Chicken Breast Florentine
Juicy stuffed chicken breasts filled with sautéed spinach and ham, then simmered in white wine for a flavorful, elegant meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Add spinach, minced garlic, and freshly ground pepper to the skillet.
- Cook, covered, until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Let the spinach mixture cool, then squeeze out excess liquid.
- Stir in cooked lean ham strips and a pinch of dried thyme.
- Cut a long, thin pocket into each chicken breast.
- Stuff the spinach mixture into the pockets, then press the edges of the chicken together and seal with toothpicks.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the stuffed chicken breasts and brown on each side, turning once or twice.
- Pour in dry white wine, add salt and remaining thyme.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Remove toothpicks and serve topped with pan juices.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture for a bit of heat. You can substitute the ham with cooked bacon or turkey for a lighter option. Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant taste. Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Breast Florentine with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a glass of dry white wine. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a warm grain salad to soak up the delicious pan juices.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, covering it to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breast Florentine contains roughly 389 calories, with 4g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 32g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking to avoid excess moisture. Fresh spinach offers a better texture and flavor, but frozen is a convenient alternative when fresh isn't available.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. This will still provide moisture and flavor without the alcohol.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink in the center.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).