Chicken Florentine With Rice
A hearty chicken and spinach dish with rice, featuring savory flavors and a creamy texture, perfect for a comforting family meal or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook and stir chicken and onion in hot margarine in a large skillet until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir cornstarch into chicken broth to mix well.
- Add the broth mixture to the skillet along with chopped spinach, carrot sticks, oregano, and a dash of nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil.
- Stir in the instant brown rice and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cover the skillet and remove from heat; let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic before cooking. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works well as a substitute. You can also use fresh spinach instead of frozen; just wilt it in the skillet for a few minutes. For extra protein, add some cooked chickpeas or serve with B.B.Q. Chicken Breast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Florentine with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette pairs nicely, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Tasty Rice or a creamy polenta. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Florentine With Rice contains roughly 1417 calories, with 26g protein, 232g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (193% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (157% of the Daily Value), and calcium (111% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 664mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of rice for this recipe?
While Minute instant brown rice is recommended for its quick cooking time, you can substitute with regular brown rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as it typically takes longer to cook. Soak the rice for a few hours beforehand to help it cook evenly and absorb the flavors well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt Chicken Florentine to be vegetarian by replacing the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. This way, you'll still enjoy a hearty and satisfying dish.
Can I freeze Chicken Florentine?
Freezing Chicken Florentine is possible, but it's best to do so before adding the rice. Cook the chicken and vegetables, then cool and transfer to an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat, and then stir in fresh or quick-cooking rice before serving. This helps maintain the texture.
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).