Introduction:
Savor the rich and creamy goodness of this Easy Chicken Florentine! This comforting dish combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious spinach and cream sauce, all topped with Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels both indulgent and simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy to make: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps.
- Creamy and satisfying: A rich sauce that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- One-pan wonder: Simplifies cooking and cleanup with everything prepared in a single skillet.
- Healthy twist: Incorporates spinach for added nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour (if using) and cook for another minute, allowing it to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Add Spinach and Cheese:
- Stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted into the sauce. Season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s heated through and coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the chicken.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Breasts: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
- Creaminess: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more chicken broth or cream as needed.
- Spinach: If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
Recipe Variations:
- Mushroom Florentine: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor.
- Garlic and Herb: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme for additional flavor.
- Low-Fat Version: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a side of rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
Special Equipment:
- Skillet: A large skillet is ideal for cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
FAQ:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will be tender and flavorful. - Can I use a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream or milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. - Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve.
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes for prepping ingredients and cooking the chicken.
Cook Time:
- 20 minutes for making the sauce and combining with the chicken.
Total Time:
- 30 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Easy Chicken Florentine
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour (if using) and cook for another minute, allowing it to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Add Spinach and Cheese:
- Stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted into the sauce. Season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s heated through and coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 32g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried this Easy Chicken Florentine? Share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delightful creations and check back for more easy and delicious recipes.