Classic Chicken Florentine: An Elegant and Easy Dinner
There are some meals that feel like a special occasion, yet are simple enough to make on a Tuesday night. This recipe for Chicken Florentine is the perfect example. It’s an elegant and timeless Italian-American dish that features perfectly seared chicken breasts, bathed in a rich and creamy sauce with savory sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. The entire meal comes together in one pan, making it a dream for both flavor and convenience. It’s a dinner that is guaranteed to impress, proving that you don’t need a lot of complicated steps to create something truly spectacular.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that build layers of flavor with minimal fuss, and this one is a true hero in my kitchen. What I love most is how all the deliciousness happens in a single skillet. Searing the chicken first not only gives it a beautiful golden crust but also creates a flavorful foundation for the sauce. The creamy sauce is the star of the show—it’s savory from the chicken broth, rich from the heavy cream, and has a wonderful salty, umami flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. It feels like a total indulgence, yet it comes together so quickly, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Chicken breasts are a classic choice for this dish, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even more flavorful and juicy result. The cooking time will be about the same.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The sun-dried tomatoes add a wonderful salty, sweet, and umami flavor that is essential for this dish. Use the kind that are packed in oil for the best results, as the oil adds extra flavor.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is highly recommended over the pre-shredded kind. It melts more smoothly and provides a better flavor.
- Cream: The heavy cream is what gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture. For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute it with half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce will not be as thick.
- Add-ins: This is a very flexible recipe. You could add some sliced mushrooms to the pan after the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, or a little bit of artichoke hearts for a different flavor profile.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step for achieving a proper sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 6−7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3−4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the Italian seasoning. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Add the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and stir them into the sauce. Let the spinach cook for about 1 minute until it has fully wilted.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, placing the breasts in the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken to coat it. Let it simmer for another 3−4 minutes to heat the chicken through. Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Success
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Patting the chicken dry is the most important step for getting a beautiful sear. Moisture on the surface will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent a good sear.
- Use a Good Quality Pan: Using a heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast-iron pan is ideal. It holds heat well and allows you to build a flavorful fond (the browned bits on the bottom) for the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Spinach wilts very quickly. You only need to cook it for a minute or two until it has wilted and is combined with the sauce.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A bed of pasta, some fluffy rice, or a side of crispy roasted potatoes would all be fantastic for soaking up the extra sauce. Some warm, crusty bread would also be a perfect addition.
For a drink pairing, a light-bodied white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio would complement the creamy and savory flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is an indulgent, hearty meal that is higher in calories and fat due to the heavy cream and cheese. It is also a great source of protein from the chicken. While it is a decadent dish, it’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this dish are fantastic! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and warm it up, or for a better texture, place it in a skillet and gently warm it over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Florentine recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s an elegant, delicious, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy this sophisticated and delicious meal as much as I do!
Leave a Reply