Chicken Florentine Recipe

This Chicken Florentine is a flavorful and elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal! Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with a flavorful marinade and nestled in a creamy spinach sauce with a hint of garlic and spices. This recipe is easy to make and delivers a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of garlic, paprika, turmeric, and white wine creates a delicious and aromatic marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
• Creamy and Satisfying: The creamy spinach sauce complements the chicken perfectly, adding a touch of richness and a healthy dose of greens.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile: Serve this Chicken Florentine with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or pasta. It’s also great for meal prepping or slicing for sandwiches and wraps.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Use high-quality chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture.
• Garlic: Crushed and added to the marinade for a fragrant and savory kick.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Used in the marinade and for cooking the chicken.
• Sweet paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color to the marinade.
• Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
• Ground turmeric: Adds a warm and earthy flavor to the marinade.
• White wine: Used to deglaze the pan and add depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce.
• Fresh spinach leaves: Adds a healthy and flavorful touch.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the sauce.
• Green onion: Chopped and used as a garnish for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Chicken Florentine

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine the crushed garlic, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, salt, turmeric, and sweet paprika in a ziplock bag. Add the chicken thighs to the bag, seal it tightly, and shake to coat the chicken evenly in the marinade. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 8-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Deglaze and Make the Sauce

Pour the white wine into the skillet and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze, incorporating any browned bits of chicken into the sauce. Add the spinach leaves and heavy cream to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, or until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for 2 minutes to heat through. Chop the green onion and sprinkle it over the chicken. Serve the Chicken Florentine immediately with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken adds a depth of flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in a single layer ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
• Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Adjust the sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a minute or two longer to reduce.
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as diced bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini.

How to Serve

This Chicken Florentine is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for this dish.
• Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf complements the richness of the sauce.
• Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Florentine is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken Florentine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can! However, chicken thighs are more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, so they’re a great option for this recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of wine? Yes, you can! Dry sherry or even chicken broth can be substituted for white wine.

3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can! Thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out any excess liquid before adding it to the sauce.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the marinade or sauce? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as dried herbs, spices, or lemon zest.

This Chicken Florentine Recipe is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful and elegant meal. With its simple preparation, versatile serving options, and healthy ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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