Chicken Christopher

Golden seared chicken breasts nestled in a velvety white wine cream sauce that's infused with fresh herbs and tender mushrooms. This recreation of Morton's Steakhouse's famous Chicken Christopher transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that feels like dining out while staying in. The luxurious sauce creates the perfect balance of richness and delicate herb flavors that complement the juicy chicken without overwhelming it.

I first attempted to recreate this dish after a memorable anniversary dinner at Morton's where my husband couldn't stop raving about his Chicken Christopher. The waiter had mentioned the basic ingredients, and I was determined to surprise my husband with it at home. After a few tries, I perfected this version that he swears tastes even better than the original. Now it's our go-to impressive dinner when we want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect Ingredients for Chicken Christopher

• Boneless chicken breasts: Look for ones of even thickness or pound them yourself; this ensures they cook evenly and remain tender
• Fresh garlic: Mince it yourself for the brightest flavor; the tiny bits infuse the sauce with gentle warmth
• Cremini mushrooms: Their earthy flavor adds depth to the sauce; slice them evenly for consistent cooking
• Dry white wine: Choose something you'd actually drink; Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work beautifully
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth while keeping the sauce from being too heavy; low-sodium allows better seasoning control
• Heavy cream: Creates that signature silky texture that defines the dish; don't substitute with lighter alternatives
• Fresh herbs: The combination of thyme and rosemary brings aromatic complexity; use fresh if possible for the brightest flavor
• Good quality butter: The richness is essential to building flavor; European-style butter with higher fat content works best

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I've found that using chicken breasts with the tenderloin still attached helps keep the meat juicy during cooking. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch for the best results.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Prepare the chicken properly – Pat 4 boneless chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures a beautiful golden sear rather than steaming the meat. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, pressing the seasonings gently into the meat.

Step 2:

Create the perfect sear – Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the chicken in the pan without crowding (work in batches if necessary) and cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until a gorgeous golden crust forms. Resist the urge to move the chicken too early! Flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes until just cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3:

Build your flavor base – In the same skillet without wiping it clean (those browned bits are flavor gold!), reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and 2 minced garlic cloves. Season with a pinch of salt to help the mushrooms release their moisture. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are golden and the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Step 4:

Create the sauce – Pour in 1 cup of dry white wine and 1 cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step is essential for developing deep flavor in your sauce. Add 1 teaspoon each of fresh chopped rosemary and thyme (or ½ teaspoon each if using dried). Bring to a simmer and let it reduce by about one-third, roughly 5 minutes.

Step 5:

Reunite the chicken with the sauce – Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover partially with a lid, and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes. This allows the chicken to soak up the flavors while staying tender and juicy.

Step 6:

Finish with cream – Uncover and pour in ½ cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate it into the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, remembering that the sauce will continue to reduce slightly before serving.

Step 7:

Rest and serve with care – Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a few minutes. This allows the sauce to settle and the flavors to meld perfectly. Transfer chicken to warmed plates and spoon the luxurious sauce generously over the top, making sure to include plenty of mushrooms. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme for a beautiful presentation.

Step 8:

Pair with complementary sides – Serve with simple steamed broccoli or asparagus and perhaps some crusty bread for soaking up every drop of that incredible sauce. The bright green vegetables provide a perfect color contrast to the creamy sauce.

The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Results

What makes this homemade version truly special is the layering of flavors. By cooking each component in the same pan, you build complexity that mimics what you'd find at a high-end steakhouse. The sauce gets its depth from the fond (those browned bits from searing the chicken), the mushrooms' earthiness, the wine's acidity, and the herbs' aromatics – all mellowed by the richness of cream.

The first time I served this to guests, they were convinced I had spent hours in the kitchen or ordered takeout from an upscale restaurant. Little did they know that most of the cooking time was hands-off, allowing me to enjoy their company while dinner seemingly made itself.

Perfect Pairings to Complete Your Meal

While this chicken is undoubtedly the star of the show, I've found that simple sides complement it best. A bright green vegetable like steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus provides lovely color contrast and a clean flavor that balances the richness of the sauce. For a starch, crusty bread is my go-to, but garlic mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles would be equally delicious for soaking up that incredible sauce.

For a special occasion, start with a simple Caesar salad and end with a light dessert like berries and whipped cream. The entire meal will feel like dining at Morton's without the hefty price tag.

My husband, who normally reaches for steak on restaurant menus, now regularly requests this chicken instead. He says the sauce is so good he'd be happy eating it with a spoon if the chicken wasn't there to give him an excuse. That's how I know this recipe is truly restaurant-worthy.

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I'll never forget the first time I made this for my mother-in-law, who prides herself on her cooking. She took one bite, put down her fork, and asked for the recipe before continuing her meal. Coming from a woman who rarely uses recipes that aren't her own, I considered it the highest form of culinary praise. There's something deeply satisfying about creating a dish that appears so sophisticated yet comes together with such little effort – that's the true magic of this Chicken Christopher.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of white wine works best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay works best for this sauce. Choose a wine you'd enjoy drinking, as the flavor will concentrate in the sauce. If you prefer to cook without alcohol, you can substitute with additional chicken broth and a tablespoon of lemon juice.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute and often result in more tender, juicy meat. They may require slightly longer cooking time - about 8-10 minutes per side initially, and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

→ How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?

If your sauce needs thickening, simmer it a bit longer uncovered to reduce, or mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and it will thicken within a minute or two.

→ What sides pair well with Chicken Christopher?

Besides the suggested broccoli, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or buttered pasta to soak up the delicious sauce. For vegetables, asparagus, green beans, or a simple garden salad also complement the creamy chicken nicely.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish up to a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Cream sauces can separate when reheated too quickly, so use gentle heat and stir frequently.