Chicken Florentine Recipe: A Creamy and Flavorful Delight

Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy spinach sauce. This elegant yet easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its delicious combination of flavors, Chicken Florentine is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add the heavy cream, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, stirring well to combine. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.
  7. Add the chopped spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.
  8. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir to enhance the flavors.
  9. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for 2 more minutes.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

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