Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian dish made with chicken breasts, spinach, cream, and parmesan cheese. It is simple to prepare and appetizing to eat.
It is a tasty and wholesome meal that is perfect for any occasion, be it a weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering.
One of the great things about this dish is that it pairs well with a variety of sides. So, what to serve with chicken florentine?
If you’re looking for a list of quick and amazing side dishes to serve with Chicken Florentine, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog post, we’ll be sharing some wonderful side dishes that you can serve with chicken Florentine.
These side dishes are easy to prepare and delicious in taste. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to mix up your weekday meal routine, we’ve got you covered.
What is chicken florentine? What does chicken florentine taste like?
Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian dish made with chicken, spinach, and a whipped white sauce.
It usually consists of sautéed chicken breasts layered with spinach and garlic, topped with a sauce made from butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes nutmeg.
The flavors of the dish are both savory and rich. It is usually served over pasta or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
The combination of the succulent chicken and flavorful spinach gives this dish its unique flavor profile – earthy, garlicky notes combined with a creamy richness. The result is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week.
Best Sides to serve with chicken florentine
1. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are an ideal side dish for chicken Florentine. The mix of flavors and textures can add a lot of depth to your meal.
To prepare roasted vegetables, simply chop your favorite veggies (such as carrots, peppers, onions, and mushrooms) and toss them with olive oil, pepper and salt.
Roast them in the cook stove at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes or until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Garlic Bread
There’s nothing like freshly baked garlic bread to complement chicken Florentine. All you need is a baguette, butter, garlic, and some parsley.
Simply slice the baguette, mix the butter with garlic paste and chopped parsley or dried parsley, spread the mixture onto the slices, and toast in the oven for a few minutes. It’s a quick and easy option that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
3. Italian Salad
A fresh and zesty Italian salad can elevate any meal, and chicken Florentine is no exception. Combine mixed greens, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Dress it up with a balsamic vinaigrette or any Italian dressing of your choice. It’s a refreshing and light option that’s perfect for warmer months.
Discover More: Unveiling the Power of 17 Italian Inspired Salads Must Serve
4. Lemon Roasted Potatoes
Lemon-roasted potatoes are the perfect side dish to complement the tangy flavors of chicken Florentine.
Wash and slice your potatoes, place them on a baking sheet, and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Roast them in the cook stove at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. It’s a simple yet delicious side dish that everyone will love.
5. Mashed Cauliflower
For a healthier option, swap out mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower. It’s an easy recipe that involves steaming cauliflower florets and mashing them with garlic, butter, and cream or milk.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. It’s a low-carb and keto-friendly alternative that’s still packed with flavor.
6. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a great side dish that adds a touch of smokiness to your meal. Simply toss the asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling.
Cook them on high heat for a few minutes on each side or until they’re tender and slightly charred. It’s a simple yet tasty option that goes well with chicken Florentine.
7. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is an ideal classic side dish that pairs beautifully with chicken Florentine.
It’s an easy recipe that involves cooking spinach with onions, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s creamy, savory, and absolutely delicious.
8. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a simple yet elegant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Combine sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on a plate.
Dress it up with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. It’s a colorful and flavorful option that’s easy to prepare and always a hit.
Explore More: Complementary Dishes to Serve with Caprese Salad
9. Herb Rice
Herb rice is a great side dish that adds a lot of relish to your meal.
Prepare the rice as directed by instructions on the package and add in some chopped herbs, such as parsley, basil, thyme, or rosemary. It’s a simple yet flavorful option that’s perfect for any meal.
10. Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is lightning and easy side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Slice the zucchini into even strips and season them with olive oil, garlic, pepper and salt.
Grill them on high heat for a few minutes on each side or until they’re tender and lightly charred. It’s a simple yet delicious option that complements chicken Florentine well.
11. Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots with a hint of garlic and butter are the perfect complement to the creamy chicken Florentine. They are easy to make and can be prepared in advance.
12. Tomato & Mozzarella Salad
Tomato & Mozzarella Salad is a perfect balance of sweet tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
It’s a refreshing and light side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken Florentine.
Find Out More: Delicious Pairings to Serve with Tomato Mozzarella Salad
13. Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese pasta salad is another delicious and colorful side dish that you can present with chicken Florentine.
The combination of chewy pasta, fresh mozzarella, and sweet cherry tomatoes is simply irresistible.
14. Roasted Broccoli
Roasted Broccoli is a simple side dish that is packed with nutrients and is a great match for the creamy and cheesy chicken Florentine. Roasting broccoli intensifies its natural sweetness and adds a bit of char.
15. Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad is an excellent side dish to serve with chicken Florentine.
The rich and creamy dressing pairs well with the creamy and cheesy chicken, and the crisp lettuce adds a refreshing touch.
16. Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and hearty side dish that can tame the richness of the chicken Florentine.
You can add garlic, cheese, or chives to give the mashed potatoes an extra kick.
17. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a simple and versatile side dish that can pair well with almost anything. It’s easy to make, and you can add vegetables, herbs, or spices to give it a personal touch.
18. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts are an underrated vegetable that becomes a star when roasted until crisp and caramelized.
Roasted Brussels sprouts are an excellent complement to the creamy, garlicky, and cheesy chicken Florentine.
sauce for stuffed chicken florentine
1. Tomato Sauce
Tomato Sauce is a classic sauce that offers a delicious way to bring out the flavor of stuffed chicken florentine.
The tomato-based sauce provides a rich and savory taste that pairs perfectly with the creamy spinach and cheese filling inside the chicken.
2. Alfredo Sauce
A creamy white sauce, Alfredo is a great choice for stuffed chicken florentine.
Paired with garlic, Parmesan cheese and other herbs and spices, this sauce adds a unique flavor that complements the cheesy center of the dish.
3. Pesto Sauce
If you want to add some extra zing to your stuffed chicken florentine, pesto is an excellent option.
Combining olive oil, basil, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese together creates a flavorful and aromatic experience when served over top of the dish. (Recipe)
4. Marsala Sauce
For a sweet yet savory flavor combination, consider pairing your stuffed chicken florentine with Marsala sauce.
This wine-based Italian sauce is made with mushrooms and onions for added flavor that complements the stuffing perfectly.
Learn More: Best Wine for Chicken Marsala
5. White Wine Cream Sauce
A graceful choice for dinner parties or special occasions, this cream sauce is made using white wine, which adds an intense depth of flavor when poured overtop of stuffed chicken florentine.
Butter, garlic, onions and herbs are also added to create an unforgettable taste experience with every bite!
What are the best flavors to go with chicken florentine?
Chicken florentine is a classic dish that can be enhanced with the right flavors.
Creamy sauces such as Alfredo, Parmesan, and mushroom-based sauces pair well with the hearty flavors of spinach and chicken.
Fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary add a perfect additional layer of flavor to this dish. Lemon juice is also a great choice for adding brightness to the overall flavor profile.
For a bit of zing, try adding grated nutmeg or spicy red pepper flakes.
For vegetarians, white wine or vegetable broth adds depth without meaty flavors. There are so many possibilities for pairing delicious flavors with chicken florentine!
How do you jazz up chicken florentine?
To jazz up chicken florentine, try marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs and spices. Then sauté onions and mushrooms before adding them to the pan with spinach.
Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until the top is melted and bubbly.
To make it even more flavorful, add a dash of nutmeg or crushed red pepper for extra spice. Serve hot cooked pasta for a complete meal!
How do you display chicken florentine on a platter?
When displaying chicken florentine on a platter, it is important to ensure that the presentation is appealing and inviting. Begin by arranging the chicken breasts in the center of the platter.
If they have been cooked in a sauce, make sure there is enough of the sauce pooled around them. Sprinkle artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic around the chicken breasts.
Place colorful sprigs of parsley for decoration and added flavor.
Finally, top with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.
Wrap Up on what to serve with chicken florentine.
There are so many amazing side dishes that can perfectly complement chicken Florentine.
Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and savory, we hope this list has given you some inspiration.
Remember to always experiment with different flavors and textures to find the perfect side dish to match your taste. Happy cooking!
FAQs
How much chicken florentine per person?
When serving chicken florentine, a good rule of thumb is to plan on about 3 ounces per person. This allows for adequate portions without overdoing them.
For those who are calorie conscious or have dietary restrictions, a lighter portion of 2-3 ounces works just as well.
Additionally, some side items like a salad or steamed vegetables can be included to bulk up the meal without adding too many extra calories.
What wine goes best with chicken Florentine?
Chicken Florentine is a classic Italian dish, so a great option to pair with it would be a medium-bodied Italian white wine such as Orvieto or Pinot Grigio.
Orvieto features notes of apple and melon, with just a hint of citrus, which complements the flavors of Chicken Florentine perfectly.
Pinot Grigio is light and crisp, making it another great choice for this dish. It offers aromas of pear and green apple that are bright and fresh, while its bright acidity provides the perfect balance against the rich cream sauce in Chicken Florentine.
what to serve with chicken florentine casserole
Chicken Florentine casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be enjoyed with a wide variety of side dishes.
For a complete meal, consider pairing it with roasted or mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables such as carrots or broccoli, a fresh green salad, and some crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful sauce.
To add more bold flavor to the dish, you could also serve it alongside some roasted garlic cauliflower or grilled asparagus with lemon butter.
For a light dessert after dinner, fresh fruit like berries or melon slices are perfect complements to this savory dish.