Chicken Florentine Recipe
The term "Florentine" refers to dishes prepared in the style of Florence, Italy. While the origins of Chicken Florentine are somewhat unclear, the dish embodies Italian culinary principles by emphasizing fresh, simple ingredients.
Equipment
- Skillet or frying pan
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Florentine sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ChickenPat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts.Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside. (The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.)
- Step 2: Make the Florentine SauceIn the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter.Once melted, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it.Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Add Spinach and ChickenStir the fresh spinach into the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some sauce over them.Cover the skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Step 4: ServePlate the chicken and spoon generous amounts of the creamy Florentine sauce on top.Serve with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.