Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian-American dish that elevates simple chicken breasts into a sophisticated meal. The tender meat is butterflied and stuffed with a savory mixture of wilted spinach, salty ham, and melted Fontina cheese, then coated in a rich egg and Parmesan batter. Pan-fried until golden and crisp, the chicken is finished in a luxurious sauce made from butter, white wine, and brown gravy, brightened with fresh lemon juice. This dish offers a perfect balance of textures: the crunch of the crust, the softness of the spinach, and the richness of the cheese. It is an excellent choice for date nights, holiday dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality entrée. While it requires a bit of assembly, the steps are straightforward and the result is deeply satisfying and aromatic.
Chicken Florentine
Description
Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian-American dish that elevates simple chicken breasts into a sophisticated meal. The tender meat is butterflied and stuffed with a savory mixture of wilted spinach, salty ham, and melted Fontina cheese, then coated in a rich egg and Parmesan batter. Pan-fried until golden and crisp, the chicken is finished in a luxurious sauce made from butter, white wine, and brown gravy, brightened with fresh lemon juice. This dish offers a perfect balance of textures: the crunch of the crust, the softness of the spinach, and the richness of the cheese. It is an excellent choice for date nights, holiday dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality entr&# 195;©e. While it requires a bit of assembly, the steps are straightforward and the result is deeply satisfying and aromatic.Ingredients
Directions
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Skin the chicken breasts, trimming off any excess fat and gristle.
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Cut each breast in half horizontally to create two thinner halves, then butterfly each piece by slicing lengthwise but leaving one side attached.
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Place each piece between sheets of waxed paper and gently pound with a meat mallet until very thin and even.
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Season the flattened chicken pieces with salt, freshly ground pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
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If using fresh spinach, steam it in 3/4 cup of salted water for 3 minutes, then drain well and squeeze out excess moisture. If using frozen spinach, defrost completely and squeeze dry.
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Divide the spinach evenly among the 6 chicken pieces, placing a portion in the center of each.
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Top each spinach portion with a slice of boiled ham and a slice of Fontina cheese.
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Fold the chicken edges over the filling to seal the packet, pressing firmly with the meat mallet to secure the seams.
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In a bowl, whisk together eggs, whipping cream, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
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Lightly dust each chicken packet with flour, shaking off any excess.
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Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg batter, ensuring it is heavily coated on all sides.
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
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Fry each chicken piece separately until the coating is crisp and golden brown on both sides.
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Transfer the fried chicken to a warm platter and trim any loose batter edges.
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In a clean frying pan large enough to hold all chicken pieces, melt butter over medium heat.
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Add dry white wine and cook, stirring occasionally, until the alcohol evaporates and the volume reduces by half, about 5-6 minutes.
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Stir in the brown sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
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Nestle the chicken pieces into the sauce and cook for 5 minutes.
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Add the lemon juice and continue cooking for another 3 minutes.
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Turn the chicken pieces once to coat evenly in the sauce.
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Cook for an additional 5 minutes, basting occasionally, until the chicken is heated through.
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Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, pour the remaining hot sauce over the top, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 179.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9.0g14%
- Saturated Fat 2.5g13%
- Cholesterol 66.8mg23%
- Sodium 61.5mg3%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 20.2g41%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
