This easy chicken Florentine casserole bake is quick and simple to prepare. It's a creamy blend of cut chicken, spinach, and parmesan cheese!
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Why you'll love it
Are you a fan of Italian recipes? What about creamy sauces and rich flavors? If so, then this chicken Florentine recipe is something you will love!
This recipe tastes just like a dish prepared by a 5-star chef - but you can make it at home. I prefer eating meals that I prepare because I know exactly what's in them.
This chicken Florentine recipe is so easy to make that you won't have any problems making a scrumptious dinner, even if you are a beginner cook.
Even better, this chicken florentine is a casserole, and casseroles are simple to prepare. They can easily be thrown together on the spur of the moment as long as you have the basic ingredients.
Ingredients
You only need to buy five ingredients for this chicken Florentine casserole recipe, but you may already have everything in your fridge.
Chicken breasts
In order to make a chicken Florentine bake, you obviously need a chicken breast or two.
I ended up poaching some chicken breasts. But, you can simply use leftover seared chicken in this casserole.
It is best to use boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Spinach
Fresh spinach is one of the best vegetables to eat on the keto diet, and luckily, this leafy green veggie is a staple in chicken florentine.
Fresh baby spinach is best, but you can also use frozen spinach. Just remember that frozen spinach will have a different texture than fresh.
I prefer to use fresh spinach because it has a brighter flavor!
Mayonnaise
The sauce is made with sour cream and mayonnaise. I used store-bought mayo. However, homemade is a great option if you have the time to make your own.
Parmesan cheese
You'll find that I use parmesan cheese in many of my favorite keto recipes. This is because it gives the recipes a fantastic earthy and nutty undertone.
Sour cream
A lot of recipes use condensed cream of mushroom soup as the base for the sauce. We know that this adds unnecessary carbs to the dish! So instead, use full-fat sour cream.
Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.
Tips
- Bake uncovered. If your stove runs hot, cover the chicken Florentine casserole with foil to prevent the top from burning.
- Shred parmesan cheese at home. If you buy pre-shredded parmesan cheese, it will have anti-caking ingredients and hidden carbs in it.
- Watch it closely. Since the chicken is already cooked, you only need to heat this up until it is bubbly and hot. Watch it closely, so it doesn't burn.
Instructions
Here's how to make homemade chicken florentine. You might be surprised at just how simple this is.
Cook the chicken
The very first step is to cook the chicken breasts. I poached mine, but you can pan-sear them until they are golden brown or even use the air fryer for cooking them.
You can poach the chicken in some water or some chicken broth. Chicken stock works great too!
Make the sauce
Mix the grated parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream together in a small mixing bowl.
Arrange the casserole
Place the baby spinach and the cooked chicken breasts in the bottom of the casserole dish. Spread the cheese mixture on top.
Bake the casserole
Bake the chicken Florentine casserole in the oven for about 35 minutes or until the edges are browned.
️ Serving suggestions
The casserole was enough to feed me for two large double-serving dinners and one single-serving lunch. It's really easy to put together an entire meal with this Florentine chicken recipe.
Serve with a side of cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower!
This is also a great recipe to use in your meal prep. Store it in the refrigerator with your favorite broccoli and bacon salad. You can even make some keto dinner rolls to serve on the side.
Variations
I'm a big fan of easy casserole dishes like this keto chicken Florentine casserole. There are quite a few different changes you can make to this recipe. Here are some of the simplest ones.
- Save yourself and time and use low-carb rotisserie chicken or any cooked shredded chicken in this casserole.
- Feel free to be creative with the types of cheese you use whenever you make easy keto recipes like this one.
- Rather than use all parmesan cheese for the topping, a mix of different types of cheese would be a nice change. Asiago cheese would taste deliciously mixed in.
- For those who don't care for mayonnaise, you could make the sauce using a thickened heavy cream instead.
- You may want to change up the seasoning to suit your own taste. Adding some bacon would make this dish a bit more delicious.
- Other ideas to add to this basic chicken Florentine recipe are mushrooms and mozzarella cheese.
- Or, replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with heavy cream and cream cheese and make it a keto chicken florentine soup.
FAQs
Before we get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about how to make this keto Florentine chicken.
You can use either one, as long as they are boneless and skinless. The chicken breasts will not dry out in the oven because they are covered in the creamy sauce.
When using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should be at least 165°F.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Yes, all of the ingredients are keto-friendly. Baby spinach, cooked chicken, and the creamy sauce are all low-carb.
Related recipes
If you enjoyed this chicken Florentine recipe, here are some more easy casserole recipes and low-carb chicken recipes you should make next. They are some of my favorites!
- Low Carb Chicken Green Bean Casserole is another light and creamy casserole that kids love.
- Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a high-protein dinner that the entire family will love.
- Low-Carb Paleo Buffalo Chicken Casserole is loved by everyone that enjoys the spicy buffalo flavor.
- Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole combines delicious ingredients for a super satisfying dish!
- Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan Casserole combines the flavors of three popular Italian dishes into one tasty meal!
Follow us on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM for even more tasty keto-friendly recipes!
Recipe
Easy Chicken Florentine Casserole Bake
Video
Ingredients
- 2 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
- 10 oz frozen spinach thawed and drained
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Poach chicken in boiling water until no longer pink. Remove from water and let cool. Cut chicken into bite size pieces.
- In small bowl, mix Parmesan, mayonnaise and sour cream together.
- Combine chicken and spinach in the bottom of a casserole pan. Spread cheese mixture on top.
- Bake uncovered in 350°F oven for 35 minutes or until edges are browned.
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
First published on November 10, 2010. Post updated on June 2, 2022, with new photos and additional recipe information.
OndLei
The recipe calls for 2 boneless chicken breast halves. Do you have any idea of the weight? Depending on where I buy my chicken, the breasts range from 6 oz. to 1 lb. each. Needless to say, this range can really affect the results!
The Low Carb Cook
Hi OndLei! I would say about 6 oz.
Marie Seibel
Made this tonight for dinner. Served over palmini noodles simmered for 30 minutes and tossed with olive oil. It was amazing.
Linda ONeal
Do u think canned chicken would work?
Lisa MarcAurele
I have used canned chicken in casseroles so it should work in this dish.
Bumbershoot
This casserole was quite good. My husband, who suggested low carb, was very satisfied with it. I did add salt, pepper, and garlic powder so it wouldn't be bland.
I needed a lot of food, so I doubled the amounts of chicken and spinach, and used 1.5 times mayo and cheese, and one cup of sour cream. That was plenty. I'm afraid that if I doubled the sauce, it would have drowned the chicken and spinach.
Minor nitpick: Whoever decided prep time would be 10 minutes must have a sous chef, or just didn't include the time needed to cook the chicken and thaw and drain frozen spinach.
It took me more like 30 minutes.
Lisa MarcAurele
Thanks for the feedback on prep time. It typically takes about ten minutes to poach the chicken so that cook time has been accounted for in the cooking time.
Uncle Phil
Awesome!!
Sandy
I served this for dinner to non-keto guests, and they absolutely loved it. I put theirs over fettucine noodles
Maura
This was delicious. My only problem was it was so wet. Anyone know why?
Lisa MarcAurele
The spinach should be drained and squeezed of most of the liquid. Maybe that was it?
Amy Boggs
I made this last night and it was delish!
Sara
Is it necessary to broil the chicken at all? Could I just bake it in the oven for the 35 mins you think? thanks
Lisa MarcAurele
I've always cooked the chicken first. Might need to cover and cook longer if the chicken is raw.
Casey
I substituted plain yogurt for sour cream and topped it with 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella and sprinkled with bacon bits. Absolutely fabulous. Will make it again!
Lisa MarcAurele
That does sound fabulous!
Heather
I didn't have any sour cream so I used cream cheese instead. Also I used fresh spinach & left over rotisserie chicken. My husband loved it! I served this dish w/fresh sliced tomatoes. Yummm
Lisa MarcAurele
Thanks for sharing your version! Cream cheese is a great sub for sour cream.
TAMARA
CAN I USE CREAM CHEESE INSTEAD OF CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP? IF SO 4OZ OR THE WHOLE 8 OZ?
Lisa MarcAurele
There's no cream of mushroom soup called for. Are you wanting to sub out the sour cream?
Debbi Wagers
If using fresh spinach how much should you cook up?
Lisa MarcAurele
You can use the same amount, about 10 ounces.
Emily Parker
Will this freeze well?
Lisa
It should based on the ingredients.
Michelle
Yummy! I added the mozzarella on top too. It was a hit for the whole family.
Lisa
Thanks for letting us know it was a hit!
Michelle
This sounds amazing. Is there any way to substitute the sour cream? I just don't have any on hand at the moment
Lisa
You can use yogurt or add a thickener to heavy cream.
Emma Chatman
I just made this and it was delicious. I added heavy whipping cream and asparagus. Will definitely make again
Chelsea Oliveiral
I want to know if you can substitute the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt?
Lisa
I haven't tried it, but it's usually a one-for-one substitute so it should work out okay.
Pam
This was delicious! I'm fairly new to Keto and seem to pick recipes that, well, that I don't like. But this is excellent! And I'll be making it regularly, especially when there are lots of turkey leftovers! I added sliced mushrooms, used heavy cream instead of mayonnaise and sprinkled grated mozzarella cheese on top for the last 10 minutes.
My husband loved it! Thank you for restoring my commitment to eating Keto.
Glenda
This smells Wonderful!!!
CAN'T wait to try it.l didn't change a thing. Going to try more of your recipes. THANKS
Lisa
Enjoy! 🙂
Tammy
I have made this 3 times, it is a delicious dish.
Thanks for sharing!
Lisa
You're welcome! It was one of my go-to recipes when I returned low carb.
Linda V
Would love to have any low carb recipes. I have a real problem getting in veggies since I really only care for limas, green beans, lettuce, zucchini, squash. I like soft onions - just don't like crunch. Love your ideas.
Lisa
There's so many ways to enjoy low carb veggies! Have you tried them as fries? Zucchini fries are delicious!
Linda
Please send me the crunch! I like thin sliced raw or browned and crispy but soft cooked? Not me. Hubby says he thinks I was a horse in a former life! Different strokes?
Elsa
Made this today and it was delicious. I did add broccoli cuts to it though and more cheese because, can you ever have enough cheese?
Lisa
The more cheese the better!
Kristal B
I just made this with shredded chicken i already had, added a quick saute of mushrooms & onions & diced precooked bacon, and used fresh spinach. Love the topping!!! Such a great base recipe to use as-is or doctor up with whatever is in hand.
Lisa
That sounds like a fantastic way to make this. Yum!
Salena Martin
Made this today but my carbs didn't come out as low as yours! Maybe Ill make it 6 servings?
Lisa
You could do that or cut back on sour cream and or spinach.
Susan Pickle
This is meant as a helpful critique from a new reader. You say this casserole fed you for three meals, yet you've listed the serving size as eight. It seems like the kind of thing I expect from a sneaky food manufacturer to make something look healthier than it is. Yes, I can figure out the total calories and carbs for the amount I eat, but if you only got three servings out of it, stretching the servings out almost three times is unrealistic- and a little bit unfair.
Lisa
You get about 4-6 servings in the recipe. The nutrition should be for 5. Will fix.
Lauren
This recipe is amazing. Made it several times. I add poultry seasoning to the meat and after it all finishes cooking, I broil some mozzarella on top. Delicious. Trying it with half hamburger, half chicken tonight.
Lisa
Sounds interesting with the mixed meat.
Terri Williams
Made this for dinner tonight and my daughter kept saying, "Mom, this is amazing!". We both really loved it. Next time I'll double the spinach. I also added mozzarella to the top. This really was very good! Thank you!
Lisa
The mozzarella on top is a terrific add!
Cherl Brewer
Hello! This looks lovely. Do you know if these would freeze well? I'd like to make this for a friend of mine who is about to have a baby. That way she would have something delicious without much work.
Thank you.
Lisa
I'd freeze this one before baking.
Yvette Lang
I made this today for dinner. All I can say is yumma chumma ?
Lisa
So glad it worked out for you! 🙂
Laurie
I'm trying this tonight, I added french cut green beans to bulk it up a little more and I think I didn't have enough cheese spread, because I ended up using a whole cup of sour cream and a bit extra mayo in order to cover the pan (it's a 9 x 13). But I'm super excited to try it, since I'm just starting my low-carb journey and I only have one day to cook. Thanks for the amazing recipes!
Lisa
Good idea to add on a little more low carb veggies!
Emma Chatman
Try adding heavy whipping cream is add more sauce
Kate
Trying this tonight. Substituted plain Greek yogurt for sour cream and cream cheese for mayonnaise. Also using fresh spinach. I poached my chicken with some seasoning to give it a flavor boost. Can't wait to see how it turns out!
Lisa
Would love to know if the subs worked out.
Shelly C.
I tried this last night and it was PHENOMENAL!!! I halved the recipe since I'm cooking for just one, but it was SO good that not only did I eat all of what I made last night, but I made it again tonight! (It's in the oven as I type!) Oh, if anyone else is wondering, this is a 5 STAR recipe without a doubt! In the oven in UNDER 15 min! You CAN'T beat it!
Lisa, I know how hard it must be to work full time (or even part time), raise a family, and then STILL find time to do this, and SOMEHOW fit a LIFE in there somewhere! But you have done such a great job of it and I am TRULY impressed and VERY GRATEFUL! You are an amazing lady! THANK YOU for what you do FOR US!
Lisa
Thanks for the kind words Shelly! And, yes, it's extremely difficult to keep up with it all. Particularly when I get the "mommy" brain.
Kelly
My family loved this - but I tweaked it a tad. We're not big fans of mayo, so I substituted a block of cream cheese. I added a tad of chicken seasoning I had in the house, and I threw it all in a crock pot. Super simple and YUM!
Lisa
Thanks for sharing those changes Kelly! I'm not a fan of regular mayo (I use the avocado one now), but I like the idea of using cream cheese for this recipe. And, I LOVE that you dumped it all in the crock pot. Going to do THAT next time for sure!
Amber
How long did you cook in crockpot? I like that idea.
Lisa
It takes about 6 hours on low or 4 hours on high if you are slow cooking. You'd have to put the crock under the broiler if you want to brown the top, though.
Linda
Oh I love this super simple recipe!
Lisa
Those are my favorite ones too! 🙂
Claudia
What size pan did you use?
Lisa
The bigger the better so it's a thin layer. A 9x13 can be used but you may want to cook longer.
lisa
Awesome. I think I'm making this tomorrow, although I'm thinking I'm going to be lazy and buy a precooked rotisserie chicken (I can't stand the smell of boiled chicken, especially the breast) and use fresh spinach (don't care for frozen). And, is the parmesan cheese, fresh grated or the canned stuff??
Lisa
I used the canned parmesan, but I bet the fresh grated may taste better.
Anonymous
I love this recipe!!! We also opt for the rotisserie chicken from SAMs and it is so flavorful. We also have tried it with kale and top with cheddar cheese. Delicious!
Lisa
Using a rotisserie chicken really saves time. I'll have to try with kale and cheddar. The key is to cook the casserole until it's nice a brown. Baking in a large dish so it's thin seems to help.
Mara
Boiling chicken tastes better when you add lemon rinds or a few slices of lemon and onion rings along with salt and pepper. It gives the chicken lots of flavor. Makes excellent chicken salad
Lisa
Excellent tip! I will try with some chicken salad. Thanks!
Kimberly
Hi. This sounds really good, BUT...I really detest mayonnaise.
I was thinking maybe some creamy low carb dressing as a substitute (not Ranch as I don't like that either).
What about a Caesar or creamy feta?
And maybe add some ricotta cheese too? I know it might raise the carb count a little.
And I think I will use leftover grilled chicken.
This and a salad and dinner is done!
Lisa
Kimberly, there are several recipes for mayonnaise made with coconut oil that you may want to try instead. You could season the taste to your liking. Otherwise a creamy low carb dressing should work fine.
Jennifer D.
I just put a whole bunch of chicken and the other ingredients into the crock pot. I hope it turns out well.! I'll eat it no matter what. Thanks for a great recipe!
Lisa
I'll have to try this in the slow cooker next time. I bet it was delicious.
marymc
This sounds delish and I am wondering if fresh spinach work? I don't do much cooking but I am starting to make more dishes to keep myself healthy :o)
Lisa
Either fresh or frozen spinach can be used. I prefer frozen chopped spinach so I don’t have to chop fresh. However, fresh likely tastes better.
CherylB
This is DELISH! Made it for dinner tonight and eveyrone love it - it's a keeper. Thank you for all the great recipes.
Lucy
What a great idea you had (to find a simple recipe and buy a foil pan)-GENIUS! It looks delish and I think I've got a dinner idea for tomorrow night!
fooddreamer
This sounds nice, easy and tasty - not always easy to achieve in a low carb dish. I will make this for sure!