The creamy richness of this Chicken Florentine dish is the stuff weeknight dreams are made of. Golden seared chicken cutlets are enveloped in a velvety spinach and mushroom sauce, kissed with white wine and parmesan. Each bite is a balance of comfort and elegance, making it the perfect family-friendly recipe with a gourmet twist.
Whether you’re craving something cozy on a cool evening or entertaining guests with a quick and impressive meal, this one-skillet wonder delivers big flavors with minimal cleanup. Pair it with pasta, rice, or warm bread to soak up every last spoonful of that savory sauce.
Full Recipe:
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4 chicken cutlets (1 to 1 1/2 pounds total)
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
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1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
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3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
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2 medium shallots, chopped
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8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced (about 3 cups)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup dry white wine
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 ounce finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup)
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12 ounces fresh baby spinach
Directions:
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In a shallow bowl, combine flour with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Dredge chicken cutlets in flour, coating both sides. Shake off excess and place on a plate.
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Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 3–5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 2–4 minutes until cooked through. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
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Lower heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and sauté shallots for 1 minute until translucent.
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Stir in mushrooms, garlic, remaining salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
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Pour in wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 1 minute until alcohol aroma dissipates.
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Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in spinach gradually until wilted.
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Mix in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
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Return chicken to skillet, nestling it in the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 516 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Taste of Italy: The Story Behind Chicken Florentine
Creamy Chicken Florentine is a dish that effortlessly brings elegance and comfort together in one skillet. Rooted in Italian-French culinary traditions, the name “Florentine” refers to a style of cooking that includes spinach and a creamy sauce—popularized in French cuisine as a tribute to Catherine de Medici, a Florentine noblewoman who married into the French royal family in the 16th century.
Though the dish has European origins, its modern adaptations—especially in American kitchens—have embraced a richer, creamier profile, making it a staple for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of golden pan-seared chicken, sautéed mushrooms, tender spinach, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce captures a harmony of textures and flavors that satisfies every time.
Why This Dish Stands Out
What makes Chicken Florentine such a star in the culinary world is its balance of gourmet flair and accessibility. It doesn’t require hard-to-find ingredients or complex techniques, but it yields a result that tastes like something from a high-end restaurant. With a base of lean chicken breast or cutlets and nutrient-rich spinach, it’s both wholesome and indulgent.
It’s also versatile. The recipe can easily accommodate dietary preferences and pantry substitutions, and it’s adaptable to gluten-free and dairy-free diets with just a few tweaks. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to warm up a chilly evening or a reliable dish to impress guests, Chicken Florentine is an excellent go-to.
Nutritional Highlights
While the sauce is rich, this dish is not overwhelmingly heavy. Each serving is packed with protein—over 45g per portion—thanks to the lean chicken. Spinach provides essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, and potassium, making it one of the most nutrient-dense greens available.
The mushrooms add depth and earthiness to the flavor, while also contributing fiber and B-vitamins. The cream sauce, while indulgent, is relatively moderate in quantity, using only 1/2 cup of heavy cream for a dish that serves four. The Parmesan adds both sharpness and richness without overwhelming the sauce.
Adaptability: Make It Yours
Chicken Florentine is a flexible canvas for creativity in the kitchen. Don’t have fresh spinach? Frozen spinach works beautifully—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before using. Not a fan of mushrooms? You can omit them and increase the spinach or add a different vegetable like sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
For those avoiding dairy, many cooks opt for coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk creamer as a base, and vegan Parmesan alternatives can replace the cheese. Going gluten-free? Skip the flour dredging step, or use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Even without that slight crust on the chicken, the flavors remain rich and satisfying.
Cooking With Wine: A Flavor Boost
One of the keys to building the depth of flavor in this dish is deglazing the pan with white wine. When the chicken is seared, flavorful bits cling to the skillet—known as “fond.” Adding wine helps release these browned bits into the sauce, enhancing the dish with savory umami complexity.
Dry white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a dry Riesling work well. If wine isn’t your preference or you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice to mimic the brightness that wine provides.
One Skillet, Zero Hassle
One of the biggest draws of this recipe is that it’s a true one-pan meal. Everything—from searing the chicken to building the sauce—happens in a single skillet. This not only simplifies the cooking process but also means less cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Moreover, one-pan meals often allow flavors to meld together more organically. The fond from the chicken enriches the vegetables, and the sautéed shallots and garlic lay a fragrant foundation for the sauce. As the spinach wilts and Parmesan melts in, the entire dish becomes a cohesive, creamy experience.
What to Serve With Chicken Florentine
Creamy Chicken Florentine is wonderfully versatile when it comes to side dishes. It pairs beautifully with a range of starches and vegetables, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
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Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne make great companions. The sauce clings to the noodles, making every bite rich and flavorful.
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Rice: Plain or lightly seasoned rice can help soak up the cream sauce, creating a balanced plate.
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Crusty Bread: For something rustic and satisfying, a slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up the sauce.
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Low-Carb Options: Cauliflower rice or a simple side salad make it suitable for keto or low-carb diets.
For wine pairings, a chilled glass of the same white wine used in the sauce (like Sauvignon Blanc) complements the dish elegantly.
Leftovers and Storage
One of the perks of this dish is that it stores and reheats beautifully. Thanks to the moist sauce, the chicken remains tender even after reheating. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces tend to separate and lose their smooth texture after thawing.
Tips for Success
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Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since chicken breast can dry out quickly, keep an eye on it while searing. Once both sides are golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, it’s done.
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Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate it fresh for a silkier sauce.
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Layer the Spinach: Add the spinach in batches, allowing each layer to wilt before adding the next. This keeps the sauce from getting overly watery and ensures even cooking.
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Deglaze Properly: Take the time to scrape up every bit of fond from the pan after adding the wine or broth—it’s packed with flavor.
Why It Belongs in Every Home Cook’s Repertoire
Creamy Chicken Florentine represents the kind of recipe that every home cook should have in their arsenal. It’s indulgent without being excessive, elegant but still approachable, and simple enough for a weeknight but refined enough for company.
It’s a dish that teaches technique—from deglazing to building a pan sauce—yet it doesn’t require culinary training to execute beautifully. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll likely find yourself returning to it again and again.
Conclusion: Comfort and Elegance in Every Bite
Creamy Chicken Florentine is more than just a delicious meal—it’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when treated with care, can create something extraordinary. Its European-inspired roots, quick cooking time, and adaptability make it a standout recipe for any cook, whether beginner or seasoned.
This dish invites you to slow down, savor the process, and enjoy the fruits of your labor—whether you’re feeding a family, impressing a guest, or simply treating yourself to a flavorful, soul-warming dinner.