If you’re ready for a dish that blends the best of two worlds, this Florentine Butter Chicken is the perfect choice. Combining the creamy, spiced richness of Indian butter chicken with the savory spinach flavor of Italian Florentine cuisine, this dish is both indulgent and delicious. Serve it with rice, pasta, or naan for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Ready to dive into this creamy fusion creation? Let’s get started!
Florentine Butter Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1 tsp salt
For the Butter Chicken Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a lighter option
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Spinach (Florentine Style)
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Fresh parsley or basil chopped (for garnish)
Substitutions
- Vegan: Use tofu or a plant-based meat substitute instead of chicken and swap yogurt, butter, and cream with vegan alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Low-Fat: Use low-fat yogurt and coconut milk to lighten the dish.
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt.
- Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- In a large skillet or pot, melt 1 tbsp of butter with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Butter Chicken Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of butter and chopped onions.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and cinnamon, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Spinach Florentine Style
- In a separate pan, melt 1 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using) and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Combine the Chicken and Spinach
- Stir the cooked chicken into the butter chicken sauce, then add the sautéed spinach.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve
- Serve the Florentine Butter Chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil.
- air it with basmati rice, naan bread, or even pasta for a fusion twist.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 cup of Florentine Butter Chicken):
- Calories: 450-500
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Notes/Advice:
- Additions/Subtractions:
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream to the spinach mixture.
- If you prefer more sauce, you can double the sauce ingredients (tomatoes, cream, and spices) for an extra saucy dish.
- Adjust the spices to your taste—more garam masala for a richer flavor or more nutmeg for a deeper Florentine twist.
Variations:
- Spicy Florentine Butter Chicken: Add more cayenne pepper or a chopped green chili to the sauce for extra heat.
- Herbed Butter Chicken: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
- Low-Carb Florentine Butter Chicken: Serve the dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: This Florentine Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice, garlic naan, or even a simple green salad. For a twist, try serving it over pasta for a cross-cultural meal!
- Make It Ahead: You can make the butter chicken sauce and marinate the chicken a day in advance for deeper flavor. Store everything in the fridge and combine it when ready to cook.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The dish also freezes well—just thaw and reheat.
A Creamy, Indulgent Twist on a Classic
Florentine Butter Chicken takes the rich, buttery decadence of classic butter chicken and infuses it with the fresh, vibrant flavors of spinach, inspired by Florentine-style dishes. This fusion creates a dish that’s deeply savory, velvety smooth, and packed with warm spices, making every bite an experience in comfort and elegance. Whether served over fluffy basmati rice, buttery naan, or a bed of garlic-infused mashed potatoes, this dish brings an irresistible balance of creamy indulgence and wholesome greens.
What Makes Florentine Butter Chicken Special?
This dish marries two culinary traditions—the bold, spiced tomato-butter sauce of Indian butter chicken with the Italian Florentine style, which highlights spinach and cream in rich, flavorful sauces. The result? A luxuriously creamy butter chicken that’s infused with garlic-sautéed spinach, adding a touch of earthiness and extra nutrition without overpowering the dish’s signature warmth.
The Secret to a Velvety, Flavorful Sauce
The heart of Florentine Butter Chicken is its silky tomato-butter sauce, infused with:
- Aromatic Spices – A blend of cumin, garam masala, paprika, and turmeric builds layers of deep, warming flavors.
- Garlic & Ginger – Essential for adding complexity and depth.
- Tomato Base – Simmered down for a rich, slightly tangy balance to the creamy butter sauce.
- Heavy Cream or Coconut Milk – Creates that signature buttery, luscious texture.
- Spinach – Lightly wilted into the sauce, adding freshness and vibrant color.
The key to perfection is allowing the sauce to simmer and develop, ensuring that every ingredient blends seamlessly into a rich, well-balanced bite.
Perfect Pairings for Florentine Butter Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile, pairing well with both traditional and creative sides:
- Basmati or Jasmine Rice – The perfect base for soaking up every drop of the creamy sauce.
- Buttery Naan or Garlic Roti – Ideal for scooping and dipping.
- Cauliflower Rice or Zucchini Noodles – A lighter, low-carb alternative that still complements the dish beautifully.
- Roasted Veggies – Charred Brussels sprouts or caramelized carrots bring an earthy sweetness.
A Dish That’s Comforting Yet Elevated
Florentine Butter Chicken is the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome, balancing the richness of butter chicken with the brightness of spinach. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight treat or serving it to impress guests, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right from your own kitchen.
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it—Florentine Butter Chicken that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! This fusion dish combines the best of both worlds: the savory goodness of butter chicken and the earthy flavors of spinach Florentine. Whether you’re serving it with rice, naan, or pasta, this dish is sure to impress with its bold and comforting flavors. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy this delicious fusion feast. Buon appetito and enjoy your meal!
