Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine
Whipping up a Classic: Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine
Introduction to Creamy Chicken Florentine
Hey there! I’m here to guide you through making a Creamy Chicken Florentine, an absolute favorite of mine for both hectic weeknights and those special dinners. Originating from the French term ‘à la florentine’, this dish is a tribute to Florence, Italy, bringing to the table a tradition of pairing rich, luscious sauces with the nutritious goodness of spinach. What I adore about this recipe is its astounding simplicity meeting downright decadence. Whether you’re aiming to impress your guests or just treating yourself, this classic dish promises a culinary journey with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, all set against the backdrop of Italian elegance.

Key Takeaways:
- Elegance made easy: Perfect for any occasion, marrying simplicity with richness.
- A touch of Italy: Inspired by Florence, featuring spinach in a creamy, dreamy sauce.
- Beginner-friendly: Simple steps for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- For the chicken: First up, we’ve got our star ingredient, boneless skinless chicken breasts, looking to get all golden brown and juicy. You’ll also need some flour mixture to give them that perfect coat. Don’t forget to season with a bit of black pepper and kosher salt to taste!
- For the creamy sauce: Here’s where the magic happens. Grab that heavy cream, chicken broth (or chicken stock, if you prefer), and real parmesan cheese – yes, the real deal for the best flavor. A splash of dry white wine, like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, will elevate this to your new favorite sauce.
- For the sauté: Olive oil and a couple tablespoons of butter will get those flavors sizzling. Add in diced sweet onion and minced garlic, letting everything mingle until perfectly fragrant.
- Spinach and more: Fresh baby spinach – it’ll wilt down into a beautifully vibrant part of our dish. And if you’re feeling fancy, a dash of Italian seasoning or even some sun-dried tomatoes can add a whole new dimension.
Prepping the Chicken
Hey there! Let’s talk about making your chicken breasts just perfect for that Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine we’re whipping up. First off, grab yourself a meat mallet. Yes, it’s time to get a tiny bit aggressive (but lovingly so) with your chicken. You’ll want to pound those beauties to an even thickness. Why? Well, it’s all about cooking them evenly and soaking up all that flavorful goodness.
Next up, let’s season. Sprinkle both sides of your chicken with a gentle touch of salt and pepper. This is where the magic starts, trust me. And here’s a little trick I always lean on for that golden-brown finish that’ll make your mouth water – lightly coat each side of the chicken in flour. This isn’t just for looks; it adds a subtle crunch that’s just divine.
Cooking Chicken to Perfection
Whipping up this creamy chicken Florentine starts right in your kitchen with some easy-to-follow steps to ensure your chicken is nothing short of perfection. Here’s how you’ll turn those simple boneless skinless chicken breasts into a mouthwatering base for that rich Florentine sauce.
- Begin by heating a generous splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This gives you room to work and helps distribute the heat evenly.
- Season your chicken cutlets on both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper. This not only adds flavor but helps to get that golden-brown crust we’re after.
- Once the skillet is hot, lay your chicken pieces in, ensuring they don’t touch. Crowding the skillet can lead to steaming instead of searing – not what we want for that delicious golden brown finish.
- Cook each piece until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. You’re looking for a nice, even cook and a sear that seals in all the juicy goodness.
- After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent it with foil to keep it warm. This also gives it a chance to rest, redistributing the juices back throughout the chicken, making each bite as juicy as the last.
Creating the Creamy Spinach Sauce
- Start by sautéing the onions in a large skillet over medium heat until they become translucent. This is the moment the magic starts to happen, laying the flavorful foundation for the sauce.
- Add the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute, just until the aroma fills the kitchen. Garlic adds that punch of flavor that makes the sauce truly memorable.
- Pour in the chicken broth, letting it simmer and reduce a bit to concentrate the flavors. The broth not only deglazes the bottom of the skillet but also infuses every bite with richness.
- Stir in the heavy cream slowly, and watch as the mixture transforms into a creamy haven for the spinach to wilt and mingle with. This is where your sauce turns into a velvety blanket of deliciousness.
- Introduce the fresh spinach, letting it wilt gently in the sauce, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the spinach not only adds color and a nutritional punch but also subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
- For an extra twist of flavor, feel free to mix in sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of lemon juice. These additions can brighten the sauce, adding another layer of taste that’ll make your creamy chicken Florentine unforgettable.
Assembling and Broiling
Once our juicy chicken breasts are golden brown and resting, it’s time to bring this creamy delight together. Here’s how:
- Layer the chicken: In a single layer, arrange those perfectly cooked chicken cutlets at the bottom of your baking dish. This step is crucial to ensure each piece is smothered in that luscious creamy spinach sauce.
- Smother with sauce: Generously ladle the creamy spinach sauce over the chicken. Watch as it hugs every nook and cranny, promising a bite full of flavor and comfort.
- Sprinkle mozzarella: Now, for the cheesy crown! Shower the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, ensuring every bit will have a gooey, melted delight.
- Broil to perfection: Pop your baking dish under the broiler. Keep a close eye on it! In just a few minutes, that cheese will be bubbling and golden brown. Don’t walk away, as this moment of cheesy glory can quickly turn into a burnt disaster.
Tips and Tools for this recipe
Check out my kitchen essentials, where you’ll find my favorite kitchen tools, spices and more!
- I use these ceramic baking dishes for most of my baked chicken dishes.
- A traditional chef’s knife works best for slicing chicken, and an instant-read thermometer is the quickest way to ensure it’s cooked to 165°F.
Serving Suggestions

- Serve this luscious Creamy Chicken Florentine over a bed of al dente pasta or fluffy rice to soak up that rich cream sauce. It’s a simple recipe that turns any dinner into an occasion.
- For a low carb twist, pair it with steamed green beans or a crisp salad. It’s a delicious way to keep things light yet satisfying.
- Garnish generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. It’s all about adding that touch of elegance and a punch of flavor.
- To perfectly round off the meal, a glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy spinach sauce beautifully. These wines add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve dazzled your entire family with this creamy delight, and now you’re pondering over the leftover creamy chicken Florentine? Here’s a little secret from my kitchen to yours: tuck away those savory slices in an airtight container and slide them into your refrigerator. Remember, friends, freezing is a no-go zone for our creamy friend here – we want to keep that sauce as dreamy as when it first blanketed the tender chicken. When the time comes to rekindle the magic, let’s skip the microwave. Instead, warm a skillet over medium heat and gently reheat your chicken Florentine, letting the creamy sauce and juicy chicken meld together once again. It’s like giving this classic dish another chance to shine, ensuring every bite is as flavorful as the first.
Bringing It All Home
Wrapping up our journey with this classic dish, Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine, reminds me of the first time I ventured into the kitchen, aiming to recreate a restaurant-quality meal. The inviting aroma of golden brown chicken cutlets, the vibrant green of fresh baby spinach, and the rich, creamy sauce filling the air—it’s a moment that brings the kitchen to life. This recipe, with its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, is a testament to the beauty of home cooking. From the olive oil, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese to the tender chicken, cooked to perfection in a large skillet, every element combines to create a symphony of flavors.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or picking up the whisk for the first time, this creamy chicken florentine recipe is surprisingly easy to master. The allure of cooking with ingredients like fresh spinach, mozzarella cheese, and a splash of cream, transforms a weeknight meal into a celebration of taste and texture. Imagine presenting a dish to your table that sparkles with the charm of a French dish, à la florentine, making your dining room feel like a quaint bistro.
I encourage you, especially if this is your first time, to dive into this recipe with enthusiasm. The creamy spinach sauce, enriched with a splash of dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc, perfectly complements the juicy chicken breasts. It’s a delicious way to bring the sophistication of Italian seasoning and the heartiness of a good meal to your own home. Impress your family or dazzle your guests with a dish that whispers tales of Florence, Italy, right from your kitchen. Let this easy chicken florentine be your canvas for culinary creativity, and enjoy the delightful journey from skillet to plate.

Easy Creamy Chicken Florentine
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons salted butter divided
- 1/2 medium sweet onion diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lb fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, and lightly coat each side with flour.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side (use 3 minutes for cutlets and 5 minutes for full chicken breasts) until golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate, covering it with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté the onions for 4 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add wine (or broth) to the pan, stirring to scrape up the browned bits at the bottom. Bring it to a boil, reducing the liquid by half. Stir in the cream, bring to a boil again, and reduce by half.
- Add fresh spinach and any juices from the chicken, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Let the sauce simmer until it thickens again. Adjust seasoning to taste, and preheat the broiler.
- Arrange the cooked chicken in the baking dish. Top with the spinach sauce and evenly sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
- Broil for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with nutmeg and parsley before serving.