Creamy Spinach Chicken Florentine (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Chicken
01 -
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
2 tablespoons butter
→ For the Dredging Mix
04 -
½ cup all-purpose flour
05 -
¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
06 -
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
07 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
1 teaspoon salt
09 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
→ For the Creamy Sauce
10 -
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
11 -
1½ cups white wine (or chicken broth)
12 -
1 cup half and half
13 -
⅓ cup cream cheese, softened
14 -
3 cups fresh spinach
15 -
Juice of ½ fresh lemon (about 1½ tablespoons)
16 -
Fresh parsley for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Cover each chicken breast with plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels and let them come to room temperature.
02 -
Mix together flour, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Coat each chicken breast in this mixture, making sure to shake off any excess.
03 -
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Cover the pan while cooking. Once done (internal temp 165°F), set chicken aside on a plate.
04 -
Reduce heat to medium and cook minced garlic for 1 minute. Add wine or broth and scrape up all those flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it bubble and reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
05 -
Warm the half and half in the microwave for 40 seconds, then add it to the pan gradually, stirring as you go. Once it starts to bubble, lower the heat. Stir in softened cream cheese until smooth.
06 -
Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in lemon juice if using. Return chicken and any juices to the pan, cover until heated through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
You can use frozen spinach (10 oz) - just thaw and squeeze out the excess water first
02 -
The cream cheese adds thickness but can be skipped if preferred
03 -
Try adding mushrooms, capers, or cherry tomatoes for variety