Do Share Recipe

Easy Chicken Florentine Recipe | Creamy, Savory & Delicious

I still remember the first time I made this Easy Chicken Florentine Recipe, and it instantly became one of my favorite dinners. I wanted something comforting but not heavy, and this recipe delivered perfectly. The chicken stayed juicy, the spinach melted beautifully, and the Parmesan tied everything together.

I love how it feels restaurant-quality without being complicated. This is the kind of recipe I keep coming back to. You can also enjoy similar flavorful meals like the Vegan Steak Tacos Recipe for a plant-based twist or try the Elite Steak Tacos Recipe for a bolder flavor experience.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredients you’ll need, along with helpful tips to make the recipe taste even better.

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips – slicing the chicken helps it cook evenly and stay tender
¼ teaspoon kosher salt – enhances the natural flavor of the chicken
⅛ teaspoon black pepper – adds mild warmth without overpowering the dish
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil – use good-quality oil for richer flavor
1 tablespoon unsalted butter – adds subtle creaminess and helps with browning
1 small onion, finely chopped – creates a flavorful base
2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic gives the best aroma and taste
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth – adds flavor without excess salt
1 ½ cups quick-cook brown rice – saves time and makes this a complete meal
2 (5-ounce) packages fresh spinach or baby spinach – fresh spinach wilts better than frozen
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – melts better and tastes fresher when grated at home

Note: This recipe serves approximately 4 people.

Variations

This recipe is very flexible and easy to customize.

Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version
Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese at the end for extra creaminess
Skip the rice and serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Replace onion with shallots for a milder flavor
Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness

Cooking Time

Here’s how long the recipe takes from start to finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

These basic tools will help you prepare the recipe smoothly.

Large skillet – cooks everything in one pan
Sharp knife – used for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables
Measuring cups and spoons – ensures accurate quantities
Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring without scratching the pan
Cheese grater – for freshly grated Parmesan

How to Make Easy Chicken Florentine Recipe?

This recipe comes together quickly with simple steps.

Prepare the Chicken and Base

Season the chicken strips evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and chopped onion, cooking until the chicken is lightly browned and the onion softens, about 7 to 8 minutes.

Add Garlic, Broth, and Rice

Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the quick-cook brown rice, stir well, cover the skillet, and lower the heat. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the rice begins absorbing the liquid.

Wilt the Spinach and Rest

Uncover the skillet and add the spinach in batches, allowing it to wilt before adding more. Once all the spinach is added, cover the pan and remove it from heat. Let it rest for about 5 minutes so the rice finishes cooking and the flavors blend.

Finish with Cheese and Serve

Stir everything gently to combine. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish and let it melt naturally. Serve immediately while warm.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this dish multiple times, these tips really helped me improve it.

I always cut the chicken into strips to keep it juicy and evenly cooked
I use extra spinach because it shrinks a lot when cooked
Fresh garlic and freshly grated cheese make a big flavor difference
If the rice feels firm, I add a splash of broth and cover it again for a few minutes

How to Serve Easy Chicken Florentine Recipe?

Serve this dish warm in shallow bowls or on dinner plates. I like topping it with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors, and chopped parsley adds a pop of color. Pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information

Below is a general nutritional overview per serving.

Calories: approximately 687 per serving
Protein: about 74 grams
Carbohydrates: roughly 37 grams
Fat: around 27 grams

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, although the rice may soften slightly after thawing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This chicken Florentine is a reliable, flavorful meal you’ll want to make again and again.

It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights
Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup
It’s hearty without being heavy
It’s easy to customize for different diets
The flavors are simple, comforting, and family-friendly

Ben Carraoli