Chicken Florentine is a dish that perfectly marries the rich flavors of creamy sauces and the freshness of vibrant greens. This recipe features juicy chicken breasts, tossed in a luscious sauce made with spinach, garlic, and a hint of spice. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can elevate any weeknight dinner into something truly special. Whether you’re looking to impress a loved one or simply want to treat yourself, Chicken Florentine is the dish to make.
Top Reasons to Make CHICKEN FLORENTINE
Chicken Florentine is not just delicious; it’s also a versatile dish that brings several benefits to your table:
- Quick and Easy: With a cooking time of about 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
- Rich in Nutrients: Packed with spinach, this dish is loaded with vitamins and minerals.
- Comfort Food: The creamy sauce is perfect for indulging those comfort food cravings.
- Flexible Pairings: Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create this delightful Chicken Florentine, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 24 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon EACH of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon EACH of pepper and paprika
- 2 tablespoons Danish Creamery Butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Danish Creamery Butter
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream or evaporated milk + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley, dried basil or 1 tablespoon EACH fresh
- 1/2 teaspoon EACH of dried oregano and dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon EACH of salt and pepper
- 1/3 cup finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups baby spinach
Equipment Breakdown
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following kitchen tools handy:
- Large Skillet: Ideal for searing chicken and making the sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of ingredients.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To stir and combine flavors.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables and mincing garlic.
- Whisk: Useful for mixing the cornstarch with liquids to avoid lumps.
CHICKEN FLORENTINE: From Prep to Plate
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your Chicken Florentine:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice golden sear. In a small bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and paprika. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of Danish Creamery Butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Create the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of Danish Creamery Butter. Toss in the minced shallot and sauté for about 2 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the broth to create a slurry and then add that back to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream (or evaporated milk) and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Incorporate the Spinach and Tomatoes
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, followed by the baby spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Season with dried parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Bring it All Together
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let the chicken heat through for a few more minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt slightly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the Chicken Florentine, drizzling extra sauce on top. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a simple side salad. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Smart Substitutions
If you’re looking to make this recipe your own, consider these substitutions:
- Chicken: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier option.
- Butter: Use ghee or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Heavy Cream: Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can be used in place of spinach.
Avoid These Traps
To ensure your Chicken Florentine turns out perfect, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can turn dry. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy (165°F is ideal).
- Don’t skip the dredging step; it helps create a flavorful crust on the chicken.
- Be careful not to let the sauce boil vigorously after adding the cream, as it can separate.
- Make sure to season at every stage for maximum flavor.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
If you have leftovers, you’ll want to store them properly:
Store any leftover Chicken Florentine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Freeze in portions and enjoy it within three months for maximum freshness.
CHICKEN FLORENTINE Q&A
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s not recommended to use frozen chicken breasts directly in this recipe, as they may not cook evenly. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
What can I serve with Chicken Florentine?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as pasta, rice, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a heartier meal.
Can I make Chicken Florentine ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Just reheat gently before serving. However, spinach is best added fresh at the time of cooking to maintain its texture.
Is Chicken Florentine spicy?
The dish has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes; you can adjust the amount to suit your taste. Feel free to omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
If you love one-pan meals, check out these delicious options for your next dinner:
The Takeaway
Chicken Florentine is a delightful dish that balances rich creaminess with fresh greens. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. The versatility of this dish means it can be easily adapted to suit your preferences, ensuring that it will become a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation. So grab your ingredients, follow this guide, and enjoy the comforting flavors of Chicken Florentine tonight!
CHICKEN FLORENTINE
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice golden sear. In a small bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and paprika. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of Danish Creamery Butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of Danish Creamery Butter. Toss in the minced shallot and sauté for about 2 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the broth to create a slurry and then add that back to the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream (or evaporated milk) and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, followed by the baby spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Season with dried parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let the chicken heat through for a few more minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sauce. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt slightly.
- Plate the Chicken Florentine, drizzling extra sauce on top. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or a simple side salad. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- For longer storage, freeze portions and enjoy within three months for maximum freshness.
