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Chicken Florentine. A Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner Idea

Classic Chicken Florentine Recipe

Shane Lowry
The classic Chicken Florentine recipe is a timeless favourite that never fails to impress.
Indulge in the deliciousness of a classic Florentine dish with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Tender chicken breast, creamy spinach, and a rich sauce come together to create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends.

To make Chicken Florentine, you will need the following ingredients:
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Easy and Flavourful Main Dish Ideas for Every Occasion
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 Serves
Calories 577 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy Cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups fresh spinach washed and chopped

Instructions
 

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let's get cooking! Here is the step-by-step instructions to making Chicken Florentine:

  • Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  • Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce has thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
  • Serve the Chicken Florentine hot and enjoy!

  • By following these simple steps, you will have a delicious and flavourful Chicken Florentine ready to be enjoyed by your family and friends.

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Notes

Variations and substitutions for Chicken Florentine.

While the classic Chicken Florentine recipe is delicious on its own, there are several variations and substitutions you can try to mix things up:
  • Mushroom Florentine:
    Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the garlic for an extra earthy flavour.
  • Prawn or Shrimp Florentine:
    Swap out the chicken breasts for peeled and deveined shrimp or prawns for a seafood twist on the dish.
  • Tofu Florentine:
    For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with marinated cubed tofu and cook as directed.
  • Lemon Florentine:
    Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a bright and tangy flavour.
These variations can help you customise the dish to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make the recipe your own.

Creamy Chicken Florentine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes.

This creamy Chicken Florentine recipe is a showstopper.
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and indulgent sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken breasts.
The dish is bursting with flavours and textures, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party.

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
    Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
  7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
  9. Serve the creamy Chicken Florentine with sun-dried tomatoes over cooked pasta or steamed rice. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Baked Chicken Florentine Roll-Ups.

These baked Chicken Florentine roll-ups are not only delicious but also visually appealing.
The tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy spinach and cheese filling, creating a delightful combination of flavours.
The dish is easy to prepare but looks impressive, making it a great option for a dinner party or a special family gathering.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Marinara sauce for serving
  • Instructions:

    1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
    2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
    3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
    4. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool.
    5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, cooked spinach, salt, and pepper.
      Mix well.
    6. Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
    7. Roll up the chicken breasts and secure with toothpicks.
    8. Place the chicken roll-ups in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
    9. Serve the baked Chicken Florentine roll-ups with marinara sauce on the side. Add a side of pasta or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

    Serving suggestions and side dishes for Chicken Florentine.

    Chicken Florentine is a complete meal on its own, but there are several side dishes and serving suggestions that can complement the dish:
    • Cooked pasta:
      Serve the Chicken Florentine over your favourite Al Dente pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine, for a classic combination.
    • Steamed rice:
      Pair the Chicken Florentine with steamed white or brown rice for a simple and satisfying meal.
    • Roasted vegetables:
      Serve the Chicken Florentine alongside a medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, for a well-rounded dinner.
    • Crusty breadsticks:
      Serve the Chicken Florentine with a side of crusty breadsticks for dipping into the creamy sauce.
    These serving suggestions can help elevate your Chicken Florentine dinner and make it even more enjoyable.
    Feel free to mix and match to find your favourite combination.

    Conclusion and final thoughts on Chicken Florentine as a weeknight dinner idea.

    Chicken Florentine is a versatile and delicious dish that offers a multitude of flavour possibilities.
    From classic recipes to healthy variations and easy options for beginners, there's a Chicken Florentine recipe to suit every occasion and taste.
    By following the tips and suggestions mentioned in this article, you'll be able to create a Chicken Florentine dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.
    So, the next time you're craving a flavourful and satisfying meal, why not try your hand at making Chicken Florentine?
    Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a special occasion, these recipes are sure to impress.
    So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
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