Classic Chicken Florentine

Introduction:
Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian-inspired dish featuring sautéed chicken breasts served over a bed of spinach with a creamy white wine sauce. It’s a quick yet elegant meal that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Creamy and Flavorful: The rich sauce is perfectly balanced with the fresh spinach and tender chicken.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this a go-to meal.
• Elegant: It’s impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Deglaze with White Wine:
   • Pour the white wine (or chicken broth) into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.
4. Make the Cream Sauce:
   • Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue to cook until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Wilt the Spinach:
   • Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts.
6. Return the Chicken:
   • Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the chicken. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-4 minutes to heat through.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the chicken breasts over the creamy spinach, spooning extra sauce on top. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Chicken: For a quicker cook time, you can butterfly the chicken breasts or use chicken cutlets.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth to thin it out.

Recipe Variations:

• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for added flavor.
• Pasta Option: Serve this dish over pasta for a more filling meal.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Chicken Florentine with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple pasta for a complete meal.
• Pair with a light green salad on the side for balance.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment:

• Large Skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce.

FAQ:

• Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
  Yes, but the sauce may not be as rich. You can thicken it with a little cornstarch if needed.
• What can I use instead of white wine?
  Chicken broth works as a great substitute if you prefer not to use wine.

Preparation Time:

• 10 minutes for prepping the chicken and ingredients.

Cook Time:

• 25 minutes for cooking the chicken and making the sauce.

Total Time:

• 35 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Closing Notes:
This Classic Chicken Florentine is a simple yet elegant dish that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a comforting meal at home!