Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher: The Ultimate Recipe & Secret Tips

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There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly prepared Chicken Christopher at Morton’s Steakhouse – that delicious combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and complex flavors that seems impossible to recreate at home. Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher has developed a cult following among food enthusiasts for good reason; it brilliantly balances creamy indulgence with sophisticated flavor notes that leave you wanting more.

While Morton’s keeps their exact recipe close to the vest, I’ve spent years perfecting a homemade version that captures the essence of this beloved dish. Today, I’m sharing my ultimate Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher recipe and professional tips to help you achieve restaurant-quality results in your kitchen.

Ingredients List

Quality ingredients make all the difference for the perfect Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6-8 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (substitute almond flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

For the Signature Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 oz white mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (Chardonnay works beautifully)
• 1 cup heavy cream (substitute half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/3 cup roasted red peppers, sliced into thin strips
• 1/3 cup artichoke hearts, quartered
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and white pepper to taste

The fragrant basil and tangy artichokes create that distinctive Morton’s flavor profile, while the roasted red peppers add both color and a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the sauce.

Timing

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

This Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher recreation takes approximately 30% less time than many restaurant-style chicken dishes, making it perfect for a special weeknight dinner or weekend entertaining. The efficient timing comes from strategic prep work and simultaneous sauce development while the chicken cooks.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by placing the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and tender results – a technique Morton’s chefs swear by. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, and dried basil. Dredge each chicken breast in this mixture, shaking off any excess. The thin coating will create a beautiful crust while helping to lock in moisture.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot pan, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if needed).

Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Signature Sauce

Using the same pan (don’t clean it – those browned bits are flavor gold!), reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-6 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. The key here is to watch carefully – burnt garlic will ruin the delicate flavor balance of Morton’s signature sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build Flavors

Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the wine reduce by half, about 2 minutes, creating a concentrated flavor base.

Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This layering of flavors is what gives Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher its complex taste profile.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently until the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Add the roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine.

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. The sauce should have a silky, velvety texture that clings to the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning the sauce over them. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and has absorbed some of the sauce’s flavors.

Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil for that signature Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher aroma and vibrant finish.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 chicken breast with sauce):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 195mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and exact portions. While this dish is indulgent, it provides significant protein and can be made healthier with the modifications suggested below.

Healthier Alternatives for Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher

Transform this Morton’s Steakhouse classic into a lighter meal without sacrificing its signature flavor:

1. Cream Substitute: Replace heavy cream with evaporated skim milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for thickness, reducing fat content by nearly 70%.
2. Protein Modification: Use chicken tenders instead of full breasts for smaller portions, or substitute with turkey cutlets for less fat and a similar texture.
3. Flour Alternative: Use whole wheat flour or almond flour for added nutrients and fiber.
4. Oil Reduction: Use a non-stick pan and reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon, supplementing with a tablespoon of chicken broth when searing the chicken.
5. Dairy Adjustment: Try reduced-fat cream cheese (2 tablespoons) whisked into chicken broth instead of heavy cream and butter for a creamy texture with less saturated fat.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher experience with these complementary side dishes and presentation tips:

• Serve over al dente angel hair pasta tossed with a touch of olive oil and fresh herbs
• Pair with roasted asparagus spears drizzled with lemon for a fresh contrast
• Offer a side of garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the exquisite sauce
• Include a crisp arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a light vinaigrette
• Pour a glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy flavors

For an authentic Morton’s experience, serve on warmed plates with the sauce artfully drizzled around the chicken rather than just poured on top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sidestep these pitfalls to ensure your Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher turns out perfectly:

1. Uneven Chicken Thickness: Failing to pound the chicken to even thickness leads to uneven cooking – overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
2. Overcrowding the Pan: This causes the chicken to steam rather than sear, preventing that golden-brown crust that seals in juices.
3. Rushing the Sauce Reduction: The sauce needs time to reduce and thicken properly; rushed sauces lack depth and proper consistency.
4. Overheating Cream: Adding cream to too hot a too-hot pan or boiling the sauce can cause separation. Always reduce the heat before adding dairy components.
5. Insufficient Seasoning Layers: Season at each stage (chicken, mushrooms, final sauce) rather than just at the end for more developed flavor.

Storing Tips for Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher

Maximize the shelf life and flavor of your Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best results, store the chicken and sauce separately to prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
• When reheating, warm the sauce gently in a saucepan until just heated through, then add the chicken to warm for the final few minutes.
• Freeze without the sauce for up to 1 month; prepare fresh sauce when ready to serve.
• For meal prep, prepare the components (chicken, sauce ingredients) separately and assemble just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

If you liked this dish, don’t miss these:

• Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
• Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
• Easy Buffalo Chicken Salad

Conclusion

Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher brings fine dining elegance to your home kitchen through a perfect balance of tender chicken, mushrooms, and a luxurious cream sauce enhanced with artichokes and roasted peppers. This recipe captures the essence of the restaurant favorite while allowing for personalization based on taste preferences and dietary needs. The key lies in quality ingredients, proper technique, and patience during the cooking process.

Ready to impress your dinner guests with this restaurant-quality dish? Give this Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher recipe a try and share your results in the comments section below! Subscribe to our blog for more exclusive restaurant recipe recreations and cooking tips that bring gourmet experiences to your home kitchen.

FAQs Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher

How should I dress for Morton’s Steakhouse?

Morton’s Steakhouse has a business casual dress code. While they don’t strictly require formal attire like jackets for men, they do expect neat, presentable clothing. Nice jeans with a collared shirt are generally acceptable, though many patrons opt for business casual attire like slacks and button-down shirts. Athletic wear, very casual shorts, flip-flops, and tank tops are typically considered too casual.

What did Morton’s Steakhouse send to the airport?

Morton’s Steakhouse famously delivered a steak dinner to the airport for entrepreneur Peter Shankman in 2011. After Shankman jokingly tweeted that he wished Morton’s would meet him at Newark airport with a porterhouse steak when his flight landed, the restaurant surprised him by actually sending a tuxedo-clad server to greet him at the airport with a complete steak dinner. This story went viral as an example of exceptional customer service.

Who is the CEO of Morton’s Steakhouse?

Morton’s Steakhouse is owned by Landry’s, Inc. Tilman Fertitta is the Chairman, CEO, and sole owner of Landry’s, Inc., which acquired Morton’s Restaurant Group in 2012. The company operates Morton’s The Steakhouse restaurants as part of its larger restaurant portfolio.