Do Share Recipe

How I Made This Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe

It reminded me of a fancy restaurant meal, but it was surprisingly easy to whip up at home. I’d even say this recipe rivals my Buttery Garlic Fried Chicken when it comes to comfort food. Here’s how I made it—simple, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need (And Why They Work So Well)

Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s what I used and why it worked best:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These cook evenly and stay juicy when pounded to the same thickness.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon salt – Essential for seasoning throughout.
½ teaspoon pepper – Balances and enhances the flavor of the chicken.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – A flavorful blend that gives the dish its herby base.
½ cup flour – Helps create a golden crust when searing the chicken.
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (finely shredded) – Adds nutty, savory notes to the crust.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the depth of the seasoning mix.

For the Sauce:

4 cloves garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic makes the sauce aromatic and flavorful.
1 ½ cups white wine (or chicken broth) – Wine adds richness; broth is a great non-alcoholic substitute.
1 cup half and half – Makes the sauce creamy without being too heavy.
⅓ cup softened cream cheese – Adds a luxurious, velvety texture.
3 cups fresh spinach – Fresh is key here; frozen spinach tends to water down the sauce.
½ lemon or 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice (optional) – Brightens and balances the richness.
Fresh parsley – For garnish and a fresh pop of color.

Note: This ingredient list makes enough for 4 servings.

Easy Variations You Can Try Tonight

This dish is delicious as-is, but there’s room to customize it. I often switch it up depending on what I have at home. It also fits in perfectly among other dinner recipes in my weekly meal plan!

Dairy-Free: Use unsweetened coconut cream or almond milk instead of half and half. Use dairy-free cream cheese and skip the Parmesan or use vegan cheese.
Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour instead of regular flour to coat the chicken.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance texture and flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic.
Protein Swap: Try turkey cutlets or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Cooking Time Breakdown

Want to plan ahead? Here’s how long it’ll take from start to finish:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Make sure these tools are handy for smooth cooking:

Large skillet or sauté pan – For searing the chicken and simmering the sauce.
Tongs or spatula – For flipping and handling the chicken.
Meat mallet or rolling pin – To pound chicken evenly for even cooking.
Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure ingredient accuracy.
Knife and cutting board – For chopping garlic and prepping spinach.

How to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe Step-by-Step

This dish comes together quickly. Let me walk you through it like I did in my kitchen.

Pound and Prep the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dredge the chicken in this mixture until coated on both sides.

Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken in the pan and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.

Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and deglaze the pan, scraping any bits off the bottom for added flavor. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Stir in the Creamy Ingredients

Lower the heat and whisk in the half and half and cream cheese until smooth. Keep stirring so it doesn’t curdle or separate. Once well-blended, toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

Combine Everything and Garnish

Return the seared chicken to the pan and let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the sauce. If using, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

From my own experience, a few small tweaks can make a big difference. Here are my go-to tips:

Use freshly grated Parmesan for better texture and taste.
Don’t rush the searing step—golden crust = flavor-packed chicken.
If your sauce looks too thick, add a splash of broth or wine.
Always use fresh spinach—it wilts beautifully and adds a fresh taste.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.

How to Serve Chicken Florentine Recipe?

Presentation can elevate this dish, especially for dinner guests. I love pairing it with pasta or mashed potatoes. It also goes well with garlic bread or a light salad. Top it off with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan for garnish.

This also pairs deliciously with my Steak Frites Recipe if you’re planning a cozy multi-course meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This is a rich but balanced dish. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:

Calories: 420
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 24g

How to Store the Chicken Florentine Recipe

Restoring: Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. Place in airtight containers.
Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce.
Freshness Duration: Stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Chicken Florentine is a keeper for many reasons. Here’s why I think you’ll love it:

Quick to Prepare: It’s ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Creamy and Flavorful: That garlic-spinach sauce is irresistible.
Easy to Customize: Works for dairy-free, low-carb, or spicy eaters.
Restaurant-Worthy: Feels fancy but made entirely at home.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Just sub the flour and it’s ready for GF diets!

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

A few things can go wrong if you’re not careful. Here are some mistakes I learned to avoid:

Skipping the pounding step: Uneven chicken cooks poorly and dries out.
Overcooking the chicken: It gets tough fast—watch it closely!
Using frozen spinach: It adds water and makes the sauce runny.
Adding cream cheese too fast: Warm it first to avoid lumps.
Forgetting to deglaze the pan: That’s where the flavor hides!

More Info for a Better Cooking Experience

If you’re making this for guests or prepping a romantic dinner, light a candle and serve it on white plates to really make the colors pop. You can double the sauce if you’re serving it with pasta or rice. I’ve even sliced the leftover chicken thin and used it in wraps the next day—super tasty!

Ben Carraoli