Chicken Florentine is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luxurious creamy sauce. Known for its versatility and satisfying flavors, it’s a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In this guide, we’ll explore its history, step-by-step recipe instructions, creative variations, and pairing ideas to help you master this classic dish.
Table of Contents
What is Chicken Florentine?
The term Florentine refers to dishes featuring spinach, a tribute to Florence, Italy, where this preparation originated. Chicken Florentine traditionally pairs pan-seared chicken breasts with a rich, creamy Mornay sauce and sautéed spinach.
Legend has it that this dish was popularized by Catherine de Medici, an Italian queen of France who introduced spinach to French cuisine. This historical connection makes Chicken Florentine a dish with both culinary and cultural significance. If you’re curious about the origins of Florentine dishes, check out this article on Florentine cuisine.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Florentine Recipe
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts – 2 large boneless, skinless breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
- Spinach – 5 oz (140g) fresh baby spinach (or ½ cup thawed & drained frozen spinach)
- Butter – 3 tbsp (divided: 1 tbsp for chicken, 2 tbsp for sauce)
- Olive Oil – 1 tbsp
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Shallot – 1 small, finely diced (or ¼ cup diced onion)
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 tbsp (for sauce + optional 1 tbsp for dusting chicken)
- Milk – 1 cup (whole or 2% for creamier sauce)
- Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup (freshly grated)
- Salt & Black Pepper – To taste
- Nutmeg – ¼ tsp (optional, for warmth)
Optional Add-Ins
- Mushrooms – ½ cup sliced
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – 2 tbsp, chopped
- Gruyère Cheese – ¼ cup shredded (for extra richness)
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Chicken Florentine
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season 2 chicken breasts with salt & pepper, then lightly dust with 1 tbsp flour (optional for crispiness).
- Heat 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté the Spinach & Aromatics
- In the same pan, sauté 2 cloves garlic + 1 shallot for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add 5 oz spinach and cook until wilted (2-3 minutes). If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess water first.
3. Make the Mornay Sauce
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in the pan, then whisk in 2 tbsp flour to form a roux (1 minute).
- Gradually pour in 1 cup milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened (3-4 minutes).
- Stir in ½ cup Parmesan and ¼ tsp nutmeg until melted and creamy.
4. Combine & Simmer
- Return the chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over it. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan or herbs if desired.
Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread!
Variations of Chicken Florentine
The adaptability of Chicken Florentine is one of its most appealing features. Here are a few variations to try:
- Low-Carb Florentine: Use almond flour as a coating and serve the dish with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice. For more inspiration, explore this creamy garlic chicken recipe.
- Pasta Florentine: Serve the chicken over linguine, fettuccine, or penne for a heartier meal.
- Mushroom Florentine: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy depth.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Florentine: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy and slightly sweet addition.
- Gluten-Free Florentine: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free alternative to make the dish accessible for all diets.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Florentine pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce complements the smooth texture of mashed potatoes.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every bit of the luxurious sauce.
- Side Salad: A crisp salad, such as this tzatziki chicken salad, provides balance and freshness.
- Pasta: For a classic pairing, serve over cooked pasta to turn this dish into a filling meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, Chicken Florentine can easily be stored and reheated for later enjoyment:
- Refrigerate: Store the dish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Gently warm the dish on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s texture. Be sure to avoid overheating, as this can cause the sauce to break apart.
FAQ About Chicken Florentine Recipe
Can I make Chicken Florentine dairy-free?
Yes! Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based options such as almond milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
What are good substitutes for spinach?
You can use kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula as a substitute, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
How can I avoid lumps in the sauce?
Whisk continuously while adding milk to the roux, and ensure the pan isn’t too hot. Gradual heat is key.
Is Chicken Florentine a healthy dish?
Yes, when made with lean chicken and fresh spinach, this dish provides a good balance of protein and nutrients. Opt for low-fat milk and cheese to reduce calorie content if desired.
Conclusion
Chicken Florentine is a dish that blends the sophistication of Italian cuisine with the warmth of comfort food. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach make it a meal that pleases any palate. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe offers endless opportunities to experiment and adapt it to your taste.
If you’re looking for more chicken recipes, try this easy mushroom chicken recipe for a delicious alternative.
Bring the flavors of Florence to your kitchen and savor the joy of cooking this timeless classic!
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