Chef LaQuan Jones stops by the kitchen, this week, to cook up Chicken Florentine, an Italian classic.
Chicken Florentine with Asparagus & Mashed Potatoes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh spinach
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Asparagus:
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream (adjust for texture)
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Cheese-Based Wine Sauce:
½ cup dry white wine
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp flour (optional, for thickening)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Directions
Mashed Potatoes – Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes). Drain, then mash with butter and cream. Season to taste.
Asparagus – Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic, then add asparagus. Cook until tender-crisp (3–4 minutes). Season with salt and red pepper flakes.
Chicken – Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Add spinach in the last 2 minutes to wilt.
Cheese-Based Wine Sauce – Melt butter in a saucepan, add wine, and reduce by half. Stir in chicken broth and cream, then simmer until slightly thickened. Whisk in Parmesan. Add flour if needed. Season to taste.
Plating – Spoon mashed potatoes on the plate, place chicken with spinach on top, add asparagus on the side, and finish with a drizzle of sauce.
Equipment Needed
2 medium saucepans (for potatoes & sauce)
1 large skillet (for chicken & spinach)
1 medium skillet (for asparagus)
Potato masher (or ricer)
Chef’s knife & cutting board
Measuring cups & spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula
Whisk (for sauce)
Colander (to drain potatoes)
Mixing bowl (for mashed potatoes)
Tongs (for turning chicken & plating)
Ladle or small spoon (for drizzling sauce)
Serving plates (for presentation)