When comfort meets elegance, you get this Chicken Florentine Recipe. Imagine golden, pan-seared chicken breasts tucked into a velvety garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cream sauce. It’s rich yet light enough for weeknights, fancy enough for guests. The term “Florentine” highlights spinach, a favorite from Florence, Italy, and this dish celebrates it in a cozy, approachable way. With pantry basics like chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dinner on your table in under 40 minutes—without the stress. If you’ve ever wanted to cook something impressive with easy steps, this is the recipe for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Florentine Recipe is a home-cook’s dream for so many reasons:

Golden, juicy chicken – Searing locks in flavor and keeps the meat tender.
Creamy garlic sauce – Parmesan, cream, and wine make the sauce luxurious.
Beginner-friendly – Straightforward steps, no fancy skills needed.
Flexible pairing – Serve over pasta, rice, or enjoy with crusty bread.

It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavors you’ll crave again and again.

The Story Behind Chicken Florentine Recipe

The Chicken Florentine Recipe has fascinating origins:

Florence, Italy – “Florentine” refers to dishes featuring spinach, a Tuscan staple.
Catherine de’ Medici – She popularized spinach in French cuisine when she married into royalty.
Classic meets modern – Today’s version blends traditional spinach with creamy sauces and tender chicken.
Global favorite – It’s beloved worldwide as both a restaurant dish and home-cooked meal.

Key Ingredients in Chicken Florentine Recipe

Chicken breasts – Sliced thin for quick, even cooking.
Garlic powder & minced garlic – Layers flavor into both chicken and sauce.
Flour – Lightly coats the chicken for golden searing.
Dry white wine – Adds depth and a subtle tang.
Chicken broth – Enhances savory notes and balances richness.
Italian seasoning – A gentle blend of herbs to lift the sauce.
Heavy cream – Creates that signature velvety texture.
Baby spinach – Fresh and vibrant, wilts into the sauce.
Parmesan cheese – Melts in at the end for salty, nutty richness.

How to Make Chicken Florentine Recipe

Follow these step-by-step instructions for success:

Prep the chicken – Cut breasts in half lengthwise for thinner pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge lightly in flour.
Sear the chicken – Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Start the sauce base – Add the remaining butter and garlic to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring to release fragrance.
Deglaze the pan – Pour in wine, broth, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 3–5 minutes until liquid reduces noticeably.
Add cream – Stir in heavy cream. Let bubble gently for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Incorporate spinach – Add fresh baby spinach. Stir until wilted and evenly mixed.
Return the chicken – Place chicken back into the skillet. Simmer over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until fully cooked through.
Finish and serve – Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over chicken and sauce. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.

Chicken Florentine Recipe Tips and Twists

Elevate your Chicken Florentine Recipe with these ideas:

Tips

Pound chicken gently for even thickness.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt.
Let the wine reduce to concentrate flavor.
Don’t overcook spinach—just until wilted.
Keep cream at a gentle bubble to avoid curdling.

Twists

Replace spinach with arugula for a peppery edge.
Add mushrooms for an earthy touch.
Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Make the most of your Chicken Florentine Recipe leftovers:

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm slowly on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Make-Ahead: Cook the chicken and prep ingredients in advance. Finish the sauce just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how to enjoy your dish to the fullest:

Serve over buttery fettuccine for a comforting classic.
Pair with rice pilaf for a lighter side.
Add roasted broccoli and carrots for extra veggies.
Enjoy with garlic bread to scoop up the sauce.
Balance with a crisp green salad and lemon vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip the wine?
Yes, just replace it with extra chicken broth.

What’s the best wine to use?
A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well.

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze out liquid before adding.

Can I lighten the sauce?
Use half-and-half or even evaporated milk, though it won’t be as creamy.

Is this gluten-free?
Skip the flour or use gluten-free flour for dredging.

Enjoy Your Chicken Florentine Recipe

This Chicken Florentine Recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated steps for a dish that feels gourmet. Juicy chicken, garlicky cream sauce, spinach, and Parmesan create a balance of richness and freshness that will make you proud of your cooking. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you’ll bring a taste of Italy into your kitchen. Gather your ingredients, pour a glass of wine, and get ready to enjoy a cozy yet elegant meal.

Explore More Recipes

Looking for more delicious ideas? Try these favorites from Abby’s Recipes:

Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs with Gnocchi – A hearty Italian dish with tender meatballs and creamy gnocchi.
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots – The perfect veggie side for creamy chicken dishes.
Blueberry Bread Pudding – A sweet, comforting dessert to round out your meal.
Grilled Chicken Wraps – A quick, lighter option when you’re craving chicken in a different style.

Chicken Florentine Recipe | Easy Creamy Dinner

This Chicken Florentine Recipe is a one-pan wonder with golden chicken, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for beginner home cooks, it’s simple, flavorful, and ready in under 40 minutes. Serve it over pasta or rice for a cozy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy.

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian-American

Keyword Chicken Florentine Recipe, creamy chicken, easy skillet recipe, Italian chicken dinner, spinach chicken

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings 4 servings

Calories 420kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter divided
3 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup heavy cream whipping cream
2 cups fresh baby spinach loosely packed
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge in flour.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.
Add remaining butter and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in wine, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer 3–5 minutes until reduced.
Pour in heavy cream and simmer 2 minutes. Stir in spinach until wilted.
Return chicken to the skillet. Simmer over medium heat 4–5 minutes, until cooked through.
Sprinkle Parmesan over the sauce and chicken before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

For the best Chicken Florentine Recipe, use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts smoothly into the sauce. For a twist, swap spinach with arugula for a peppery flavor.