Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, divided - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To start, gather all your ingredients. This helps keep your cooking area tidy. Prepping will make the cooking flow smoother. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for even cooking later. While the oven heats, season your chicken. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. You want it fragrant but not brown. Then, add the chopped spinach. Cook just until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. This brings out its bright flavor and color. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool a bit. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the cooked spinach. Stir well and add a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like spice, toss in some red pepper flakes. This filling is creamy and packed with flavor. Chicken Florentine is a healthy dish. Each serving provides a good amount of protein from the chicken and cheese. Spinach adds vitamins A and C, along with iron. Here’s a rough breakdown for one serving: - Calories: 400 - Protein: 40g - Carbohydrates: 6g - Fat: 24g This dish fits well into a balanced meal. Enjoy it with a side of veggies or a salad for a complete experience. For the full recipe, please refer to the mentioned source. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven so your chicken cooks evenly. While the oven heats, take your chicken breasts and season them well. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to add flavor. Be sure to coat both sides evenly. This seasoning enhances the taste and brings out the best in your dish. Next, grab a large skillet and heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add one clove of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Then, add two cups of chopped spinach. Cook the spinach until it wilts, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on the color; it should stay vibrant green. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let the spinach cool slightly. Now, let’s prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of ricotta cheese, half of the grated mozzarella, and the sautéed spinach. Mix everything well and add a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like some heat, add a little red pepper flakes. Take each chicken breast and slice it horizontally to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff each chicken breast generously with the spinach and ricotta mixture. If needed, use toothpicks to secure the openings. This keeps the filling inside while cooking. Place the stuffed chicken in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. This will create a tasty, bubbling crust. Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the cheese melted and golden. Once it’s done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. You can find the full recipe above for more detailed steps. Enjoy your Chicken Florentine! To make your Chicken Florentine shine, focus on the chicken. Always choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. This choice makes a big difference in taste. Season the chicken well. Use salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will add depth to your dish. When you sauté the garlic, keep an eye on it. Garlic can burn quickly. You want it fragrant, not brown. Cook the spinach just until it wilts. This keeps its bright color and nutrients. Mixing the filling is fun! Make sure to taste it. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Presentation matters. Serve your Chicken Florentine on warm plates. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice touch. Garnish with fresh basil for color and flavor. This enhances the dish's look and taste. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It brightens the flavors and adds a fresh twist. Chicken Florentine pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables. They add color and nutrition to your plate. A light salad with vinaigrette works great too. The acidity of the dressing balances the richness of the chicken. If you want something heartier, try garlic bread or pasta. Both are excellent choices. They soak up the tasty juices from the chicken. For a refreshing drink, serve a crisp white wine or sparkling water. This enhances your meal and makes it special. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe link. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in Chicken Florentine. Instead of ricotta, try cream cheese for a richer taste. Goat cheese adds a nice tang. You can also use feta for a salty kick. Mixing cheeses creates exciting flavors. Cheese blends let you customize the dish to your liking. You can make Chicken Florentine for different diets. For a dairy-free option, use cashew cream instead of cheese. If you're gluten-free, ensure your seasonings and ingredients are safe. You can also swap chicken for tofu or tempeh. These changes keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. Spinach isn't the only green you can use. Kale works well and has a hearty texture. Swiss chard also makes a great choice. If you want something different, try arugula for a peppery flavor. Mixing these greens gives you a fun twist on the classic dish. The full recipe shows how you can easily adapt it. You can keep leftover Chicken Florentine in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, cool it down first. This helps keep the flavors intact. Reheat Chicken Florentine in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just place the chicken on a plate and cover it. Heat for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Freezing is a great way to save Chicken Florentine. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your Chicken Florentine again with these simple storage tips! For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. Chicken Florentine is a tasty dish featuring chicken breast and spinach. It often includes creamy cheese and herbs. The dish reflects Italian flavors and offers a great mix of textures. You bake it until the cheese melts and the chicken cooks perfectly. Yes, you can make Chicken Florentine ahead of time. Prepare the chicken and stuff it with the spinach and cheese. Then, cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, just bake it as you normally would. This saves time and effort on busy days. To check if the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. If you do not have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink. This ensures your Chicken Florentine is safe to eat and delicious. In this post, we explored Chicken Florentine. We covered ingredients, preparation, and nutrition. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips to perfect your dish. You learned how to modify the recipe for different tastes and dietary needs. We also discussed storage and answered common questions. Remember, cooking is fun and open to change. Experiment and make this dish your own! Enjoy your Chicken Florentine journey.

- Chicken Florentine

Impress your family with a flavorful Chicken Florentine that's both delightful and easy to make! This simple recipe guides you through every step, from preparing the fresh spinach and creamy cheese filling to baking the chicken to perfection. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, discover how to elevate your dinner routine. Click through to explore the full recipe and create this delicious meal tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup grated mozzarella cheese, divided

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C).

    Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance their flavor.

      Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant.

        Cook the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, cooking it until wilted but vibrant green, roughly 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the spinach cool slightly.

          Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the grated mozzarella, and the sautéed spinach. Mix thoroughly and season with a pinch of salt and pepper, adding red pepper flakes if you desire a little heat.

            Create Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being cautious not to cut all the way through.

              Stuff the Chicken: Generously fill each chicken breast with the spinach and ricotta mixture. If necessary, use toothpicks to secure the openings of the stuffed chicken to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

                Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken to create a bubbling crust.

                  Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheeses are melted, golden, and bubbling.

                    Rest and Garnish: Once baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish each chicken breast with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffed chicken on individual plates, drizzling a little olive oil over the top and adding a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to complement the dish.