Healthy Chicken Florentine Recipe to Kickstart Your Diet

How to Make the Best Authentic Keto-Friendly Chicken Florentine

What is Chicken Florentine Made Of?

👩‍🍳 Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian dish composed of chicken breasts, flour, seasonings, Parmesan cheese, spinach leaves, butter, chicken broth, and cream. The result is much more delightful than one would expect from these simple ingredients.

For those looking to make healthier food choices, chicken is a perfect option. It’s lean and incredibly versatile, and there are endless recipes that can be made to accommodate different palates and dietary needs. One of the classic Italian dishes featuring this protein source is Chicken Florentine. It’s made with succulent chicken breasts cooked in rich spinach-Parmesan sauce for an amazing flavor experience.

Indulge in the delightful flavor of Chicken Florentine without compromising your low-carb diet with this nutritious and easy recipe. Traditional Italian dishes are high in calories and carbs, but we’ve tailored a keto-friendly recipe that will assist you to stay focused while still savoring flavors that you adore.

This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts lightly seasoned and seared in olive oil. The sauce is made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to create an indulgently creamy texture. For added nutrition and flavor, we’ve included spinach and garlic for a subtle kick.

Chicken Florentine with creamy spinach sauce
Chicken Florentine with creamy spinach sauce

Looking to lose weight while still indulging in tasty dinners? This creamy Chicken Florentine dish is lower in calories and carbs and packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Kickstart your diet today by making this easy-to-follow recipe that will have you celebrating every bite! Let’s get cooking for a healthier you!

Table of Contents

What is Chicken Florentine?

Transport yourself to the city of Florence, Italy with a traditional Italian dish, Chicken Florentine. It’s composed of succulent chicken breasts coated in a rich and creamy sauce with spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a family celebration, this luxurious meal is sure to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Enjoy an exquisite Italian culinary experience without ever leaving your home.

View of Florence, Italy with a traditional Italian pizza on a table
View of Florence, Italy with a traditional Italian pizza on a table

Tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a creamy Florentine sauce with spinach. To make this easy Chicken Florentine, season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in a skillet. To create an irresistible creamy sauce, saute some garlic, and spinach in butter followed by adding cream and Parmesan cheese along with other flavorings. As your delectable sauce simmers on low heat, add back the chicken pieces until they are cooked through and tender.

This mouthwatering and fulfilling entree can be served alongside pasta or rice, alone, or with a side of veggies. It’s the ideal selection for an intimate dinner date or elaborate celebration. You can enjoy it any way you like.

From experts to novices, Chicken Florentine is a tasty and traditional cuisine that anyone can make with ease, even with various adaptations of the meal. While components may differ in terms of ingredients or techniques used, the core recipe remains unchanged.

How to Make Chicken Florentine

Enjoy this quick and easy, creamy Chicken Florentine recipe for dinner in just over twenty minutes. It’s gluten-free and low-carb, making it perfect for keto and other low-carb diets. So why not surprise your family tonight with this deliciously flavorful dish?

Ingredients

Chicken Breast: If you want to make a classic Florentine dish, boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the usual option. But if you want to try something new, you can also use either bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or chicken cutlets instead. Just make sure to adjust your cook time accordingly.

Olive Oil: Adding Extra Virgin Olive Oil to this recipe will provide a delicious and unique flavor, but any cooking oil can be used as an alternative.

Butter: For a delicious and healthier option, use grass-fed butter or any unsalted variety.

Chicken Broth: For an added boost of flavor to your meals, opt for a low-sodium chicken broth or make your own bone broth at home.

Heavy Cream: This is the key to a creamy, thick sauce. Substituting any other kinds of milk will not result in the same consistency and texture. Coconut cream can suffice as an appropriate alternative if you cannot consume dairy. But bear in mind that this dish contains parmesan cheese which still contributes some dairy content.

Parmesan Cheese: For smoother melting, opt for grated Parmesan cheese instead of shredded.

Grated Parmesan cheese and a block of cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese and a block of cheese

Fresh Spinach: An important component of creamy Chicken Florentine, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other dark leafy greens.

Now here are the measurements you need for this recipe:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasonings
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups baby spinach

Instructions

Cut the two chicken breasts lengthwise to create four thin slices. Generously season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then set aside for later use.

Two chicken breasts on a wooden chopping board
Two chicken breasts on a wooden chopping board

In a small bowl, combine the almond flour and parmesan cheese. Generously cover each chicken fillet with this flour mixture until fully coated.

Heat a skillet on medium heat, then add the oil and butter. Cook each chicken slice for 8-10 minutes until golden brown on both sides. Make sure to flip halfway through. Then, remove the chicken from the pan.

Melt butter in a skillet before adding garlic and cooking for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and stir in Italian seasoning. Let it simmer over medium-high heat until reduced by half. This should take approximately 5-6 minutes.

Add the heavy cream to the pan and bring it to a boil. Then, mix in your desired amount of Parmesan and spinach for extra flavor.

Fresh spinach leaves on a wooden bowl
Fresh spinach leaves in a wooden bowl

Finally, place the chicken back in the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the cream sauce to thicken.

Serve the chicken with Florentine sauce immediately.

Nutrition Information

This recipe makes 4 servings, with each serving containing the following:

  • Calories: 295kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 6 grams
  • Protein: 31 grams
  • Fat: 22 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Net Carbs: 4 grams

How to Serve Chicken Florentine

Looking for an effortless dish that pairs well with a variety of options? Look no further than this simple recipe! Here are some quick ideas.

Chicken Florentine with farfalle pasta
Chicken Florentine with farfalle pasta

When it comes to pasta, you can stick with regular noodles or choose flavorful veggie alternatives like zucchini noodles, baked spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles for a healthier option.

For maximum sauciness, mashed potatoes or cauliflower are the ideal side dish to accompany your Chicken Florentine. But if you’re looking for something more creative and flavorful, consider roasted potatoes, fried radishes, or even roasted rutabaga!

Go classic and pair this Chicken Florentine with rice. For a healthier option than white or brown rice, try cauliflower rice for an added nutrient boost. No matter what you choose though, each variety can be used in this dish.

To complete the meal, serve with a side of Italian-style marinated artichoke salad, sautéed eggplant slices, or oven-roasted zucchini.

Chicken Florentine Recipe Tips and Variations

To ensure a succulent and delicious meal, be sure to not overcook your chicken. It will continue to cook when resting as well as once placed in the Florentine sauce.

If you’re looking for a truly indulgent cheesy experience, sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top to take it up a notch.

For the most savory experience, serve this dish warm or the Florentine sauce will thicken and solidify. 

Chef adding white wine to an Italian dish
Chef adding white wine to an Italian dish

For variety, try adding dry white wine such as pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to your dish. This helps deglaze the pan and provides depth. If you’d prefer not to use wine, you can always just stick to chicken broth.

Our chicken florentine recipe doesn’t require mushrooms, but if you’re feeling adventurous and want an extra level of flavor, we recommend adding Cremini Mushrooms. You can slice them yourself or opt for pre-sliced varieties to save time. White mushrooms are also a great option, or any smaller variety will do the trick.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Florentine

There is nothing like the delicious leftovers from Chicken Florentine. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To preserve the flavor of your chicken and sauce, you can freeze them for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy a delicious meal again, either microwave it with the included sauce for 30-second intervals until hot or reheat it in a skillet on medium heat!

Want a creative way to reinvent your dish? Try slicing chicken and adding it with sauce on top of homemade crepes for breakfast. Alternatively, why not use leftover ingredients to make a flavorful pizza or casserole? With so many options available, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy this marvelous meal!

White sauce with dairy can be tricky to freeze because it tends to separate, so why not take advantage of its delicious flavor and serve Chicken Florentine for lunch? To warm up on the stovetop, add a bit more broth for optimal results. There’s no need to save it when everyone will be asking for seconds anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Florentine?

The Florentine culinary style, a term originating in French cooking, encompasses dishes with cooked spinach as a common ingredient and proteins accompanied by creamy sauces.

What Wine is Good for Chicken Florentine?

To get the best flavor for your dish, opt for either a pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc when you need dry white wine in a recipe. Alternatively, you can use chicken broth with about half a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

Final Words

Are you looking to kickstart your low-carb diet? This healthy chicken Florentine recipe is a great way to do so! The chicken, spinach, cheese, and garlic provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Additionally, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese provide healthy fats to help stave off cravings while still helping you reach or maintain your weight loss goals. Indulge in this flavorful dish without feeling guilty.

This fantastic recipe is incredibly simple to create and only takes under 30 minutes. Moreover, it can act as an amazing main dish when served with some low-carb pasta or rice alternative. You can even pair it as the perfect side dish for any larger meal.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with spinach and Parmesan
Creamy Tuscan Chicken with spinach and Parmesan

So if you’re searching for a nutritious and scrumptious way to jump-start your diet plan, then sample this Chicken Florentine recipe. Also, try other chicken recipes like this Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Your palate and waistline will be eternally grateful!

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