Craving something creamy, savory, and irresistibly comforting? This Chicken Florentine is your next dinner hero. Seared, golden-crusted chicken breasts nestled in a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with vibrant spinach – it’s a simple skillet dish that tastes like a restaurant meal at home.

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance between richness and freshness. The tender chicken soaks up the creamy sauce while the spinach cuts through with a touch of green, making it feel wholesome without sacrificing indulgence. Whether you serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, it’s bound to become a weeknight staple.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To execute a flawless Chicken Florentine, start by gathering these kitchen essentials:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A nonstick or stainless steel skillet ensures even searing and holds the sauce beautifully without burning.
Tongs: Perfect for flipping the chicken without piercing the meat, which keeps juices inside.
Whisk: Crucial for blending cream and Parmesan into a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For prepping the chicken breasts and mincing garlic.
Meat Thermometer (Optional): Helps guarantee the chicken is cooked through without overcooking.

Each of these tools contributes to the recipe’s precision. For example, the whisk prevents clumps in the sauce while tongs allow for mess-free flipping, keeping your chicken intact and perfectly golden.

Ingredients for the Chicken Florentine Recipe

Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, boneless and skinless for quick, even cooking and easy slicing.
Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness that cuts the richness of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Forms the velvety base of the Florentine sauce, giving it its luxurious texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty, it thickens the sauce and adds depth.
Garlic: Finely minced, it builds the flavor foundation of the sauce.
Olive Oil & Butter: Used to sear the chicken and enrich the sauce with flavor.
Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the other flavors.
Italian Seasoning (Optional): Adds a hint of herbal aroma if you want a more fragrant touch.

Each ingredient plays a functional and flavorful role in this recipe. From the umami depth of Parmesan to the brightness of spinach, the balance is key.

How To Make the Chicken Florentine Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese gradually while whisking, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Toss in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts into the sauce, about 2–3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 5: Return the Chicken

Add the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.

Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

How to Serve and Store Chicken Florentine

Chicken Florentine is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Plate it over al dente fettuccine or buttery mashed potatoes for a cozy comfort meal. Prefer low-carb? Serve it with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles. A crusty sourdough loaf is also perfect for soaking up that rich garlic-Parmesan sauce.

Leftovers keep beautifully. Simply transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as it may separate the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part—the juices should run clear.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the sauce. It won’t have the same texture, but it still works great.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the base recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your Parmesan and any pasta you serve it with are certified gluten-free.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese can be used for a lighter sauce. Just note the consistency may be thinner.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make the full recipe, store it in the fridge, and gently reheat before serving. The sauce may thicken overnight, so thin with a splash of cream if needed.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step or serve with a drizzle of hot chili oil.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If Chicken Florentine got your taste buds tingling, here are some more weeknight chicken dinner winners from the site:

Try the indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, perfect when you want bold garlic flavors and tender bites. Or warm up with Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, a spicy-silky option loaded with flavor and heat.

For something cheesy and hearty, go for the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe—a baked twist on a classic favorite. Looking for a one-pan fix? One Pan Smoky Spicy Chicken Rice Bake brings serious flavor without the cleanup.

Need something cozy and spoonable? You might love the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup, ideal for chillier nights.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your chicken dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you serve it over pasta or veggies? Did you tweak the sauce? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others make it their own.

For more of my favorite daily recipes, check out my Pinterest @LadyPlate.

Chicken Florentine Recipe

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Seared golden chicken breasts in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with tender wilted spinach—this Chicken Florentine is an easy, flavorful one-skillet dinner that brings restaurant-quality comfort to your kitchen table. It’s creamy, balanced, and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.

4. In the same pan, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Pour in the heavy cream, reduce heat to medium, and whisk in the Parmesan until smooth.

6. Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

7. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes, spooning sauce over the top.

8. Serve immediately with your choice of side.

Notes

For extra tenderness, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.

Don’t skip the searing step—browning the chicken adds key flavor to the sauce.

If your sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 410
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Chicken Florentine, creamy chicken, one-pan dinner