Cooking is like painting with flavors, isn’t it? Each ingredient adds a stroke, a hint of color to the canvas that is your plate.
Inspired by Magnolia Table, these dinner recipes are a symphony of tastes that promise to dance on your palate. Imagine the comforting aroma of a warm, hearty stew mingling with the crisp autumn air—or the nostalgic taste of a classic dish, like the kind grandma used to make, but with a modern twist.
It’s funny how food can transport you, like a time machine powered by taste buds. Just the other day, I found myself reminiscing about a summer picnic, the sun on my face, as I savored a vibrant salad reminiscent of those carefree days.
So, grab your apron, and let’s create something deliciously memorable together.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with black pepper and 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, then dredge them in flour.
- Cook the chicken in the skillet until golden brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced shallots. Sauté until the shallots are translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half.
- Stir in the heavy cream, then add the baby spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted, then season with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for a few more minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken.
Ingredients
- Skillet Chicken Florentine recipe:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6 ounces each)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup minced shallots (around 2 large shallots)
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup quality dry white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups baby spinach (around 3 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 lemon, sliced into 4 wedges, for serving
FAQ
- What makes Joanna Gaines’ Chicken Florentine recipe special?
- Joanna Gaines’ Chicken Florentine recipe stands out because it is a simple, satisfying dish that can be prepared in under an hour. It requires just one skillet, making clean-up easy, and combines creamy flavors with nutritious ingredients like spinach.
- Can I substitute any ingredients in the Chicken Florentine recipe?
- Yes, you can make substitutions based on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth. Similarly, heavy cream can be swapped with a lighter cream alternative if desired.
- What are some other recipes featured in Magnolia Table, Volume 2?
- Besides Chicken Florentine, Magnolia Table, Volume 2 includes recipes like weeknight salmon, speedy shrimp and grits, cheesy chicken and asparagus casserole, and spinach tortellini soup, among others.
- How does cooking provide comfort according to Joanna Gaines?
- Joanna Gaines believes that cooking offers comfort as it brings people together, both in joyful and difficult times. It acts as a soothing activity that enhances good moments and provides solace during challenging periods.
- Are there any dessert recipes in Joanna Gaines’ cookbook?
- Yes, the cookbook includes dessert recipes such as handheld chocolate cakes, which are served at Magnolia Press, Joanna and Chip’s coffee shop.
Tips
- Before cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness by pounding them gently. This will help them cook evenly and stay tender.
- Use a good-quality dry white wine to enhance the flavor of the sauce, offering richness and depth.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a little longer to reduce before adding the spinach.
- For a fresher taste, add the lemon wedges just before serving to brighten up the dish with a hint of acidity.
Equipment
- Skillet Chicken Florentine from Joanna Gaines, here is a list of main equipment that you might need to purchase from Amazon, assuming they are not commonly found in every household:
- Large Skillet – A high-quality, large skillet is essential for cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce all in one pan.
- Chef’s Knife – A sharp, reliable chef’s knife is necessary for mincing shallots and garlic, and chopping parsley.
- Cutting Board – A durable cutting board is helpful for prepping ingredients like chicken, shallots, and garlic.
- Tongs – Tongs are useful for handling chicken breasts while cooking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measuring tools are important for ensuring the right quantities of ingredients like flour, wine, and cream.
