If you’re looking for something cozy, creamy, and not super complicated, this Chicken Florentine’s got you.
It’s all made in one pan, packed with flavor, and feels fancy without being a big deal. Total win for weeknights.
Whether you are looking for a busy weeknight meal or an indulgent dish for a casual gathering, this recipe is both versatile and satisfying.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This quick chicken Florentine recipe works because it combines ease, flavor, and versatility in one dish.
With just a few easy steps and some simple ingredients, this meal is both approachable and quick to prepare. From the rich, creamy sauce to the tender and savory chicken, all the elements of this dish complement each other wonderfully.
Plus, this easy recipe is highly customizable—swap in different proteins or seasonings, and you can even make it dairy-free or gluten-free. Whether you're looking for a delicious weeknight meal or a special dinner, this recipe is an excellent option!
Ingredients
Chicken:
Opt for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts when making this quick chicken florentine recipe, as it makes for an easier and faster cook. However, you can use pretty much any cut you'd like. Just keep in mind that bone-in cuts will take a bit longer to cook. In addition to chicken, you can make this florentine recipe with other proteins such as salmon, shrimp, pork chops, or tofu for a vegetarian or vegan florentine.
Seasoning Mix:
This easy chicken florentine uses a simple seasoning mix of onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. However, there are plenty of other herbs and spices that can be used to season your chicken, such as paprika, thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
White Wine:
White wine is used to deglaze the pan, gently scraping up the browned bits and incorporating them into the florentine sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, you can deglaze your pan using chicken broth or water.
Garlic:
The savory and robust flavor of garlic is central to a classic chicken florentine recipe. For those who don't like garlic or find it to be too overpowering, you can opt for the milder flavor of leeks or shallots.
All-Purpose Flour:
The flour is used in this recipe to thicken the sauce, but there are alternatives if you want to avoid using it. Cornstarch and arrowroot powder will both make a slurry to thicken the sauce with. You can also stir in a small amount of heavy cream or cream cheese to help thicken the sauce.
Chicken Broth:
Chicken broth adds a savory flavor to the chicken florentine sauce, but vegetable broth and white wine also work to create a delicious sauce.
Milk:
Milk adds a creamy, delicate element to this flavorful dish. Heavy cream, Greek yogurt, almond milk, silken tofu, cashew cream, or coconut milk can all be used to achieve that creamy texture.
Baby Spinach:
Fresh baby spinach is used to create a pop of color and add some nutrients to this indulgent dish, while its mild flavor won't overpower the dish. Additionally, kale, Swiss chard, arugula, or broccoli rabe could be used instead.
Parmesan Cheese:
Top your chicken florentine with some freshly shredded parmesan cheese to add a rich, creamy texture and savory umami flavor. As a substitute, meltable cheeses like grana padano, asiago, and pecorino romano all work. For a vegan substitute, use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
How to Make Chicken Florentine
Step One:
Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Step Two:
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
Step Three:
Add your chicken breasts to the hot pan and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the pan once there is a nice golden brown crust on the outside.
Step Four:
Deglaze the pan with white wine and add in the garlic. Saute until aromatic, and then whisk in the flour.
Step Five:
Slowly whisk the broth into the mixture until all the flour has been incorporated, then whisk in the milk.
Step Six:
Add the chicken back into the pan, bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, cover, and continue to saute the chicken for 5-7 minutes.
Step Seven:
Stir in the baby spinach and top the chicken with the parmesan cheese.
Step Eight:
Cover again and let it cook until the spinach has wilted and the cheese has melted.
Step Nine:
Serve this easy chicken florentine with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy!
Tip
- After applying the dry rub, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes or more. This will result in a more tender and flavorful chicken florentine after allowing the spices to tenderize and infuse the meat with flavor before cooking.
What to Serve With Chicken Florentine
This classic chicken florentine pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that complement its rich, creamy sauce. Serve it over a bed of pasta to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also enjoy it with mashed potatoes, polenta, or jasmine rice for a heartier meal. For a lighter option, pair it with roasted vegetables, grilled asparagus, or a fresh salad. Garlic bread also makes the perfect medium for soaking up all that delicious creamy chicken florentine sauce.
Fore even more ideas, feel free to check these 15 Chicken Florentine side dishes.
FAQs
Can I make a dairy-free chicken florentine?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free chicken Florentine recipe.
How can I thicken the chicken Florentine sauce?
If your chicken florentine sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered, allowing the excess moisture to cook off until it reaches your desired consistency. Additionally, you can make a cornstarch slurry and whisk it in 1 tablespoon at a time until it's thick enough.
What's the best way to store leftover chicken florentine?
You can store your leftover chicken Florentine by placing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer-term storage, transfer the cooled chicken florentine to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Chicken Recipes
Looking to elevate your weeknight dinners with more recipes like this creamy chicken florentine? These chicken recipes are sure to please, whether you’re craving a quick meal or a more indulgent dish.
Chicken Florentine
Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded
Instructions
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add your chicken breasts to the hot pan and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the pan once there is a nice golden brown crust on the outside.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine and add in the garlic. Saute until aromatic, and then whisk in the flour.
- Slowly whisk the broth into the mixture until all the flour has been incorporated, then whisk in the milk.
- Add the chicken back into the pan, bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, cover, and continue to saute the chicken for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the baby spinach and top the chicken with the parmesan cheese.
- Cover again and let it cook until the spinach has wilted and the cheese has melted.
- Serve this easy chicken florentine with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Notes
- Let the chicken marinate in the dry rub for 30 minutes or more for a tender and flavorful chicken florentine. This allows the spices to tenderize and infuse the meat with flavor before cooking.