Chicken Florentine Style

This Chicken Florentine recipe is a creamy, comforting Italian-inspired dish where tender chicken breasts are lightly dredged and pan-seared to golden perfection. The rich sauce made from white wine, cream, and garlic infuses the chicken with indulgent flavor while maintaining a balanced elegance. A final touch of sautéed spinach adds both vibrant color and a nutritious boost to the meal.

The dish is simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining. With minimal prep and fast cook time, this recipe delivers a hearty, restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes. Serve it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up every drop of the velvety sauce.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• All-purpose flour, for dredging

• 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons shallots, sliced

• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic

• 1 1/2 cups dry white wine

• 1 cup whipping cream

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley

• 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen cut-leaf spinach, thawed and drained

Directions

1. Prep Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.

2. Sear Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chicken and brown on both sides (about 5 minutes per side). Remove and tent with foil.

3. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt another 2 tablespoons of butter. Add shallots and garlic; sauté for 1 minute. Add wine, bring to a boil, and reduce by half (~3 minutes). Stir in cream and reduce again by half (~3 minutes). Add parsley and season to taste.

4. Return Chicken: Add chicken back to the skillet with any juices. Turn to coat in the sauce.

5. Prepare Spinach: In another skillet, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Add spinach and sauté until heated through. Season to taste.

6. Serve: Layer spinach on a platter, top with chicken, pour sauce over the top, and serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 min | Cooking Time: 20 min

Total Time: 30 min | Kcal: Not specified (cream- and butter-based sauce likely high-calorie)

Servings: 4

Chicken Florentine Style: A Creamy Classic That Never Goes Out of Style

When it comes to comfort food with a touch of elegance, few dishes deliver as gracefully as Chicken Florentine. Giada De Laurentiis, beloved for her approachable yet authentically Italian cuisine, brings her signature touch to this timeless recipe. “Chicken Florentine Style” isn’t just about chicken and spinach it’s about balance, richness, and the kind of soul-warming satisfaction that good food is meant to bring.

This dish pairs perfectly with everything from weeknight dinners to special gatherings, offering a creamy, herby white wine sauce that coats tender pan-seared chicken and velvety spinach. While simple in technique, Chicken Florentine carries deep culinary roots and a flavor profile that transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.

The Story Behind Florentine Dishes

The word “Florentine” in culinary terms doesn’t just refer to a location it implies a dish made in the style of Florence, Italy, typically including spinach and a creamy component. Historians trace the popularity of spinach in Florentine recipes to Catherine de’ Medici, an Italian noblewoman who became Queen of France in the 16th century. Legend has it that she brought her love of spinach to the French court, along with her chefs, and thus began a European tradition of naming spinach-rich dishes “à la Florentine.”

While the true origins may be blurred by time, the influence of Italian flavors and French cooking technique is clear. Chicken Florentine, as we know it today, has become a hallmark of classic comfort cuisine, combining Italian herbs, tender poultry, and rich cream-based sauces that elevate even a humble weekday meal.

Why Giada’s Version Stands Out

Giada De Laurentiis is renowned for her fresh, light takes on traditional Italian cuisine. Her Chicken Florentine Style recipe, originally featured on “Everyday Italian,” showcases her ability to make gourmet food accessible to the everyday cook. What sets her version apart is its restraint and balance she doesn’t overload the sauce with flour or cheese. Instead, she allows the wine, garlic, shallots, and cream to meld into a velvety glaze that enhances, rather than overpowers, the natural flavors of the chicken and spinach.

Another smart touch in her version is the use of simple cooking techniques: dredging and pan-searing the chicken for golden color, deglazing the pan with wine to create depth, and finishing with parsley for a fresh, green note. The result is a dish that feels luxurious without being heavy or overly rich.

Flavor Profile: Creamy, Herby, and Harmonious

At its core, Chicken Florentine is a symphony of contrasting yet complementary textures and flavors. The exterior of the chicken is golden and slightly crisp, while the interior remains juicy and tender. The cream sauce is decadent but not cloying, with acidity from the wine cutting through the richness. Garlic and shallots add aromatic complexity, while the spinach contributes earthiness and color.

This isn’t just comfort food it’s elevated comfort food. It tastes like something you’d order at a cozy trattoria, but it’s completely achievable in your home kitchen. Whether served over pasta, with crusty bread, or on its own, the sauce clings beautifully to each element of the plate.

Nutritional Balance and Customization

While the dish does include butter and cream, it’s far from being nutritionally irresponsible. Spinach is loaded with iron, fiber, and vitamins A and C. By using lean chicken breasts and opting for a moderate portion size, the meal can be surprisingly balanced.

For health-conscious cooks, there are easy ways to lighten the dish without sacrificing its integrity. You can:

• Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.

• Swap in olive oil for part of the butter.

• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra fiber and flavor.

• Use fresh spinach for an even more vibrant texture.

Gluten-free? Just skip the flour dredging or use a gluten-free flour alternative. Dairy-free? Coconut cream can substitute, though the flavor will shift slightly. Giada’s recipe is forgiving and flexible, making it ideal for adapting to different dietary needs or preferences.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

One of the best aspects of Chicken Florentine is how versatile it is when it comes to presentation. It pairs well with a variety of starches and sides, depending on the occasion or your pantry staples.

Ideal Pairings:

• Pasta: Tagliatelle, fettuccine, or penne all provide the perfect vehicle for that silky sauce.

• Rice or Risotto: A parmesan risotto with lemon zest adds another layer of Italian sophistication.

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a rustic ciabatta or baguette to soak up the sauce.

• Mashed Potatoes or Polenta: These creamy bases harmonize with the chicken and sauce for a deeply satisfying plate.

For drinks, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the cream, while a light-bodied red like Chianti complements the richness without overpowering the dish.

Occasions and Meal Planning

Chicken Florentine works beautifully as a main course for dinner parties, romantic dinners, or simple family meals. It’s a one-skillet wonder that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.

You can prep components ahead of time like sautéing the spinach or cooking the chicken and finish it just before serving. This makes it a great choice for holiday meals, Sunday suppers, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

Bonus tip: the sauce keeps well in the fridge and even improves in flavor after a day or two, making leftovers an absolute delight.

Creative Variations to Explore

As with most timeless dishes, Chicken Florentine invites experimentation. If you’re looking to add a twist or elevate it further, try these ideas:

• Add Mushrooms: Sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms bring umami depth.

• Top with Cheese: A sprinkle of grated parmesan or gruyère before serving gives it a gratin-like finish.

• Use Different Proteins: Turkey cutlets, pork chops, or even tofu can be substituted for chicken.

• Make it a Casserole: Layer cooked pasta, chicken, spinach, and sauce in a baking dish and broil until bubbly.

• Incorporate Citrus: A splash of lemon juice or zest in the sauce brings brightness.

These additions let you customize the dish for seasonal ingredients, guests’ preferences, or your own creative cravings.

Conclusion: 

In a world where food trends come and go, some dishes stand the test of time. Chicken Florentine is one such classic. Its enduring popularity stems from its simplicity, versatility, and the way it brings warmth and elegance to the table.

Giada De Laurentiis’ take on this iconic recipe reminds us that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few quality ingredients and thoughtful technique, you can create something that nourishes both the body and the spirit.

Whether you’re serving it to impress guests or just treating yourself to a comforting dinner, Chicken Florentine delivers every time. It’s a dish that tells a story of heritage, of flavor, and of how timeless recipes continue to bring us together around the table.