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Homemade CHICKEN FLORENTINE recipe photo

CHICKEN FLORENTINE

Tender chicken cutlets in a creamy garlic, spinach, and Parmesan sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium chicken breasts halved lengthwise (4 cutlets)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups spinach fresh
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Plate
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 4 cutlets, then pound each cutlet to an even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  2. Season both sides of each cutlet with the kosher salt and black pepper.
  3. Place the flour in a shallow dish and dredge each cutlet in the flour, shaking off excess; set the dredged cutlets aside on a plate.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and foaming.
  5. Add the chicken cutlets to the skillet and brown until golden, about 4 to 5 minutes per side; transfer the browned chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  6. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Stir in the Italian seasoning, then pour in the chicken broth and scrape the pan bottom to deglaze, loosening any browned bits.
  8. Add the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine.
  9. Stir in the fresh spinach and freshly grated Parmesan until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
  10. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the cutlets, and simmer on low until the chicken is heated through, about 2 to 4 minutes.
  11. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve the chicken florentine with the sauce spooned over it.

Notes

  • Fry in batches if you can't fit all cutlets in the pan to avoid overcrowding.
  • Use fresh spinach for best flavor; thawed frozen spinach can overpower the sauce.
  • Use Parmesan from a wedge, not pre-grated powdered Parmesan.
  • Half-and-half or evaporated milk can substitute for heavy cream; add 1–2 teaspoons cornstarch if needed to thicken.
  • Season to taste after the sauce comes together.