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Keto Chicken Florentine Recipe (Quick & Easy) 🍗

Feyza Kırmacı
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Ever heard of the "a la Florentine" style from Florence? It's when you use spinach and a creamy sauce in a dish. Our Keto Chicken Florentine is low-carb but keeps all the classic tastes, including yummy chicken. It might just become your new favorite meal! Let's dive in and see how to make chicken Florentine using the healthiest ingredients. 

Chicken Florentine dish with three filets presented with knife and fork.
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Preparation and cooking overview

First, brown the chicken in a pan. Next, cook the spinach and mix in cheese and chicken broth to make a creamy sauce. Put the chicken back in to soak up the flavors. This easy recipe is great for quick dinners, and in only 35 minutes, you'll have tasty chicken Florentine to enjoy!

Chef's note

Get creative with this simple keto chicken Florentine recipe! Add cooked mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a rich taste. You can also mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme to the sauce. Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 2 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Chicken recipe.

🍗 Ingredients for keto chicken Florentine recipe

To make this low-carb chicken Florentine at home, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into half lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh lemon wedges, for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts, avocado oil, garlic, minced, spinach, heavy cream, butter, grated Parmesan cheese, chicken broth, nutmeg, red pepper flakes, fresh lemon wedges for serving, fresh parsley, chopped for garnish arranged and displayed on the table.

Ingredient substitutions

Feel free to make changes to the ingredient list with these keto-friendly swaps:

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: For a richer flavor, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
  • Avocado oil: Substitute avocado oil with other high-smoke point oils like olive or coconut oil.
  • Frozen spinach: While frozen spinach is convenient, you can certainly use fresh spinach as an alternative.
  • Heavy cream: If you want a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with canned coconut milk or coconut cream.
  • Butter: For a dairy-free version, swap butter with coconut oil.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.

Additional ingredients

Boost the flavor of the keto creamy chicken Florentine with these optional add-ins:

  • Lemon juice: Drizzle some lemon juice over the spinach before the cream for a tangy touch.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes with the spinach to add some zest.
  • Toasted nuts: For a bit of crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or almond slices.
  • Feta cheese: Sprinkle feta cheese on top to give your dish a Mediterranean feel.
Low-carb chicken Florentine in a stainless steel skillet ready to be served.

Cooking tools required

To make this easy chicken Florentine recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large stainless steel skillet
  • Spatula
  • Tongs

Tool substitutes list

  • Stainless steel skillet: If you don't have a stainless steel skillet, use a cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan.
Homemade chicken Florentine on a plate with a filet cut using a knife and fork.

How to make Keto Chicken Florentine: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-searing
  • Sautéing

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Cut the chicken breasts into half lengthwise and pat them dry with paper towels.
  3. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
  4. Thaw and drain the frozen spinach.
  5. Grate the Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.
  6. Wash the fresh parsley under tap water and chop it finely.
  7. Cut the fresh lemon into wedges for serving.

Cooking steps

  1. In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken breasts and season with sea salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for a few seconds.
  4. Toss in the spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it wilts.
  5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine with the spinach and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, butter, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes, and continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy spinach sauce over them.
  8. Let the chicken simmer for an additional 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  9. Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the tender chicken Florentine on individual plates, garnished with chopped parsley and fresh lemon wedges.

Chef's pro tip

When adding the heavy cream, lower the heat a bit. This prevents the cream from boiling and curdling. For juicy chicken, use an instant-read thermometer and make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. This ensures it's both safe and tender.

What to serve with chicken Florentine?

This chicken Florentine pairs well with a number of side dishes. Here are some delicious ideas:

  • Mediterranean Asparagus: Serve the chicken Florentine with crunchy, roasted asparagus for a delightful contrast.
  • Keto Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb rice complements the creamy sauce of the chicken Florentine, offering a complete meal.
  • Charred Broccoli: Pair the chicken Florentine with charred broccoli for a nutritious meal.
  • Zucchini Noodles: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and serve over fresh zucchini noodles for a pasta-like experience.
  • Keto Cornbread: The fluffy, low-carb cornbread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Chicken Florentine in a stainless steel pan ready to be served.

How to make it healthier?

Here's how you can make this keto chicken Florentine in a skillet recipe even healthier:

  • Use a low-sodium chicken broth and omit the salt from the seasoning to reduce the sodium content of your dish.
  • Buy organic chicken, spinach, and other ingredients from your grocery store.

Time-saving tips

  • Ask your butcher to remove the skin and cut the chicken breasts in half to save preparation time.
  • Buy ready-made chicken broth from the store rather than making it yourself from scratch.
A plate featuring chicken Florentine with some filets sliced by knife and fork.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • If using frozen spinach, make sure it's thawed and drained before cooking.
  • Chop the garlic and grate the Parmesan cheese in advance. This way, you can quickly assemble the dish when you're ready to cook.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

  • Let the Florentine leftovers cool to room temperature and place them in an airtight container. They will stay flavorful and delicious in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Best reheating practices

  • Stovetop: Reheat the leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until heated thoroughly.
  • Microwave: Reheat in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes. Check and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

If comfort food is what you're after, our Keto Chicken Florentine won't disappoint. With tender chicken bathed in a creamy spinach sauce, this dish offers a taste straight from the heart of Italy. So, as you round up the ingredients and prepare to dive in, know that a delightful Florentine experience awaits you. Enjoy!

Looking for quick keto chicken recipes? Check out these recipes that are ready in 30 minutes or less:

Keto Butter Chicken
Keto Butter Chicken
Keto Chicken Fajitas with toppings in bowls off to the side
Keto Chicken Fajitas
Keto Chicken Parmesan in a cast iron skillet
Keto Chicken Parmesan
Homemade chicken shawarma recipe.
Keto Chicken Shawarma
Close up: Keto Italian Chicken Skillet (cubed chicken, broccoli, cherry tomatoe and sauce) in a finex cast iron skillet.
Keto Italian Chicken Skillet
Keto Queso Chicken Soup in a black bowl on a blue background with cilantro in left corner
Keto Chicken Queso Soup

Frequently asked questions

While traditional chicken Florentine can have high-carb ingredients, this version uses low-carb alternatives, making it perfect for those on a keto or low-carb diet.

On average, chicken Florentine has around 10g of net carbs per serving. But since this is a low-carb Florentine, it only has 6g of carbs per serving.

Yes, you can use fresh spinach in this recipe. Just remember to wash and chop it before sautéing in the pan.

If your sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it over low heat, stirring frequently. Be patient and avoid increasing the heat too much, as this may cause the sauce to turn grainy.

Keto Florentine sauce contains low-carb ingredients like heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth.

📖 Recipe

A plate featuring creamy Chicken Florentine beside a knife and fork.

Keto Chicken Florentine

Keto Chicken Florentine is a creamy, low-carb Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken and spinach, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: florentine chicken, keto chicken florentine, keto chicken recipes, low carb
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 875kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into half lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups frozen spinach thawed and drained
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Fresh lemon wedges for serving
  • Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken breasts and season with sea salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for a few seconds.
  • Toss in the spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it wilts.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine with the spinach and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, butter, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes, and continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy spinach sauce over them.
  • Let the chicken simmer for an additional 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the tender chicken Florentine on individual plates, garnished with chopped parsley and fresh lemon wedges.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Chicken Florentine
Amount Per Serving
Calories 875 Calories from Fat 675
% Daily Value*
Fat 75g115%
Saturated Fat 38g238%
Trans Fat 0.3g
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g
Monounsaturated Fat 25g
Cholesterol 279mg93%
Sodium 744mg32%
Potassium 1020mg29%
Carbohydrates 15g5%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 39g78%
Vitamin A 20535IU411%
Vitamin C 10mg12%
Calcium 521mg52%
Iron 4mg22%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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