Chicken Florentine is a mouthwatering Italian-American classic that has garnered immense popularity across the globe. This creamy, spinach-infused delight not only tantalizes the tastebuds but also carries a rich history. So what exactly is chicken Florentine? Let’s uncover the secrets behind this scrumptious dish.
The Origins of Chicken Florentine
The origins of chicken Florentine can be traced back to Florence, Italy. ‘Florentine’ in the name refers to the Italian city where this recipe was first created. During the 15th century Renaissance period, Florentine chefs experimented with different recipes using spinach, a vegetable that had been newly introduced to Italy.
One of these innovative creations resulted in what we now know as chicken Florentine. The classic blend of spinach, cream garlic and tender chicken quickly became a favorite amongst Italian nobles and aristocrats. As Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions stateside, chicken Florentine grew popular in Italian-American cuisine.
Decoding the Quintessential Ingredients
The star ingredients that give chicken Florentine its iconic flavor are
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Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are sautéed to golden perfection. Chicken provides the base and lean protein.
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Spinach – Fresh spinach adds color and an earthy, slightly bitter depth. It also packs a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
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Heavy cream – Cream gives the sauce a luxuriously rich and smooth texture. It balances out the spinach’s bitterness.
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Garlic – Garlic provides aromatic flavor and dimension
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Parmesan cheese – Grated parmesan lends a salty, nutty taste and helps thicken the sauce.
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White wine – A splash of white wine brightens up the flavors.
So in essence, chicken Florentine brings together spinach, chicken, and cream – three quintessential Italian ingredients. This winning flavor combination is what gives the dish its signature taste.
Cooking Techniques for Optimal Flavor
Getting the techniques right is key to nail chicken Florentine’s indulgent flavors. Here are some pro tips:
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Sauté the spinach – The raw spinach needs to be sautéed with garlic first. This eliminates any gritty texture and condenses the greens.
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Simmer the sauce – After adding the cream, Parmesan, and seasonings, let the sauce simmer. This allows the flavors to mingle and the cheese to melt.
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Cook the chicken – Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before pan-searing. This ensures the chicken cooks through perfectly.
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Rest the chicken – Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
When you put it all together using the right techniques, the result is a harmonious blend of flavors for a comforting Italian classic.
Serving Suggestions: Pasta, Veg, and Beyond
While chicken Florentine shines as a main dish, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
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Pasta – Serving florentine sauce over pasta is a no-brainer. Linguine, fettuccine, or gnocchi make great partners.
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Sautéed veggies – Spinach, zucchini, and eggplant complement the flavors.
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Salad – A fresh green salad or Caesar salad balance the richness.
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Garlic bread – Buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for dunking and sopping up the luscious sauce.
Chicken Florentine also shows its versatility as a filling for sandwiches, lasagna, empanadas, and more. However you choose to enjoy it, chicken Florentine delivers a hearty dose of Italian comfort.
Customize It for Special Diets
One of the great things about chicken Florentine is that it can be adapted to suit different dietary needs:
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For a gluten-free version, serve florentine sauce over rice, quinoa pasta, or roasted veggies instead of regular pasta.
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To make it lighter, use reduced-fat milk and part-skim mozzarella instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
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For vegetarian florentine, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or white beans.
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To add protein, mix in shrimp or cannellini beans.
So feel free to get creative and switch up this classic recipe to work with your diet! The possibilities are endless.
A Comforting Dish with Global Appeal
While chicken Florentine hails from Florence, Italy, its popularity has spread across continents. From Europe to America to Australia, home cooks and restaurants worldwide have put their spin on this classic spinach and chicken pasta.
Some global variations include:
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In France, chicken Florentine is made with spinach, mushrooms, Gruyère, and Mornay sauce.
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The Spanish add chorizo, saffron, and white wine for a spiced, smoky twist.
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The Greeks use spinach, feta, and phyllo dough to create spanakopita-inspired florentine.
No matter where you enjoy it, chicken Florentine always brings a taste of Italian comfort and nostalgia. This global appeal speaks to just how special this savory, soul-warming dish is.
Satisfy Your Cravings at Home
Thanks to its simple ingredients, chicken Florentine is easy to whip up at home. All you need is a skillet, a creamy spinach sauce, and some cooked chicken. For a quick weeknight meal, use pre-washed spinach and boiled chicken breast. Or go all out with homemade creamed spinach and pan-seared chicken cutlets.
However you make it, taking just 30-45 minutes to prepare this Italian favorite can satisfy your cravings for a hearty homecooked dish. Serve it with a loaf of crusty bread and a glass of Chianti, and you’ll be transported straight to the Tuscan countryside with every bite.
So now that you know exactly what chicken Florentine is all about, it’s time to savor this creamy, garlicky goodness. From its Italian origins to its versatile adaptations, this globally-loved dish is the ultimate comfort food.
How to make chicken Florentine
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Slice the chicken breasts lengthways, leaving you with four thin breasts. Pound them and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Once seasoned, dip them in the almond flour and parmesan cheese.
Step 2- cook the chicken. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, and, once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove the chicken from the heat.
Step 3- Make the cream sauce. Add the extra butter to the pan, along with the garlic, and cook for 30 seconds, then stir in the chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5-6 minutes or until it has noticeably reduced. Add the cream and bring it to a boil, then add the parmesan cheese and spinach.
Step 4- Assemble. Add the chicken back into the pan and let it simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens, then serve warm.
What can I serve with this dish?
- Do not overcook the chicken, as it will continue to cook as it is resting. It will also continue to cook when you add it to the florentine sauce.
- For an even cheesier flavor, sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese on top.
- Serve this hot, as the florentine sauce with congeal as it cools down.
- While I think this dish is pretty darn flavorful as is, sometimes I like to spice it up with sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or capers.
- Add wine. When I want to go the extra mile, I’ll skip the broth in favor of a dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) instead.
To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
To freeze: Place the chicken and the sauce in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating: Either microwave the chicken with the sauce in 30-second spurts until hot, or in a skillet.
Florentine-style means cooking something in a cream-based sauce. Here, the chicken is simmered in a creamy and cheesy sauce.
Why I love this recipe
- Super low in carbs. While I wouldn’t go out on a limb and call this a ‘healthy’ recipe, it is shockingly low in carbs, with only 6 grams per serving.
- Made with one bowl and one skillet. So you don’t have to spend an hour in the kitchen cleaning up.
- Ready in 20 minutes. And that includes all the prep time too.
- Simple ingredients. Like marry me chicken, this dish comes together with kitchen staples and basic pantry items, most of which you might already have on hand.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“So Yummy! My family loved it!” – Christina
- Chicken breasts. Skinless chicken breast fillets. You will need just two fillets, which will be sliced in half to make four servings.
- Salt and pepper. To sprinkle on the outside of the chicken.
- Almond flour OR all-purpose flour. Do not use almond meal, as it will separate when combined with the florentine sauce. You can also use standard flour if carbs aren’t an issue.
- Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated, NOT the shelf-stable kind.
- Olive oil. To pan fry the chicken before adding the sauce.
- Florentine sauce. My simple recipe calls for butter, garlic (freshly minced, please!), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, heavy cream, more parmesan cheese, and some fresh spinach.
Chicken Florentine Recipe
FAQ
What is chicken Florentine made of?
Chicken Florentine combines that creamy, garlicky sauce with juicy chicken thighs that get coated in flour and seared in butter. Sun-dried tomatoes and grated parmesan finish it off. How do you thicken a cream sauce? The easiest way to thicken a cream sauce is to add a little flour.
What does Florentine consist of?
Florentine or à la Florentine is a term from classic French cuisine that refers to dishes that typically include a base of cooked spinach, a protein component and Mornay sauce. Chicken Florentine is the most popular version.
What is the difference between chicken Florentine and Tuscan chicken?
Both share same creamy herbaceous and bold flavor sauce. Where Florentine Sauce highlights flavor of spinach, the Tuscan Sauce highlights flavor of herbs, garlic, and roasted tomatoes. All ingredients are very easy to find and give amazing depth of flavor to the sauce.
What to eat with chicken Florentine?
- Pasta is a great choice to pair with chicken Florentine.
- Hearty garlic mashed potatoes or a rice pilaf will go well.
- Roasted potatoes such as lemon potatoes, parmesan potatoes, or smashed potatoes would complement it.
- A pretty fruit salad is a nice side to add color.