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Chicken Florentine

This Creamy Chicken Florentine dish has baby spinach in a delicate, creamy white sauce. It is absolutely delicious!
Prep Time15 minutes
Active Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken Florentine
Yield: 4

Materials

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts 8 ounces each, halved lengthwise
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus 1/4 teaspoon
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour or gluten-free flour mix
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 1/3 cup chopped shallots
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 9 ounces fresh baby spinach from two bags
  • 2 ounces 1/3 less fat cream cheese I like Philadelphia
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons half & half cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided

Instructions

  • To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, gently pound the thicker end of the breast to 1/2 inch thickness. Season the chicken on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, to taste.
  • Dredge each chicken piece in flour and shake off the excess.
  • In a big deep pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until it is fully cooked and has a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and put it aside. Wipe the skillet.
  • In the same skillet, decrease the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the minced shallot and garlic for roughly 2-3 minutes, until aromatic and transparent.
  • Add the bell pepper and spinach, season with salt and pepper, and cover. Cook until the spinach wilts, stirring 2 to 3 times, about 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then add the cream cheese, chicken stock, half-and-half, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and parmesan cheese, stirring until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is thoroughly mixed.
  • Return the chicken and any liquids to the skillet with the spinach, and cook for a few minutes in the sauce until well cooked.