Chicken Florentine: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Chicken Florentine, a dish that elegantly marries the richness of chicken with the vibrant freshness of spinach and a creamy, decadent sauce, is a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to create at home. Have you ever craved a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag? This is it! Imagine tender chicken breasts, bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, nestled on a bed of perfectly wilted spinach. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

While the exact origins of Chicken Florentine are debated, the term “Florentine” in cooking generally signifies the inclusion of spinach, paying homage to Catherine de Medici, who hailed from Florence, Italy, and is said to have brought her love of spinach to the French court. This dish, in its various forms, has become a beloved staple in both Italian-American and continental cuisine.

People adore Chicken Florentine for its harmonious blend of flavors. The savory chicken, the slightly earthy spinach, and the rich, creamy sauce create a truly unforgettable experience. It’s also incredibly versatile! Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. Plus, with a few simple shortcuts, you can have this impressive dish on the table in under an hour. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic and comforting recipe!

Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• Fresh Spinach: 10 ounces, washed thoroughly
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces, whole milk or part-skim
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, plus more for topping
• Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Onion: 1/2 medium, finely chopped
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
• Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon, ground
• Salt: To taste
• Black Pepper: To taste
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Optional: Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped, for added flavor

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and tenderizes the meat. Don’t overdo it, you want it thin but not torn.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Generously season both sides of the pounded chicken breasts with this mixture. Make sure to coat each breast evenly for maximum flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
4. Set Aside: Remove the seared chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover with foil to keep them warm while you prepare the spinach and sauce.

Preparing the Spinach and Ricotta Filling:

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet you used to sear the chicken, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches. It will seem like a lot at first, but it will quickly wilt down. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach is completely wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Drain Excess Moisture: Transfer the wilted spinach to a colander and press out as much excess moisture as possible. This is crucial to prevent the filling from being watery. You can use the back of a spoon or your hands (carefully, it will be hot!) to squeeze out the liquid.
4. Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the drained spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes, add them now.

Making the Cream Sauce:

1. Melt Butter and Whisk in Flour: In the same skillet (wipe it clean first if necessary), melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
2. Gradually Add Heavy Cream and Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Then, gradually add the chicken broth, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling and Baking the Chicken Florentine:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stuff the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts on a clean work surface. Divide the spinach and ricotta filling evenly among the chicken breasts. Spread the filling over each breast, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Roll the Chicken: Carefully roll each chicken breast up, starting from one end and securing with toothpicks if needed. You can also fold them over if rolling is difficult.
4. Arrange in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish (9×13 inch is ideal) with cooking spray or olive oil. Place the rolled chicken breasts seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the cream sauce evenly over the chicken rolls, ensuring that they are well coated.
6. Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken and sauce.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should be at least 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the Chicken Florentine rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents the chicken from drying out. Remove the toothpicks before serving, if you used them.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken Florentine is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Pasta: Serve over cooked pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair, to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice makes a great accompaniment.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

Tips and Variations:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the spinach and ricotta filling and the cream sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and bake.
• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion and garlic for added flavor.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a unique flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a little heat.
• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with Chicken Florentine.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this Chicken Florentine recipe as much as I do! It’s a comforting and elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Chicken Florentine recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. The creamy, garlicky spinach sauce, perfectly seared chicken, and the optional (but highly recommended!) blanket of melted cheese combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. I truly believe this will become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine.

Why This Chicken Florentine is a Must-Try:

Honestly, what’s not to love? It’s relatively quick to prepare, uses ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag. But beyond the practicality, it’s the taste that really seals the deal. The richness of the cream sauce is perfectly balanced by the earthy spinach and the savory chicken. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens, even for picky eaters!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The beauty of this Chicken Florentine is its versatility. While it’s fantastic served simply over a bed of pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work beautifully), there are so many other ways to enjoy it. Consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and healthy meal. For a lower-carb option, try serving it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
• Make it cheesy: Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone for an extra-cheesy experience.
• Add some mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and spinach for an earthier flavor.
• Make it a casserole: Layer the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
• Use different protein: While this recipe is designed for chicken, you could easily substitute it with pork tenderloin or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! The possibilities are endless.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness of homemade Chicken Florentine. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in, a special occasion, or even a potluck. It’s guaranteed to impress!

Now, it’s your turn! Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures. Happy cooking!

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