Chicken Florentine is a classic dish that features tender chicken breasts nestled in a creamy spinach and mushroom sauce. This recipe brings together savory flavors with a touch of elegance, perfect for a comforting dinner at home.
Ingredients for Chicken Florentine
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Spinach and Mushroom Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Chicken Florentine
Cooking the Chicken:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Dredge each breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Making the Spinach and Mushroom Sauce:
- Saute the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining and Serving:
- Return Chicken to Skillet: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve the Chicken Florentine hot, over pasta or with crusty bread on the side.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken Breasts: Provide lean protein and absorb the flavors of the creamy spinach and mushroom sauce.
Spinach: Adds a nutritious boost to the dish, wilting down to provide color and texture.
Mushrooms: Bring earthy flavors and a meaty texture to complement the chicken and spinach.
Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully, adding indulgent flavors to the dish.
Chicken Florentine is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy spinach and mushroom sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, this recipe allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen. Serve it up and savor every bite of this delicious classic!
