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Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Florentine Skillet is a savory and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a rich blend of sautéed spinach and melted cheeses, perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection.
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Easy One Pot Chicken Florentine Skillet
Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Florentine is a sumptuous dish that combines the rich flavors of cheese and the freshness of spinach with tender chicken. At its heart, this dish involves chicken breasts that are carefully stuffed with a mixture of sautéed spinach and a blend parmesan and cream cheese for its creamy texture and mild flavor. The spinach is quickly sautéed before stuffing to reduce its volume and eliminate excess moisture, ensuring the chicken doesn’t become soggy. This mixture of greens and cheese creates a delightful contrast with the savory chicken, offering a balance of flavors and textures.
The preparation of the chicken is key to the success of this dish. The chicken breasts are flattened to an even thickness, which not only aids in uniform cooking but also makes them easier to stuff and roll with the cheesy spinach mixture. After stuffing, the chicken rolls are secured with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling intact during cooking. A crucial step is searing the chicken in a hot pan before baking, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a golden color to the exterior. This can be done in an oven-safe skillet, allowing for an easy transition from stovetop to oven. This method of cooking ensures that the chicken is moist and flavorful, with the cheese beautifully melted and the spinach perfectly infused. To complete the dish, a creamy garlic and parmesan sauce can be drizzled over the chicken before serving, and a garnish of fresh herbs or extra cheese adds a touch of elegance to this hearty and satisfying meal.
How to Make Chicken Florentine Skillet
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Butter (2 tbsp) – Adds a rich, creamy base that enhances the overall depth and smoothness of the dish.
- Chicken breasts (4) – Provide a mild, lean protein that absorbs and complements the surrounding flavors.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings that heighten and balance the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Garlic powder (1 tbsp) – Offers a subtle, aromatic warmth that infuses the dish with a gentle garlic essence.
- Italian spices (2 tbsp) – Bring a harmonious blend of earthy and aromatic herbs, adding complexity to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup) – Introduces a sharp, nutty flavor that adds a savory depth to the overall taste profile.
- Cream cheese (4 oz) – Contributes a tangy richness, creating a creamy and indulgent texture.
- Spinach (1/4 cup) – Adds a fresh, slightly earthy element, providing a nice contrast to the richness of the cheeses.
- Roasted red bell pepper (1/4) – Imparts a sweet and slightly smoky flavor, enhancing the dish with a subtle brightness.
Use this Method
Heat Chicken. In a large pan, heat oil or butter on medium high until shimmery or foamy. Generously salt and pepper chicken. Add chicken, butterflied, to pan (so it cooks flat). Cook 5 minutes on each side, until well browned and internal temperature has reached 150 degrees.
Combine Filling. While chicken is cooking, mix all other ingredients in a bowl. Add cheese and spinach mixture to one browned side of the chicken breast, and fold in half.
Finish Cooking. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes per side to melt cheese and bring chicken to 165 degrees internal temperature (be sure to measure the temp of the chicken – not the filling!)
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Skillet
Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh spinach and good quality cheese for the best flavor. Fresh mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses works well.
Flatten the Chicken Breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to stuff and roll.
Season Well: Don’t forget to season each layer with salt, pepper, and any other herbs you like. This builds flavor throughout the dish.
Sauté the Spinach: Quickly sauté the spinach before stuffing to reduce its volume and remove excess moisture, which can make the chicken soggy.
Secure the Roll: After stuffing and rolling the chicken, use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure it. This keeps the stuffing from falling out during cooking.
Sear Before Baking: Sear the chicken rolls in a hot pan before baking. This step adds flavor and color to the chicken.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: If you have an oven-safe skillet, use it to sear the chicken and then directly transfer it to the oven. This technique helps in retaining the flavors.
Don’t Overcook: Chicken can dry out if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) without going over.
Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful dish.
Creamy Sauce Option: For added richness, you can make a simple cream sauce with garlic, cream, and parmesan cheese, and pour it over the chicken before serving.
Garnish for Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese before serving for a more appealing presentation.
FAQs
Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and try to maintain a consistent thickness when flattening the chicken breasts.
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before sautéing to prevent sogginess.
Secure the rolled chicken with toothpicks or kitchen twine, and ensure the seam is placed downward in the skillet.
You can prepare and stuff the chicken a day in advance, refrigerate it, and then cook it when ready to serve.
Replace the chicken with large portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices for a vegetarian alternative.
A simple sauce can be made with garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese, cooked until slightly thickened and poured over the chicken before serving.
What to enjoy with Your Chicken Skillet
Wine Pairing: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the rich flavors of the chicken and cheese.
Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini, roasted with olive oil and herbs, make a healthy and flavorful side.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Rice or Pasta: Serve with a side of buttered rice or al dente pasta to make it a more filling meal.
Light Dessert: Finish with a light dessert like sorbet or fruit salad to cleanse the palate.
Herbal Tea or Coffee: A cup of herbal tea or coffee can be a soothing end to the meal.
Try these favorite one pot meals next: Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Parmesan, Spicy Tequila Chicken Fettuccine, Easy Whole Roasted Montreal Chicken, One Pot Tuscan Chicken Pesto, and Creamy Tuscan Alfredo Chicken.
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Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Florentine Skillet
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 4 chicken breasts butterflied
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Italian spices
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ¼ cup spinach
- ¼ diced roasted red bell pepper
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat oil or butter on medium high until shimmery or foamy.
- Generously salt and pepper chicken.
- Add chicken, butterflied, to pan (so it cooks flat).
- Cook 5 minutes on each side, until well browned and internal temperature has reached 150 degrees.
- While chicken is cooking, mix all other ingredients in a bowl.
- Add cheese and spinach mixture to one browned side of the chicken breast, and fold in half.
- Cook an additional 3-4 minutes per side to melt cheese and bring chicken to 165 degrees internal temperature (be sure to measure the temp of the chicken – not the filling!)
Ok genius. You call for red peppers and you don’t even include them in the cooking steps.