If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly marries comfort, elegance, and simplicity, this Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe is a must-try. Combining tender chicken breasts with sautéed mushrooms, garlicky spinach, and a luscious cream and Parmesan sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder that bursts with flavor and color. It’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to serve guests, making it an all-around favorite for anyone who loves rich, satisfying meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in building the dish’s full-bodied taste and inviting textures. From the earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach to the creamy, cheesy sauce, every component adds its own magic.
- 4 (8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing juicy, tender bites when cooked right.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors of the dish evenly and gently.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance the creamy richness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more if needed): Perfect for browning the chicken and sautéing aromatics.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s aroma deepens the savory profile beautifully.
- 6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (~2 cups): Adds an earthy, meaty texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Helps build a silky base for the sauce.
- ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth: Provides savory moisture and helps deglaze the pan.
- ¼ cup dry white wine: Introduces a subtle acidity and complexity.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy, velvety sauce that ties the dish together.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Imparts nutty, salty depth to the cream sauce.
- 6 cups fresh spinach, packed: Adds bright color and tender, leafy greens that balance the richness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep Chicken
Begin by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting a beautiful golden crust when cooking. Season both sides generously with sea salt and black pepper to ensure the flavor shines through in every bite.
Step 2: Brown Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and cook until they develop a rich golden brown on both sides. This not only locks in flavor and juices but sets the stage for a perfect finish. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside for now.
Step 3: Cook Mushrooms and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and aromatics have softened and released their fragrant oils. This step builds a flavorful base for the sauce while soaking up any leftover chicken juices.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Pour in the chicken broth and dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any tasty browned bits stuck there — this technique is called deglazing and it adds incredible depth of flavor. Let the mixture simmer until it reduces by half, concentrating those savory notes.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce gently simmer until it thickens slightly. Lower the heat, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and infuse the sauce with a luscious, cheesy richness that is absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Wilt Spinach
Add the fresh spinach right into the pan, stirring gently until it wilts down beautifully. The vibrant green leaves not only add freshness to the dish but also provide a lovely contrast to the creamy sauce’s texture and color.
Step 7: Return Chicken and Finish Cooking
Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let everything cook together over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and soak in those wonderful flavors. Your creamy masterpiece is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish perfectly. A light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese on top can also elevate the flavor and make the presentation shine.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes to sop up every bit of sauce, or a side of garlic bread for a satisfying crunch. For a lighter option, steamed rice or a simple quinoa salad would balance the creamy texture with their subtle nuttiness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey feel or plate it elegantly by placing the chicken on a bed of sauce and spinach, garnishing artfully around. For a family-style dinner, let everyone dive in together — it’s a wonderful way to share both the meal and the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days while preserving most of its flavors and textures.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, let the dish cool completely and pack it tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. It is best consumed within 2 months to maintain optimal flavor, as dairy sauces can sometimes separate after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Microwave reheating also works but do so in short intervals to keep the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, and the cooking time might need a few minutes longer to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?
While white wine adds lovely acidity and depth, you can substitute with extra chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and mushrooms or a dash of hot sauce when stirring in the cream for a delightful kick.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the chicken?
Use low and slow heat on the stove with a little added broth or cream to keep the sauce moist, which helps prevent the chicken from drying out during reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that delights every time you make it. It’s comforting, flavorful, and comes together in a single pan with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it’s a fast favorite for weeknights, gatherings, and everything in between!
Print
Creamy Chicken Florentine Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Florentine recipe is a quick and delicious one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy garlic mushroom sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a tasty weeknight meal.
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)
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced (~2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Greens
- 6 cups fresh spinach, packed
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with sea salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Brown Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook over medium heat until mushrooms are browned and any liquid they release has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and ¼ cup dry white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and lift browned bits. Let the mixture simmer until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and continue simmering until the sauce slightly thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes. Then reduce heat to low and stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Wilt Spinach: Add 6 cups of fresh packed spinach to the pan. Cook, stirring gently, until the spinach wilts down, about 2-3 minutes.
- Return Chicken and Finish: Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the creamy spinach sauce. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the chicken is heated through and flavors meld.
Notes
- Using cremini mushrooms adds a deep, earthy flavor, but you can substitute with white button mushrooms if preferred.
- Dry white wine enhances the sauce, but if you prefer non-alcoholic, substitute with additional chicken broth and a splash of white grape juice or apple cider vinegar.
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear and browning.
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter dish, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though sauce may be slightly less rich.
