Morton’s Chicken Christopher Recipe

The Chicken Christopher dish is a spectacular recipe that has gained widespread acclaim, particularly for those who have had the opportunity to savor it at Morton’s Steakhouse.

Known for its creamy and indulgent sauce over succulent chicken breasts, it’s a recipe that takes chicken to a gourmet level.

It’s a signature offering at the establishment, renowned for its flavor and richness.

The dish consists of lightly breaded chicken breasts, fried until golden and dressed in a garlic beurre blanc sauce – a combination of butter, garlic, and wine that’s skillfully reduced to a velvety coating.

How to Make Chicken Christopher

Ingredients List

• Chicken:
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
• Flattening:
  • Waxed paper or cling film
• Breading:
  • For Flour Mixture:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 tsp white pepper
  • For Bread Crumb Mixture:
    • 1 cup breadcrumbs
    • Zest of 1 lemon (optional for added flavor)
• Cooking:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • Additional 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Preparation of Chicken

Place a boneless chicken breast between two pieces of waxed paper or cling film.

Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken pieces until they are uniform in thickness, about 1/2 inch flat. This ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Breading

In one bowl, mix together 1 cup of flour with 1 teaspoon of white pepper.

In another bowl, prepare your breadcrumb mixture by combining 1 cup of breadcrumbs with the zest of one lemon, if desired, for additional flavor.

Dredge each piece of flattened chicken in flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, shaking off any excess.

Dip the flour-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated on both sides.

Step 3: Cooking

Heat 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.

Once the butter has melted and started to bubble, add the breaded chicken breasts.

Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Making the Sauce

After removing the chicken, use the same pan to make the sauce. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup of white wine to the pan.

Let the mixture simmer and reduce by half, then stir in 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream.

Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, then whisk in an additional 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until the sauce is smooth and velvety.

Step 5: Completion

Serve the chicken hot, drizzled with the lemon-butter sauce.

Pair the dish with a crisp, fresh salad to complement the rich flavors of the chicken Christopher.

Chicken Christopher Side Dishes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

You can pair your Chicken Christopher with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

The rich, buttery flavor complements the chicken’s rich sauce.

Boil peeled potatoes until tender; mash with garlic, butter, and cream for a smooth texture.

Sautéed Green Beans

Sautéed green beans add a fresh snap to your meal.

They bring a necessary green element to the plate and a contrasting texture.

Simply sauté fresh green beans in olive oil with garlic and a pinch of salt for a tasty side.

Crisp Salad

A crisp salad gives a refreshing balance with its lightness and is ideal if you seek something to cleanse the palate.

Toss mixed greens with a vinaigrette dressing to keep it straightforward yet satisfying.

Fresh Salad

Alternatively, prepare a fresh salad with a variety of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.

This will introduce a delightful fresh crunch and a variety of colors to your plate, enhancing the dining experience.

Roasted Asparagus

Try roasted asparagus brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and roasted until tender.

Its earthiness harmonizes with the savory notes of Chicken Christopher.

Rice Pilaf

A delicately flavored rice pilaf is a hearty choice to absorb the sauce from Chicken Christopher.

Cook rice with onions, broth, and herbs for a side dish that supports the main but still holds its own in flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

White Pepper

If you’re out of white pepper, you can use black pepper as a substitute.

Black pepper is more pungent and has a stronger flavor, so you might want to use a slightly smaller quantity.

Start with half the amount called for and add to taste.

Unsalted Butter

For unsalted butter, you can use the same amount of salted butter, but you’ll need to adjust the salt content in your recipe accordingly.

If you’re avoiding dairy, try using coconut oil or margarine for a similar fat content and richness.

White Wine

If white wine isn’t available, you can substitute it with chicken broth or white wine vinegar.

Chicken broth will maintain the liquid ratio but won’t provide the acidity that wine contributes.

White wine vinegar, on the other hand, should be used sparingly (about half the amount of wine) and you might want to add a bit of sugar to balance the flavor.

Heavy Whipping Cream

Heavy whipping cream can be replaced with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option, giving your dish a slightly different but pleasing flavor profile.

If you’re looking for a lower-fat substitute, a combination of milk and butter can be used.

Mix ¼ cup of melted butter with ¾ cup of milk to equal 1 cup of heavy cream.

How to Store Chicken Christopher

Proper storage of Chicken Christopher ensures that the flavors are preserved and the dish remains safe to consume.

Here are the main methods you should use to store your Chicken Christopher effectively.

Refrigeration

Keep your Chicken Christopher in the fridge within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.

Place the chicken in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.

Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.

• Airtight Containers: Utilize these to minimize exposure to air.
• Temperature: Store at or below 40°F (4°C).

Freezing

Freezing is ideal for long-term storage.

When you freeze Chicken Christopher, wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrap or place it in a freezer bag before storing in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn.

• Wrap Tightly: Use heavy-duty aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper.
• Freezer Bags: Expel as much air as possible before sealing.
• Label and Date: Always note the freezing date for future reference.

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat, reheat the Chicken Christopher safely.

Thaw it in the fridge if frozen and then warm it in a preheated oven or on the stovetop until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• Thawing: Always thaw in the refrigerator or microwave using the defrost setting.
• Reheating Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches a safe temperature.

By following these storage tips, your Chicken Christopher will remain delicious and safe to enjoy at a later time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken

Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, but no more—to avoid dryness.

Use a meat thermometer to monitor.

Overcooked chicken can ruin the dish’s texture.

Not Pounding the Chicken Breasts

Uniform thickness is key for even cooking.

Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure they cook evenly and remain juicy.

Incorrect Heat Level

When sautéing, heat to medium and maintain this temperature.

Too high, and the chicken may burn; too low, and it won’t sear properly, affecting the flavor.

Rushing the Butter

Wait for the butter to foam over medium heat before adding the chicken.

This indicates the butter is hot enough to begin cooking.

Adding chicken too soon can lead to uneven cooking and a lack of that desirable golden-brown sear.