“Chicken Florentine” is a delightful Italian-American dish that brings together tender cooked chicken with spinach and a creamy sauce. The term “Florentine” pays homage to the city of Florence in Italy and is used to signify the inclusion of spinach, an ingredient closely associated with Florentine cuisine.
The preparation of “Chicken Florentine” typically involves cooking chicken breasts in a skillet and then generously coating them with a sauce crafted from ingredients such as cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and spinach.
The “Chicken Florentine” dish is a perfect match for Weight Watchers enthusiasts. With a few smart tweaks, this recipe can seamlessly fit into the Weight Watchers program. Swapping out heavy cream for yogurt and achieving a creamy texture by combining chicken broth with a teaspoon of cornstarch results in a white, velvety sauce that’s low in fat. These modifications align the dish with the Weight Watchers principles while preserving its rich flavor. It’s worth noting that this revamped version of “Chicken Florentine” boasts a mere 2 Weight Watchers points.
Why you should try this recipe
The appeal of Chicken Florentine is its ability to satisfy both the taste buds and the waistline. The dish is packed with flavor, but it is also relatively low in calories and fat. This makes it a great option for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
In addition to being delicious and healthy, Chicken Florentine is also very easy to make. The dish can be prepared in just a few minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Servings: 4
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 600 g boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
- ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt, 120 ml
- 2 cups spinach leaves, 120 g.
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth, 240 ml
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for making Chicken Florentine
1. Begin by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken cutlets with a sprinkle of salt and a dash of pepper. This initial seasoning will create a flavorful base for your Chicken Florentine.
2. In a pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s nicely warmed. Gently place the seasoned chicken cutlets into the pot and sear for approximately 3 minutes on each side.
3. Next, introduce the spinach leaves to the same pot. Stirring gently, let the spinach mingle with the chicken.
4. As the spinach wilts, it’s time to prepare a smooth sauce. Dilute the cornstarch in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Pour this mixture into the pot with the chicken and spinach, and increase the heat to high. Allow the flavors to meld as the sauce thickens for about 5 minutes.
5. With the sauce at a simmer, introduce the low-fat yogurt and grated parmesan cheese. Stir these ingredients into the pot until they’re fully integrated. Cover the pot and let the sauce gently simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld harmoniously. To serve, plate your Chicken Florentine alongside a side of steamed vegetables or your favorite accompaniment.
Variations and substitutions
1. While chicken is the traditional choice, you can easily swap it for other lean protein sources. Try turkey cutlets, boneless skinless chicken thighs, or even a firm white fish like cod or tilapia.
2. Instead of using only spinach, mix in other leafy greens such as kale, Swiss chard, or arugula. This not only adds variety but also boosts the nutritional content of the dish.
3. Add fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley to enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor without the need for excessive salt.
Tips and Tricks Section for Making Chicken Florentine
1. If the chicken breasts are too thick, you can flatten them slightly with a rolling pin or cut them in half to make sure they cook evenly.
2. When adding the spinach, add it gradually and stir constantly. It will reduce in size quickly, so it’s best to add more once the first leaves have softened.
3. When you cook with yogurt your sauce can break. To prevent this, let the yogurt come close to room temperature before putting it in the sauce. Keep the heat on medium or medium-low after adding the yogurt to prevent it from curdling or burning. And add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the yogurt before cooking.
4. Serve with healthy options such as a salad or steamed vegetables to complete a balanced meal.
Related Recipes
Chicken Florentine
Ingredients
- 600 g boneless, skinless chicken cutlets
- ½ cup plain low-fat yogurt, 120 ml
- 2 cups spinach leaves, 120 g.
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth, 240 ml
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken cutlets with a sprinkle of salt and a dash of pepper. This initial seasoning will create a flavorful base for your Chicken Florentine.
- In a pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s nicely warmed. Gently place the seasoned chicken cutlets into the pot, and let them sizzle and sear for approximately 3 minutes on each side.
- Next, introduce the spinach leaves to the same pot. Stirring gently, let the spinach mingle with the chicken.
- As the spinach wilts, it’s time to prepare a smooth sauce. Dilute the cornstarch in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. Pour this mixture into the pot with the chicken and spinach, and increase the heat to high. Allow the flavors to meld as the sauce thickens for about 5 minutes.
- With the sauce at a simmer, introduce the low-fat yogurt and grated parmesan cheese. Stir these ingredients into the pot until they’re fully integrated. Cover the pot and let the sauce gently simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld harmoniously. To serve, plate your Chicken Florentine alongside a side of steamed vegetables or your favorite accompaniment.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
