If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. This one-pan wonder brings together tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a luscious, velvety sauce bursting with garlic, mushrooms, rich cream, and fresh spinach. It’s a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that makes dinner feel effortlessly elegant while still being comfy and satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish delivers big on taste with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, adding layers of flavor, creaminess, and vibrant color that breathe life into this simple yet impressive dish.
- Chicken breasts: Look for boneless and skinless for easy cooking and slicing; they form the hearty base of the dish.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance every flavor in the skillet.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and is perfect for browning the chicken and sautéing the veggies.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings an irresistible aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
- Cremini mushrooms: These add a meaty texture and deep umami flavor to the creamy sauce.
- Unsalted butter: Introduces a silky smoothness and richness to the sauce when melted in.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and helps create a flavorful pan sauce base.
- Dry white wine: Offers subtle acidity and brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Heavy cream: The key to that luxurious, creamy texture that makes this skillet recipe shine.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, lending a sharp, nutty finish.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a vibrant pop of green and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor while balancing the creaminess perfectly.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this is crucial for that golden brown sear. Season each piece generously with sea salt and a light sprinkle of black pepper. Simple, classic seasoning lets the natural chicken flavor shine and lays the groundwork for the tasty sauce to come.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and let them brown deeply on each side without moving them around too much. This searing locks in the juices and builds a beautifully flavorful crust. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside—you’ll finish cooking it later in the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms
Into the same pan, add your minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. The residual oil will help these soften and caramelize, releasing savory aromas that are pure comfort food dreams. Cook until the mushrooms are nicely browned and any excess liquid has evaporated, ensuring your sauce won’t be watery.
Step 4: Build the Sauce Base
Turn the heat down to medium and stir in a tablespoon of butter, letting it melt into the mushroom-garlic mixture. Pour in half a cup of chicken broth and a quarter cup of dry white wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. These bits, called the fond, are pure gold for the sauce. Let the liquid simmer until it reduces by about half, concentrating its flavor.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Parmesan
Now for the magic moment—stir in one cup of heavy cream and watch the sauce thicken into a velvety dream. Lower the heat and sprinkle in a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts perfectly into the sauce. This step takes your skillet from simple to seriously indulgent.
Step 6: Incorporate the Spinach
Add your fresh, packed spinach straight into the creamy sauce. It might look like a mountain at first, but spinach wilts down quickly, infusing the sauce with its fresh, slightly earthy flavor and adding gorgeous green color that brightens the whole dish.
Step 7: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Nestle the browned chicken breasts gently back into the pan, spooning some sauce over the top. Let everything cook together on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and tender, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This final step ensures every bite is succulent and coated in creamy goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little fresh flair, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top or scatter freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors and add a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe pairs wonderfully with a range of sides. Serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce, or opt for a crusty baguette that’s perfect for dipping. For lighter options, garlic butter pasta or roasted vegetables complement the richness of the dish without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve the chicken right from the skillet at the table for that warm, rustic vibe. If you want to impress guests, plate each breast individually with a spoonful of sauce and spinach on top, garnished thoughtfully with herbs. You can even lay the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or risotto for an extra luxurious touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve the creamy sauce’s texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the sauce may thicken, but reheating with a splash of chicken broth or cream can refresh its creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a bit of chicken broth or cream during reheating helps restore the silky texture. Microwaving works too but heat in short bursts to keep the chicken tender and sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use spinach alternatives in this recipe?
Absolutely! Kale or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes and hold up well when cooked. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they wilt properly without becoming tough.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar cheesy flavor.
What wine is best for cooking this dish?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works beautifully. If you prefer not to use alcohol, extra chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice can add brightness.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken breasts are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should feel firm to the touch but still juicy and tender after simmering in the sauce.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Use a larger skillet or split the cooking between two pans to allow proper browning and sauce reduction. Adjust seasoning and liquid ingredients proportionally for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that delivers comforting, restaurant-quality flavors with ease. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—it’s a beautiful way to turn simple ingredients into a memorable meal that warms the heart. Give it a try and let the creamy, garlicky goodness take center stage at your dinner table!
Print
Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Chicken Florentine recipe is a delicious one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy Parmesan sauce with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and fresh spinach. It’s a quick and elegant meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more if needed)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (~2 cups)
- 6 cups fresh spinach, packed
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with sea salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a nice sear.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
- Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook while stirring occasionally until the mushrooms are browned and their liquid has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.
- Deglaze and Reduce: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the butter until melted. Pour in the chicken broth and dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and lift up flavorful browned bits. Allow the liquid to simmer until it reduces by half, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Lower the heat to low and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until incorporated.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has wilted and incorporated into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish Cooking the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce and spinach. Cover and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Dry white wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth if preferred.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream and butter with coconut cream and a dairy-free butter alternative; omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
