Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
If you are craving a dish that combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and fresh greens in perfect harmony, then this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe takes tender, marinated chicken thighs and douses them in a luscious sauce made with fresh spinach, Parmesan, and decadent cream. The result is a meal that feels indulgent yet comforting, with every bite bursting with warmth and layers of vibrant taste. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing your friends at a gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building a dish that is comforting, colorful, and packed with flavor. From the subtly spiced chicken to the creamy spinach sauce, these essentials come together simply but effectively.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that’s perfect for soaking up the marinade and sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed: Adds a fragrant foundation to the marinade, enhancing every bite with savory warmth.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Helps to meld the marinade ingredients and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness and vibrant color that makes the chicken pop.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat that complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly and balancing flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric: Introduces a warm earthiness and stunning golden hue to the marinade.
- ¼ cup dry white wine: Deglazes the pan beautifully, infusing the sauce with a delicate acidity.
- 2 cups heavy cream, room temperature: Creates the rich, velvety base of the sauce that coats the spinach and chicken.
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves: Adds freshness, vibrant green color, and a nutritional boost to the dish.
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty depth to the creamy sauce.
- 1 green onion, chopped: Sprinkled over the finished dish for a fresh bite and a pop of crisp color.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining garlic, olive oil, sweet paprika, black pepper, salt, and turmeric in a bowl or ziplock bag. This marinade infuses the chicken thighs with layers of flavor and an inviting aroma. Coat each piece of chicken evenly and refrigerate for at least two hours. This step is where the magic begins to build, ensuring the chicken tastes as good as it looks.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 8 to 10 minutes per side. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and juicy, fully cooked meat inside. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside, reserving those delicious browned bits in the pan—that’s pure flavor gold for your sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the dry white wine to the hot skillet. This will lift all the caramelized bits stuck to the bottom, infusing your sauce with a subtle depth and tangy brightness. Scrape the pan gently to mix these flavorful remnants into the wine and let it reduce slightly before moving on.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce
Add the fresh spinach and heavy cream directly into the skillet. Let the spinach wilt and mingle with the cream over medium heat for about five minutes. Then stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into the sauce giving it a beautifully rich and cheesy dimension. Cook for another two minutes until the sauce thickens just right.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Return the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce and let them heat through for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly. Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onion over the top for a fresh contrast, and serve while it’s hot and inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions is classic, but you can also add a twist with freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan. These garnishes brighten up the dish and add layers of texture and color.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even a warm, crusty baguette to soak up every last bit of that irresistible sauce. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh counterbalance.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, plate the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or sautéed mushrooms. You can also serve it in individual ramekins topped with extra Parmesan and broil briefly for a golden crust. The presentation possibilities are endless and perfect for impressing guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will deepen, making the next day’s meal just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid separating the cream sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep that creamy consistency smooth and luxurious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, too. Just be careful not to overcook them as they dry out faster than thighs. Slightly reduce the cooking time for juicy results.
Is white wine necessary for the sauce?
White wine adds an essential acidity and depth of flavor that balances the richness of the cream. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice is a good substitute.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar cheesy flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe is mild and comforting. The paprika adds warmth but not significant heat, making it suitable for all palates.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying the chicken?
Reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the chicken from drying out. This gentle method preserves texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about this Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe that makes it a true favorite in my recipe collection. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and rich, cheesy sauce creates a meal that feels both special and approachable. I can’t wait for you to make it at home and enjoy every comforting, creamy bite with your loved ones.
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Creamy Chicken Florentine Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Florentine recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in aromatic spices, pan-seared to a golden brown, and served in a rich, creamy sauce made with fresh spinach, Parmesan, and a splash of white wine. It’s a classic Italian-inspired dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
Sauce
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 2 cups heavy cream, room temperature
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl or ziplock bag, combine the crushed garlic, extra virgin olive oil, sweet paprika, ground black pepper, kosher salt, and ground turmeric. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour the dry white wine into the hot skillet and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release all the flavorful browned bits left from cooking the chicken. This adds depth to the sauce.
- Make Sauce: Add the fresh spinach leaves and heavy cream to the skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted and tender. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and become creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet with the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh finish. Serve the Chicken Florentine hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours enhances the flavor deeply; overnight marination will intensify it even more.
- If you don’t have dry white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice with a little vinegar added.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and proper melting in the sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Cook the chicken just until cooked through to keep it tender and juicy; avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
