Chicken Florentine In Phyllo
A savory chicken and spinach filling wrapped in flaky phyllo, topped with Parmesan cheese—perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions with rich, cheesy flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain spinach; press between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Set aside.
- Saute onion in 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium skillet until tender.
- Combine onion, spinach, ricotta, egg, Parmesan, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and salt in a large bowl; stir well.
- Place 2 sheets of phyllo on a flat surface (keep remaining phyllo covered); brush with melted butter.
- Place 1 chicken breast half in the center of the phyllo, 3 inches from the bottom.
- Spoon about 1/3 cup of spinach mixture over the chicken.
- Fold the bottom of the phyllo over the spinach mixture.
- Fold the sides of the phyllo over the chicken, wrapping like a package.
- Roll jellyroll fashion to enclose the filling.
- Place seam side down in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Repeat with remaining phyllo, butter, chicken, and spinach mixture.
- Brush the assembled packages with melted butter, then sprinkle with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic or fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the spinach mixture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw. For a lighter version, substitute low-fat ricotta and mayonnaise. Make sure to keep the phyllo dough covered while working, as it dries out quickly. Pair with a fresh salad for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Florentine in Phyllo with a side of roasted vegetables or a light Mediterranean salad to balance the richness. A squeeze of lemon juice on top just before serving adds a refreshing touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Vegetable Couscous Pilaf or Cold Pasta And Chicken Primavera for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Florentine in Phyllo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the phyllo soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Florentine In Phyllo contains roughly 269 calories, with 8g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium.
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 fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté approximately 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted and then chop it before adding to the mixture. Fresh spinach will have a different texture but will still work well in this dish.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese blended until smooth can serve as a good substitute. Cream cheese mixed with a little milk or Greek yogurt can also work, providing a creamy texture similar to ricotta.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken moist.
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).