Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher Recipe

Morton’s Steakhouse is known for its impeccable dishes, and one of the standout items on their menu is the Chicken Christopher. This indulgent chicken dish is a perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken breast topped with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce. The sauce, featuring a blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and creamy elements, is the highlight of the dish, creating a depth of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully. If you’re looking to recreate this restaurant-quality meal at home, you’re in the right place. This recipe brings the delicious flavors of Morton’s Steakhouse into your kitchen with easy-to-follow steps that yield a truly memorable meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Restaurant-Quality: Bring the luxurious, restaurant-quality flavors of Morton’s Steakhouse right into your own home.
2. Creamy Mushroom Sauce: The rich and savory mushroom sauce elevates the chicken to a new level of indulgence.
3. Simple Ingredients: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
4. Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a dinner party or a romantic evening at home, this dish is perfect for impressing your guests.
5. Customizable: You can adjust the richness of the sauce to suit your preferences, making it lighter or richer depending on your tastes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup shallots, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Variations

• Mushroom Variety: You can use a mix of mushrooms, like cremini, shiitake, and button mushrooms, for a more complex flavor.
• Herb Options: While fresh thyme is traditional, you can experiment with fresh rosemary or sage for different flavor profiles.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free butter.
• Add a Protein: For a more hearty dish, consider adding crispy bacon bits on top of the chicken for added flavor and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Mushroom Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and browned.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Add Cream and Chicken Broth

Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Add fresh thyme leaves to the sauce and stir well. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You can also add a little more cream for a richer sauce.

Step 6: Return Chicken to the Skillet

Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce and mushrooms over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is fully coated in the sauce, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken to the proper internal temperature (165°F or 75°C) to keep it juicy and tender.
• Creamier Sauce: For an even creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme are essential for the depth of flavor in the sauce. Dried herbs can be used, but fresh is ideal for this dish.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for longer; for a thinner sauce, add a little more chicken broth or wine.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the mushroom sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat and add the chicken before serving.

How to Serve

• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect pairing to soak up the delicious mushroom sauce.
• Over Rice: Serve this chicken dish over steamed rice to absorb the creamy sauce.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, carrots, or green beans would complement the richness of the chicken and sauce.
• With Pasta: Serve the Chicken Christopher with pasta, like fettuccine or linguine, for a satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and mushroom sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before storing.

Freezing

While it’s not ideal to freeze the sauce due to its creaminess, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet, adding fresh sauce if desired.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken and sauce, place it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mushroom sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook the chicken.

3. Can I make this recipe without wine?

Yes, you can substitute white wine with chicken broth or even a splash of lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.

4. What kind of mushrooms should I use?

Cremini mushrooms are commonly used for this dish, but white button mushrooms or a mixture of wild mushrooms can also work well.

5. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use fresh chicken breasts for this recipe, but if using frozen chicken, ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.

6. Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. However, if you want a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are free from gluten.

8. Can I use non-dairy cream?

Yes, you can use a non-dairy cream alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk, for a dairy-free version of this dish.

9. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

10. Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, you can add spinach, peas, or even sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce to give it more texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious, creamy mushroom sauce. With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this classic steakhouse favorite in your own kitchen, perfect for any special occasion or a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.

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