Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dish that perfectly balances creamy textures with nutrient-packed greens, Chicken Florentine Soup should be at the top of your list. This dish is a lovely fusion of tender chicken, leafy spinach, and a rich, velvety broth-ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something warm and filling. The name "Florentine" evokes a sense of refined Italian cuisine, but this soup is anything but complicated. It’s simple to make, yet incredibly satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced home chef, this recipe is designed to bring joy to your kitchen.

Chicken Florentine Soup is a nourishing, one-pot meal that provides an excellent balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins, thanks to the chicken and spinach. The addition of garlic, onion, and other classic seasonings gives the soup a depth of flavor that can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences.

So, let’s break down the key components of this soup, from the ingredients you’ll need to some expert tips to help you perfect it. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping a batch for meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Chicken Florentine Soup Recipe

The recipe we’re diving into is a creamy, wholesome version of Chicken Florentine Soup. It features the perfect mix of succulent chicken, fresh spinach, and a flavorful broth, all rounded out with some cream for that extra indulgence. But don’t worry-it’s not overly rich. You can tweak the cream to your liking, depending on how indulgent you want the dish to be. Let’s get into it!

Ingredients Needed

To make a delicious Chicken Florentine Soup, here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): The main protein source. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a more tender, juicy cut.
• Fresh spinach: This leafy green is essential to give the soup its Florentine touch, adding vitamins and minerals. If fresh spinach isn’t available, frozen spinach can be a substitute.
• Carrots: These add a hint of sweetness and texture to balance the savory flavors.
• Onion: A mild onion, such as yellow or white, will form the aromatic base of the soup.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor with a pungent, earthy kick.
• Celery: Adds a crisp texture and freshness, complementing the other vegetables.
• Chicken broth: The broth serves as the base for your soup, adding depth. You can use low-sodium if you’re concerned about salt content.
• Heavy cream or half-and-half: For a rich, creamy texture. You can adjust the amount depending on how creamy you like your soup.
• Parmesan cheese (optional): Grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami finish that can elevate the soup.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and chicken for added richness.

Seasonings

• Thyme (fresh or dried): Offers a subtle herbal note that complements the spinach and chicken.
• Bay leaf: Adds complexity to the broth.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning, essential for flavor balance.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of heat if you prefer some spice.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into small cubes or strips. This will help them cook faster and be easier to incorporate into the soup.
   • Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
   • Sprinkle in the thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

3. Add Broth And Simmer

   • Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Incorporate The Spinach And Chicken

   • Add the fresh spinach to the soup, stirring until it wilts down. Return the cooked chicken to the pot.

5. Add Cream And Parmesan (Optional)

   • Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and stir. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, stir it in at this point to melt into the soup.

6. Adjust The Consistency And Seasoning

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. If the soup is too thick, you can add a bit more broth to thin it out to your preferred consistency.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Remove the bay leaf, ladle the soup into bowls, and serve hot. Garnish with more Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh thyme if you like!

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: Chicken breasts are leaner, but chicken thighs add a juicy, tender texture to soups. The thighs also bring a deeper flavor, making them a great option if you want a richer soup. On the flip side, breasts provide a lighter, more straightforward protein option.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down quite a bit when added to the soup. If you’re using frozen spinach, remember to thaw and drain it beforehand to avoid extra moisture in your soup.
• Heavy Cream: You can use heavy cream for a decadent, rich result, or substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk if you’re looking for something lighter.
• Broth: Homemade chicken broth will give you the most depth of flavor, but store-bought broth works perfectly well. Be mindful of the salt content if using pre-made broths; you may need to adjust your seasonings accordingly.

Expert Tips

• Cook the Chicken Separately: By browning the chicken before adding it to the soup, you develop extra flavor through the Maillard reaction. This step adds a deeper, savory richness to your soup that cooking everything together won’t achieve.
• Let It Sit: If you have time, let the soup sit for 15-20 minutes after cooking. The flavors continue to meld, and the soup thickens a bit, making it even more comforting.
• Use Fresh Spinach: If you use frozen spinach, it may release excess water, making the soup too watery. Fresh spinach wilts down perfectly and doesn’t affect the soup’s consistency.
• Finishing Touches: Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. It brightens the soup and enhances the overall flavor, especially if you’ve added heavy cream.

Recipe Variations

• Add Other Vegetables: You can mix up the vegetable profile of the soup by adding peas, zucchini, or even potatoes for more texture. These veggies would fit well without overpowering the base flavors.
• Dairy-Free Version: To make the soup dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also omit the cheese and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables. This small addition can take the soup from mild to spicy in an instant.
• Make it a One-Pot Meal: For a more complete dish, add cooked pasta or rice to the soup for a fuller meal. Or, toss in some cooked quinoa for a gluten-free option that adds protein and texture.

Final Words

Chicken Florentine Soup is one of those rare recipes that strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition. The rich creaminess, paired with the healthy spinach and tender chicken, makes it a bowl of pure comfort. Plus, it’s highly customizable, so you can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a homemade soup or simply need something cozy for a weeknight dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes.