Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher Recipe: A Secret Revealed

Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook, and I discovered this trending chicken recipe during my quest to recreate famous restaurant dishes at home. After testing dozens of steakhouse chicken variations, I’ve perfected this Chicken Christopher recipe that rivals Morton’s original. In this guide, I’ll share the exact techniques for achieving that perfect sear, the secret butter sauce that makes this dish unforgettable, and expert tips to ensure your chicken is never dry again.

I’ll walk you through everything from selecting the perfect chicken breasts to creating that signature sauce, plus share serving suggestions that will elevate your entire meal. Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner for guests or looking to upgrade your weeknight dinner rotation, this culinary dinner recipe deserves a spot in your collection.

Why This Steakhouse Chicken Recipe Works

This Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher recipe stands out among fancy dinner recipes easy enough for home cooks because:

• Uses affordable, easy-to-find boneless chicken breasts transformed into a luxurious meal
• Requires just 30 minutes of active cooking time while delivering steakhouse-quality results
• Features a versatile butter sauce that can be adjusted to your taste preferences
• Creates a restaurant-quality dish that costs a fraction of the steakhouse price
• Works perfectly for both special occasions and elevated weeknight meals
• Delivers that coveted crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior every time

Choosing the Right Chicken for Steakhouse Quality

Best Cuts for This Steakhouse Chicken Recipe

For authentic Morton’s Chicken Christopher, you’ll want to select:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Look for medium-sized breasts (about 6-8 oz each) for even cooking
• Uniform thickness: This ensures consistent cooking (or pound them yourself to even thickness)
• Fresh vs. frozen: While both work, fresh chicken breasts will give you the best texture and flavor

Buying Tips for Quality Chicken

When shopping for chicken for this trending chicken recipe:

• Choose chicken with a pinkish color (avoid gray or yellowish tints)
• Opt for organic or air-chilled chicken for superior flavor
• If possible, purchase from a butcher who can cut uniform pieces
• Look for chicken labeled “no antibiotics” or “hormone-free” for best quality

Substitutions for Steakhouse Chicken

If you need to make adjustments:

• Chicken tenderloins can work but will cook faster
• Boneless chicken thighs provide more flavor but need slightly longer cooking time
• For a lighter version, turkey cutlets can be substituted (reduce cooking time)

Ingredients & Prep for Steakhouse Chicken

Chicken Prep Essentials

Before cooking your one dish kitchen recipe:

1. Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels
2. Pound chicken to an even ¾-inch thickness using a meat mallet
3. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides
4. Let chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking

Marinade and Seasonings for Morton’s Chicken Christopher

For this elegant dinner recipes main course, you’ll need:

• For the chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

• For the signature sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced
  • 1/4 cup button mushrooms, sliced

Pantry Staples for Perfect Execution

Ensure you have these basics on hand:

• High-quality olive oil (for searing)
• Unsalted butter (allows you to control salt level)
• Fresh garlic (pre-minced works in a pinch)
• Fresh herbs (dried can substitute at 1/3 the amount)
• Chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Steakhouse Chicken

Pre-Cooking Prep for Chicken Christopher

1. Remove chicken from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking
2. Combine salt, pepper, and garlic powder and season chicken evenly on both sides
3. Lightly dredge seasoned chicken in flour, shaking off excess
4. Prepare all sauce ingredients and have them ready beside the stove

Cooking Method for the Perfect Seared Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons olive oil
2. When oil is shimmering (not smoking), carefully add chicken breasts
3. Sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown
4. Flip once and cook additional 5-6 minutes on second side
5. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil

Creating the Signature Morton’s Sauce

1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add butter
2. Once butter is melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant
3. Add mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened
4. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from pan
5. Add roasted red peppers and herbs, simmer for 2 minutes
6. Stir in heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened (2-3 minutes)
7. Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over, and warm through for 1-2 minutes

Doneness Check for Steakhouse Chicken

• Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer
• Center should be opaque with no pink visible
• Juices should run clear when chicken is pierced with a knife

Resting Your Chicken Christopher

• Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving
• This helps juices redistribute throughout the meat
• Spoon additional sauce over chicken before serving

Pro Tips for Perfect Steakhouse Chicken

Avoiding Tough or Dry Chicken

• Don’t overcook! This is the #1 reason for dry chicken
• Use a meat thermometer for precision cooking
• Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent results
• Create a flavorful sauce that keeps the chicken moist
• Don’t flip chicken too early (wait for that golden crust to form)

Tool Recommendations for Chicken Christopher

• Heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast iron skillet (provides even heating and best sear)
• Meat mallet or heavy rolling pin (for pounding chicken to even thickness)
• Instant-read thermometer (ensures perfectly cooked chicken)
• Tongs (for easily flipping chicken without piercing)
• Splatter screen (reduces cleanup)

Storage & Reheating Steakhouse Chicken

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• For best reheating results, warm chicken in sauce over low heat in a covered pan
• Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to refresh the sauce
• Avoid microwave reheating if possible (can toughen chicken)

Looking for more culinary inspiration? Check out my collection of elegant dinner ideas on Pinterest where I share all my favorite steakhouse-quality recipes you can make at home!

Flavor Variations for Chicken Christopher

Herb-Forward Steakhouse Chicken

• Add 1 tablespoon each of fresh rosemary and sage to the sauce
• Incorporate 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard for complexity
• Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chives before serving

Creamy Garlic Variation

• Double the garlic for more intense flavor
• Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce
• Substitute half the cream with mascarpone cheese for extra richness

Lemon-Caper Steakhouse Chicken

• Increase lemon juice to 3 tablespoons
• Add 2 tablespoons of rinsed capers to the sauce
• Incorporate 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness

Serving Suggestions for Steakhouse Chicken

This Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher pairs beautifully with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic parmesan risotto to soak up the delicious sauce
• Roasted asparagus or green beans with a light sprinkle of lemon zest
• Glazed carrots with a touch of honey and thyme
• Fresh garden salad with light vinaigrette dressing
• Crusty artisan bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce

For a complete steakhouse experience, serve with:

• Crisp white wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
• Sparkling water with lemon for non-alcoholic option
• Classic steakhouse sides like creamed spinach or roasted mushrooms

FAQs About Steakhouse Chicken Christopher

Can I make this steakhouse chicken recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but for best results, sear the chicken just before serving. The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and gently reheated.

How do I fix chicken that’s too dry?
If your chicken is slightly overcooked, slice it thinly and cover generously with extra sauce. Let it sit in the warm sauce for 5 minutes before serving to reintroduce moisture.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times. Sear as directed, then finish in a 375°F oven until internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 15-20 additional minutes).

Is this steakhouse chicken recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for dredging.

How do I scale this recipe for a crowd?
You can easily double or triple ingredients, but cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Keep finished chicken warm in a 200°F oven while completing batches.

A Steakhouse Experience at Home

Now you have the secret to creating Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher in your own kitchen! This trending chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the steakhouse price tag. The combination of perfectly seared chicken and that luxurious butter sauce creates an elegant dinner recipe main course that’s sure to impress.

Whether you’re planning a special Easter chicken recipe main dish or simply elevating your dinner for tonight, this culinary dinner recipe belongs in your collection of fancy dinner recipes easy enough for any home cook. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for both weeknight cooking and special occasions.

Give this steakhouse chicken recipe a try tonight and join thousands of home cooks who have transformed their dinner tables with this restaurant secret! Remember, the key to perfect Chicken Christopher is in the details—properly seared chicken, high-quality ingredients, and that incredible sauce.