine is a delightful dish that pairs tender chicken with creamy spinach
- This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also a great way to sneak in some greens
- The aromas of garlic and herbs will make your kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken until golden brown first, then cook the spinach and sauce while the chicken rests. This ensures juicy meat and flavorful sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Experimenting keeps your meals exciting!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly tender chicken, let it rest before slicing
- Use fresh spinach for vibrant color and taste
- When making the sauce, don’t rush; allow it to simmer for rich flavors!
Cooking Chicken Florentine always reminds me of that time I attempted to impress my friends with my culinary skills. They were blown away by how delicious it turned out, and I think I may have gained a few cooking fans that day!
FAQ
What can I serve with Chicken Florentine?
Chicken Florentine pairs beautifully with pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Can I use frozen spinach instead?
Yes, frozen spinach works well; just ensure it’s well-drained before cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Chicken Florentine
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Florentine is a comforting dish that elevates simple ingredients into a delightful meal. This recipe features tender chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy spinach sauce, creating an irresistible flavor combination. Perfect for impressing family or friends, this dish transforms any gathering into a five-star dining experience. With its rich aroma and vibrant colors, Chicken Florentine is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides and place in the baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Pour the creamy spinach sauce over the chicken breasts evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, sear the chicken in the skillet before baking. - Substitute spinach with kale or add sun-dried tomatoes for a twist. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat gently on the stove.