The Golden Seared Chicken Florentine Sauce Recipe You’ll Adore

Chicken shines with elegant simplicity when bathed in a golden seared chicken florentine sauce that whispers Italian culinary magic.

Creamy spinach and parmesan create a luxurious backdrop for perfectly cooked poultry.

Tender medallions absorb rich, velvety flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through classic Mediterranean comfort.

Weeknight dinners transform into gourmet experiences with this straightforward yet sophisticated recipe.

Restaurant-quality results await with minimal kitchen effort.

FAQs

• What makes the Florentine sauce creamy?

The sauce gets its luxurious creaminess from a combination of half and half and cream cheese, which creates a smooth, rich texture that perfectly coats the chicken.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it completely before adding to the sauce to prevent excess water from thinning out the creamy mixture.

• Why do I need to pound the chicken breast?

Pounding the chicken creates an even thickness, which helps it cook more uniformly and ensures that each piece is tender and cooks at the same rate without drying out.

Golden Seared Chicken in Florentine Sauce Favorites

• Simplify Gourmet Cooking: Transform complex restaurant-style dishes into an easy home-cooked meal that anyone can master with basic kitchen skills.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a luxurious chicken dinner in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving restaurant-quality flavor without extensive preparation.
• Adaptable Culinary Experience: Swap wine with broth, adjust spinach quantities, or customize with additional herbs to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Protein-Packed Comfort Meal: Combine tender chicken with creamy Florentine sauce for a satisfying dish that delivers both nutrition and indulgent flavors in one skillet.

Ingredients for Golden Seared Chicken Florentine

• Chicken Breast: A tender, lean protein that serves as the star of this delicious Florentine dish.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: A seasoned coating that creates a golden, crispy exterior for the chicken.

• Butter, Olive Oil: A combination that provides rich flavor and helps achieve a perfect golden sear on the chicken.

• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic base to the Florentine sauce.
• White Wine, Chicken Broth: Provides depth and helps deglaze the pan, capturing all the flavorful browned bits.
• Half and Half, Cream Cheese: Creates a luxuriously creamy and smooth sauce with rich texture.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and nutritious element to the sauce.

• Lemon Juice, Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish with a hint of acidity and fresh herb garnish.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken in Florentine Sauce

Step 1: Tenderize Chicken Breasts

Lay chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until evenly flattened.

Remove wrap and pat chicken completely dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Create Dredging Mixture

Blend flour, salt, pepper, and dried herbs in a shallow dish.

Carefully coat each chicken piece, shaking off excess flour to ensure a light, even layer.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Pan

Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature.

Combine butter and olive oil, swirling until butter melts and pan is evenly coated.

Step 4: Sear Chicken

Carefully place chicken into hot pan.

Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

Flip and cook opposite side until chicken reaches a beautiful caramel color.

Step 5: Remove Chicken

Transfer seared chicken to a clean plate.

Keep warm and set aside while preparing sauce.

Step 6: Build Flavor Base

Reduce skillet heat to medium.

Add minced garlic, stirring quickly to prevent burning.

Cook until fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 7: Deglaze Pan

Pour wine or chicken broth into skillet.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape delicious browned bits from bottom of pan.

Allow liquid to reduce by half.

Step 8: Create Creamy Sauce

Warm half and half briefly.

Slowly pour into skillet, stirring continuously.

Lower heat and blend in cream cheese until sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 9: Add Greens

Fold fresh spinach into sauce, allowing leaves to gently wilt.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice for brightness if desired.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over meat.

Cover and heat through.

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Golden Seared Chicken Florentine

• Use plastic wrap and a meat tenderizer to create even chicken thickness, ensuring uniform cooking and tender meat.
• Tap off excess flour mixture to prevent clumping and achieve a light, crispy golden exterior when searing.
• Use medium-high heat for initial searing, then reduce to medium-low when adding creamy ingredients to prevent scorching.
• Warm half and half in microwave briefly to prevent curdling when adding to hot pan, creating a smooth, silky sauce.
• Add spinach last and wilt quickly to maintain vibrant color and prevent overcooking, preserving nutrients and fresh flavor.

Variations for Chicken Florentine

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace half and half with coconut milk, use dairy-free cream cheese, and substitute butter with olive oil for a lactose-free version.
• Herb-Infused Option: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil to the flour dredge for an aromatic herb-forward flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace flour dredge with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining crispy chicken exterior.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and swap spinach for sun-dried tomatoes to create a bolder Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish.

Serving Suggestions for Golden Seared Chicken

• Elegant Dinner Date Night: Pair this golden chicken with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to elevate the dining experience and complement the creamy Florentine sauce.
• Restaurant-Style Plating: Serve the chicken on a warm white plate, drizzle extra sauce around the edges, and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a professional chef-inspired presentation that looks stunning.
• Hearty Side Companions: Accompany the dish with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a light orzo salad to create a balanced meal that soaks up the delicious sauce and adds nutritional variety.

Storage Tips for Chicken Florentine

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the sauce and chicken are together to maintain moisture.
• Carefully place chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months, with chicken and sauce separated from garnishes.
• Transfer chicken and sauce to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel, heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to distribute heat evenly.

Golden Seared Chicken in Luxurious Florentine Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent golden seared chicken nestles in a creamy Florentine sauce, inviting palates on a delightful Italian culinary journey. Rich spinach, garlic, and parmesan weave magic into this elegant dish, promising pure comfort for dinner lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Liquid and Soft Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 1/2 cups white wine or chicken broth
• 1 cup half and half
• 1/3 cup softened cream cheese
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 fresh lemon or 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley (to garnish)

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Instructions

1. Gently flatten chicken breasts between plastic wrap to an even 1/2-inch thickness, ensuring uniform cooking. Thoroughly pat dry to promote proper browning.
2. Create a seasoned dredging mixture, carefully coating each chicken piece, gently shaking off excess flour for a light, crisp exterior.
3. Heat a combination of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the mixture shimmers and becomes fragrant.
4. Carefully place prepared chicken into the hot skillet, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a rich, golden-brown crust. Transfer to a separate plate.
5. Reduce skillet temperature to medium, introducing minced garlic and sautéing briefly until aromatic without browning.
6. Deglaze the pan with wine or broth, scraping accumulated browned bits, allowing liquid to reduce by half and concentrate flavors.
7. Gently warm half and half in microwave for 40 seconds to prevent curdling, then incorporate into the skillet, stirring continuously.
8. Whisk cream cheese into the sauce until completely smooth, then fold in fresh spinach, allowing leaves to wilt naturally. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
9. Return seared chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the creamy sauce. Cover and warm through for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Tenderizing chicken ensures even cooking and helps the meat absorb more flavor from the dredging and sauce.
• Choose high-quality chicken breasts without excess moisture to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Tempering dairy prevents curdling and creates a smooth, luxurious sauce texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
• For a lower-carb version, replace flour dredge with almond flour or use a light coating of grated parmesan cheese to maintain crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 367 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg