If you’re a fan of rich, creamy chicken dishes, Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher is a must-try. This delicious chicken entrée has been a long-time favorite at Morton’s, known for its melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the meat. What makes this dish so extraordinary is the combination of fresh ingredients—chicken, mushrooms, spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a luxurious and indulgent meal that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home, giving you a taste of fine dining right in your own kitchen.
The Chicken Christopher recipe features perfectly pan-seared chicken breasts that are then smothered in a velvety sauce made with cream, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices. Topped with sautéed spinach and mushrooms, this dish is a feast for the senses. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or just treat yourself to something special, Chicken Christopher is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting yet elegant meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Restaurant-Quality at Home
This recipe brings the elegance of a steakhouse meal into your own kitchen, allowing you to recreate a delicious dish that’s typically reserved for dining out.
2. Rich and Flavorful Sauce
The creamy sauce, made with Parmesan cheese and a blend of seasonings, adds a luxurious touch to the dish, enveloping the chicken in rich flavor.
3. Perfectly Tender Chicken
The chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and remain juicy and tender, making each bite melt in your mouth.
4. Versatile Pairing Options
Chicken Christopher pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
5. Easy to Make
Despite its gourmet appearance, this dish is relatively simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, making it ideal for both novice and seasoned home cooks.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh spinach
- Fresh mushrooms (cremini or white button)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- White wine (optional)
- Chicken broth
- Butter
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Variations
- Add Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top of the chicken before serving.
- Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with a large portobello mushroom cap for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Herb Twist: Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the sauce for a more aromatic, herbal flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Sauté the mushrooms and garlic until the mushrooms are browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and white wine (if using). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Once the sauce begins to thicken, stir in the Parmesan cheese and continue simmering until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is coated in the sauce and heated through, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken breasts just until they’re golden on the outside and no longer pink in the center. Overcooking can result in dry chicken.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you find the sauce too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and mushrooms will yield the best flavor and texture in this dish.
- Make it Ahead: If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving.
- For Extra Creaminess: If you love creamy sauces, you can stir in a bit more cream or add a dollop of cream cheese for extra richness.
How to Serve
Chicken Christopher pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or buttered noodles. The rich sauce also complements roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or carrots. For a lighter option, serve with a fresh green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, will complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Christopher in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
If you wish to freeze the dish, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately. After cooking, let both the chicken and sauce cool completely, then transfer them to freezer-safe containers. The chicken can be stored for up to 3 months, and the sauce will keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken and sauce, warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a little more cream or broth to help smooth out the sauce. Be sure not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish without white wine?
Yes, you can omit the white wine and use additional chicken broth instead. The wine adds a bit of acidity and depth, but the dish will still taste great without it.
2. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this dish and can add even more moisture and flavor.
3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
You can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C), or you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or even zucchini to the sauté mix for added flavor and texture.
5. Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
While fresh spinach is recommended for the best flavor, you can use frozen spinach if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.
6. Can I make this dish in advance?
You can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time and then combine them just before serving. Reheat gently on the stove to avoid overcooking the chicken.
7. Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like Romano, Asiago, or even mozzarella, though Parmesan gives the best flavor and texture for this dish.
8. Can I make this dish without mushrooms?
If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can leave them out or substitute them with other vegetables like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.
9. Is there a vegetarian version of Chicken Christopher?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by using large portobello mushroom caps in place of the chicken. The creamy sauce and sautéed spinach will complement the mushrooms beautifully.
10. Can I freeze the sauce separately?
Yes, the sauce can be frozen separately. It will need to be re-warmed with a little added cream or broth when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce, sautéed spinach, and mushrooms. With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a gourmet meal, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
PrintMorton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher is a luxurious and flavorful dish, featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a rich, creamy sauce made from sautéed mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a hint of sherry. The dish is elegantly finished with a melt-in-your-mouth finish, making it a standout favorite. This classic recipe brings the sophistication and depth of Morton’s Steakhouse into your own kitchen.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 1/2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (preferably cremini or button mushrooms)
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3/4 cup chicken broth
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1/4 cup dry sherry
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
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Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each breast lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
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Cook the Chicken:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables:
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In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
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Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
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Make the Sauce:
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Add the chicken broth and dry sherry to the pan, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
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Stir in the heavy cream and thyme, and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
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Finish the Dish:
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Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the mushroom sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to reheat and absorb the flavors.
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Serve:
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Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish. Serve the chicken with the creamy mushroom sauce on top, paired with your favorite side dish, such as mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables.
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Notes
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If you don’t have dry sherry, you can substitute it with white wine or a splash of brandy for a similar flavor.
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This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes or a light salad.
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For a lower-fat version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be a little less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Chicken
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Steakhouse