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Chicken Florentine

Chicken Florentine

This cozy Chicken Florentine combines tender golden chicken with a silky garlic-herb cream sauce and fresh spinach for a restaurant-style dinner made effortlessly in one pan. Rich, comforting, and beautifully balanced, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or guests.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Base
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • 1 tsp salt plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 4 thin-cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 lb
For Searing the Chicken
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp butter salted or unsalted
For the Creamy Florentine Sauce
  • 1 medium shallot minced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth replaces white wine
  • 1 tsp lemon juice added for acidity in place of wine
  • 0.5 cup additional chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 2 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups packed baby spinach about 3 ounces

Method
 

  1. In a shallow plate, whisk together the flour, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Press each chicken breast into the mixture to coat lightly, then shake off excess.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Sear chicken for about 4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.
  3. Add remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in minced shallot, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, then the additional broth, basil, and oregano. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom and let reduce by half, 3–4 minutes.
  5. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Simmer until smooth and thickened, about 6 minutes. Fold in spinach and let wilt.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer 4–5 minutes until cooked through. Serve with extra Parmesan.

Notes

For gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend. Don’t rush the sauce reduction—this ensures a silky, rich finish. Add fresh herbs at the end for maximum brightness, and simmer longer if you prefer a thicker sauce.