Creamy Chicken Florentine

Make this creamy Chicken Florentine in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a Parmesan cream sauce with spinach, mushrooms, and garlic. Perfect for weeknights or elegant dinners.

There are few dishes that feel as comforting and elegant as Chicken Florentine. Tender, golden-brown chicken simmered in a creamy, garlicky sauce with mushrooms and spinach — it’s a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together easily in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re making dinner for your family, hosting a dinner party, or just want something satisfying after a long day, this Chicken Florentine recipe delivers flavor, richness, and comfort in every bite.

It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare. The sauce is velvety and infused with Parmesan, while the chicken stays juicy and flavorful thanks to a blend of herbs and seasoning.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible — and how you can make it perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Florentine

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.

2. Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of cream, butter, and Parmesan creates a luscious, silky texture.

3. Balanced Flavors: Earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and savory chicken come together in harmony.

4. Versatile: Perfect over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. It’s also delicious with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

5. Family Friendly: Even picky eaters love the mild, creamy flavor.

This is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again — it’s hearty enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for guests.

What Is Chicken Florentine?

Chicken Florentine is a dish inspired by classic Italian cuisine, named after the region of Florence (Firenze) in Italy. “Florentine” typically refers to dishes that feature spinach and a creamy sauce — most often paired with chicken, fish, or eggs.

While the origins are French-influenced, the flavors are rooted in Italian comfort cooking: rich, simple, and full of warmth. The combination of seared chicken, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan in a cream sauce is timeless — and it’s easy to see why this dish has stood the test of time.

Ingredient Breakdown

Each ingredient in this Chicken Florentine recipe plays a specific role in creating depth and balance. Let’s go through them one by one.

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. They stay moist even when cooked at high heat, making them perfect for this creamy dish. You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs give you a richer taste.

Salt and pepper, to taste
The foundation of good seasoning. Salt enhances all the other flavors in the dish, while black pepper adds a mild heat and depth.

1 teaspoon garlic powder
Adds a mellow garlic flavor that blends smoothly into the sauce and seasoning.

1 teaspoon onion powder
Brings gentle sweetness and complexity, complementing the savory notes in the chicken and sauce.

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
A mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that gives the dish its signature Italian aroma and taste.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
This spice adds a subtle smokiness and enhances the color of the chicken. It gives the seared chicken that beautiful golden-brown hue.

Aromatics and Vegetables

2 tablespoons olive oil
Used for searing the chicken, olive oil helps create a flavorful crust while keeping the chicken juicy. It also carries the aromatics beautifully as they sauté.

1 yellow onion, diced
The onion forms the flavor base of the sauce, adding natural sweetness that balances the richness of the cream.

1 package sliced baby bella mushrooms
Baby bella mushrooms add an earthy depth that ties the sauce together. They soak up flavor from the butter, broth, and cream, giving each bite a satisfying umami note.

3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic delivers that unmistakable aroma and bold flavor that defines this dish. It’s sautéed briefly to release its natural oils without burning.

The Creamy Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
This is what makes the sauce irresistibly silky. Heavy cream gives body and richness, helping it cling perfectly to the chicken and vegetables.

½ cup chicken broth
Chicken broth adds savory depth while thinning the sauce just enough to coat everything without feeling heavy. It also helps deglaze the pan and release all the flavorful bits left behind from searing the chicken.

2 tablespoons butter
Butter adds richness and smoothness to the sauce. It also gives that classic restaurant-style finish when swirled in at the end.

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a nutty, salty layer that ties everything together. It helps thicken the sauce naturally as it melts and adds that signature Italian flavor.

5 ounces fresh baby spinach
The “Florentine” element. Fresh spinach wilts into the sauce, adding color, nutrients, and a subtle bitterness that perfectly balances the creamy base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a bowl, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Add a drizzle of olive oil and use your hands to coat evenly. This step ensures that each piece of chicken is well-seasoned before searing, giving the dish maximum flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches if needed to ensure even browning.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until they’ve released their moisture and are golden brown. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Pro Tip: Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth if any bits start to stick — those browned bits add tremendous flavor to your sauce.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in ½ cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Then, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and sprinkle in a little more garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to taste.

Add 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted. Let the sauce simmer for about 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Parmesan

Add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted. Sprinkle in ½ cup grated Parmesan and stir until smooth and creamy. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together and the chicken reheats through.

Step 7: Serve

Serve warm with extra grated Parmesan on top if desired. The sauce is wonderful over mashed potatoes, pasta, or a simple side of rice.

Tips for Success

1. Use Chicken Thighs for Best Flavor: Thighs stay moist and tender, even after simmering in sauce. If you prefer chicken breasts, pound them to even thickness before cooking.

2. Don’t Rush the Sear: A good sear locks in flavor and gives the dish its signature golden color. Let the chicken sit undisturbed while browning.

3. Avoid Overcooking the Spinach: Add it last so it stays bright and tender.

4. Deglaze Properly: Those browned bits at the bottom of the pan are pure flavor gold — scrape them up when adding broth.

5. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired texture.

6. Add a Splash of White Wine (Optional): For a restaurant-style touch, deglaze the pan with ¼ cup of white wine before adding the cream.

7. Freshly Grate the Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Fresh Parmesan makes the sauce perfectly creamy.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Florentine pairs beautifully with:

• Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or linguine are all great choices.

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes.

• Rice or Risotto: Helps soak up every drop of that rich sauce.

• Crusty Bread: A warm baguette is perfect for dipping.

• Roasted Vegetables: Adds balance and color to your plate.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freeze: You can freeze the sauce and chicken together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to life.

Variations

• Chicken Florentine Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken and toss it with cooked pasta directly in the sauce.

• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds tang and color contrast.

• Mushroom-Free Version: Omit mushrooms and double the spinach for a lighter dish.

• Keto-Friendly Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli instead of pasta or potatoes.

Common Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but heavy cream gives the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of spinach?
Kale or Swiss chard are great alternatives, though they’ll take a bit longer to soften.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving.

Is Chicken Florentine gluten-free?
Yes — as long as you check that your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

Why You’ll Enjoy This Dish

This Chicken Florentine has all the hallmarks of a comforting homemade meal — creamy, savory, and layered with flavor. The chicken is juicy and perfectly seasoned, the sauce is rich without being heavy, and the spinach adds freshness that keeps every bite balanced.

It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome — one you can make on a busy weeknight and still feel like you’re eating at a cozy Italian trattoria.

The flavors are familiar, comforting, and universally loved. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why Chicken Florentine has remained a classic for generations.

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Chicken Florentine

Make this creamy Chicken Florentine in under 30 minutes. Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a Parmesan cream sauce with spinach, mushrooms, and garlic. Perfect for weeknights or elegant dinners.

Prep time: 10 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 package sliced baby bella mushrooms
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss with olive oil to coat.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion for 2–3 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until golden. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up brown bits from the pan. Add heavy cream, seasonings, and butter. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Add spinach and Parmesan, stirring until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
6. Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
7. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cooksnapbake on instagram and hashtag it #Chicken Florentine

This Chicken Florentine is the definition of comfort done right — rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach come together in a way that feels luxurious but approachable.

It’s a perfect one-pan recipe for busy nights or special dinners alike.

If you loved this recipe, save it to Pinterest, share it with a friend, or tag @CookSnapBake when you make it. I’d love to see how yours turns out and how you make it your own.

Simple ingredients. Big flavor. Endless comfort. That’s what makes this Chicken Florentine a timeless favorite.