If you’ve ever dined at Morton’s Steakhouse, chances are you’ve tasted—or at least heard whispers about—their legendary Chicken Christopher. This standout dish is everything you’d expect from a top-tier steakhouse: tender chicken, crunchy breadcrumbs, and a garlic butter sauce so flavorful, it practically demands a second helping.
In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to recreate Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher recipe at home. With step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and FAQs, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality chicken in no time.
What is Chicken Christopher?
Chicken Christopher is a pan-fried chicken breast coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, served over a rich garlic butter cream sauce. It’s simple yet decadent—tender, crispy chicken cutlets bathed in a velvety sauce made with garlic, white wine, butter, and cream.
The magic of Chicken Christopher lies in that garlic cream sauce. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you grab a spoon once the chicken is gone. And yes, it’s that good.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Capture the elegance of Morton’s without the hefty bill.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults both devour this.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Ideal for date nights, dinner parties, or even Sunday dinners.
- Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or serve over pasta.
Ingredients for Chicken Christopher
Here’s everything you’ll need to replicate this steakhouse favorite:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (Italian-style)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for pan-frying)
For the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (like Chardonnay)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pound the Chicken Thin: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thickness.
- Season Both Sides: Sprinkle with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Three Shallow Dishes:
- Dish 1: Flour.
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs.
- Dish 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Coat in flour.
- Dip into egg.
- Press into breadcrumb mixture. Ensure full coverage.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
- Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet (wipe out excess oil but leave the browned bits), melt butter over medium-low heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any bits.
- Let the wine reduce by half (about 3–4 minutes).
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Optional: Add chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Plate the crispy chicken.
- Spoon a generous amount of garlic butter sauce over each piece.
- Serve hot—preferably with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Christopher
- Use Fresh Garlic: Don’t substitute with powder—fresh garlic is key to the sauce’s signature flavor.
- Pound Chicken Evenly: This ensures it cooks evenly and quickly.
- Let the Sauce Simmer: Don’t rush this step; it allows the cream and wine to meld perfectly.
- Double the Sauce: Trust us—you’ll want more of it. It’s perfect over pasta or vegetables.
Suggested Sides to Serve
Make it a full Morton’s-style meal with these steakhouse-worthy sides:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Creamed Spinach
- Steamed Asparagus
- Buttered Egg Noodles
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
And of course, a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon is the perfect finishing touch.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: For juicier meat, use boneless thighs instead of breasts.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and add to the sauce.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Christopher ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven and make the sauce fresh when serving.
Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a wire rack for crispier texture.
What wine is best for the sauce?
A dry white wine like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio works best.
Is Chicken Christopher served at all Morton’s locations?
While menu offerings can vary, Chicken Christopher is a classic and has been featured for years at many locations. It’s a fan favorite.
Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
This Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher recipe delivers everything you love about dining out—elegance, flavor, and comfort—right at home. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight meal, the crispy chicken and buttery garlic sauce combo will impress every time.
It’s easy to see why this dish has stood the test of time on the Morton’s menu. Once you taste it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation.
So go ahead—light a few candles, pour yourself a glass of wine, and enjoy the Chicken Christopher experience at home.