Ever wondered what that mouth-watering chicken dish with the fancy name is all about? I’ve been cooking Chicken Christopher for years and I’m excited to share everything I know about this culinary delight that has everyone talking.
Chicken Christopher is a luxurious dish featuring tender chicken breast coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, pan-fried to golden perfection and topped with a rich garlic butter sauce. Originally popularized by Morton’s Steakhouse, this dish has become a beloved classic that combines simple ingredients to create an impressive meal worthy of special occasions.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this delicious creation from its origins to how you can make it at home tonight!
What Exactly is Chicken Christopher?
Chicken Christopher isn’t your ordinary chicken recipe It’s a culinary masterpiece that features
- Breaded chicken cutlets (usually boneless chicken breasts)
- A creamy, rich garlic butter sauce
- Mushrooms and artichoke hearts in many variations
- Sometimes asparagus for added color and nutrition
- Often finished with melted cheese for extra decadence
What makes Chicken Christopher special is its versatility. While there’s a classic version associated with Morton’s Steakhouse, the dish allows for personal creativity, with each chef adding their own unique spin.
The Mysterious Origins of Chicken Christopher
The exact origins of Chicken Christopher remain somewhat mysterious. While Morton’s Steakhouse is famous for their version, the dish’s name has an interesting story.
According to some sources, it’s named after Christopher J. Perry, who was a co-founder of Morton’s Steakhouse and apparently had a great love for chicken dishes. This tribute to his legacy has become a customer favorite over the years.
However, other food historians suggest the name might have emerged organically – perhaps from a chef named Christopher who first combined these flavors, or simply as a catchy alliteration that stuck.
Regardless of its exact origins, what’s clear is that Chicken Christopher represents a delicious fusion of flavors that has stood the test of time.
The Key Components of Chicken Christopher
The Chicken
The foundation of this dish is boneless chicken breasts that are:
- Cut horizontally or pounded thin (about 1/4 inch thickness)
- Seasoned with salt and pepper
- Coated in flour, dipped in egg, and then covered in seasoned breadcrumbs
- Pan-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
The Signature Sauce
The magic of Chicken Christopher truly lies in its sauce, which typically includes:
- Butter (and lots of it!)
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- White wine
- Shallots
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
- Mushrooms and artichoke hearts (in many variations)
This creamy, rich sauce brings everything together, creating a luxurious coating that takes the chicken to new heights.
How To Make Chicken Christopher at Home
I’ve made this dish countless times, and while it might seem fancy, it’s actually pretty straightforward! Here’s my simplified approach:
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Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breasts horizontally, pound them thin, and season with salt and pepper.
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Create the coating: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs (with parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder).
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Coat and cook: Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs, then pan-fry in butter until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
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Make the sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic and shallots, deglaze with white wine, then add cream, lemon juice, and butter. Stir until thickened.
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Serve: Place chicken over pasta or your preferred side, drizzle with the sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.
The result is a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it!
Variations of Chicken Christopher
One of the beautiful things about Chicken Christopher is how adaptable it is. Here are some popular variations:
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Artichoke and Mushroom Version: Adding sautéed mushrooms and artichoke hearts to the sauce creates a more complex flavor profile.
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Cheesy Chicken Christopher: Some recipes call for topping the chicken with mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan cheese and melting it before serving.
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Lighter Version: For a healthier take, you can bake the chicken instead of frying and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Spicy Chicken Christopher: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick of heat.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with dietary restrictions.
I personally love adding a bit of spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition and a pop of color!
What to Serve with Chicken Christopher
Chicken Christopher pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Pasta: The classic choice is linguine or fettuccine to soak up that amazing sauce
- Mashed potatoes: For ultimate comfort food vibes
- Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts balance the richness
- Fresh salad: A light side salad with vinaigrette provides nice contrast
- Crusty bread: Essential for mopping up every last bit of sauce!
Why You’ll Love Making Chicken Christopher
There are so many reasons to add this dish to your cooking repertoire:
- Impressive presentation: Looks like you spent hours in the kitchen
- Versatile: Can be dressed up for special occasions or simplified for weeknight dinners
- Crowd-pleaser: The combination of crispy chicken and creamy sauce is irresistible
- Make-ahead friendly: Components can be prepared in advance
- Restaurant-quality: Saves you money while letting you enjoy fine dining at home
Common Questions About Chicken Christopher
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be more flavorful and tender, though they’ll take slightly longer to cook. Just make sure they’re boneless and you pound them to an even thickness.
What wine works best in the sauce?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works perfectly. The sauce needs the acidity to balance the richness of the cream and butter. Don’t want to use alcohol? Substitute chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice.
Can I make Chicken Christopher ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken and prepare the sauce components ahead of time, then assemble and cook right before serving. The completed dish is best enjoyed fresh, as reheating might make the chicken less crispy.
Is Chicken Christopher gluten-free?
The traditional recipe isn’t gluten-free due to the flour and breadcrumbs, but you can easily adapt it using gluten-free alternatives for both.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to help maintain some crispiness in the chicken.
The Perfect Chicken Christopher: Tips from My Kitchen
After making this dish countless times, I’ve picked up some tricks:
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Temperature matters: Bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking for more even results.
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Don’t rush the sauce: Let it reduce properly to develop full flavor and the right consistency.
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Fresh ingredients make a difference: Especially fresh garlic and parsley.
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Serve immediately: This dish is at its absolute best when freshly made.
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Proper seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper in both the breadcrumb mixture and the sauce.
Final Thoughts on Chicken Christopher
Chicken Christopher is one of those special dishes that manages to be both elegant and comforting at the same time. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this dish delivers every time.
The combination of crispy, tender chicken with that velvety garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile enough that you can make it your own by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables.
So next time you’re looking to impress someone (or just treat yourself), give Chicken Christopher a try. I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your household just like it has in mine!
How to Store Leftovers?
To save any extra chicken and sauce, let them cool down first. Put them in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If you want to save them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 weeks. When you’re ready to eat them, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then warm them up gently on the stove while stirring.
Watch Now: How to Make Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher Recipe!
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Just to clarify, I didn’t serve the chicken with the sauce. I made the sauce, but when serving, I served the chicken alone with some roasted vegetables I prepared. My husband enjoyed the juicy sauce on his plate, while I preferred to enjoy the flavorful chicken with veggies for a light dinner. Overall, the experience was fun and enjoyable.
Making vegetables alongside the Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher is optional, and there are many side dishes you can choose from. I always love serving chicken breasts with these kinds of sides because it makes the meal feel cozy and guilt-free for me. At least, that’s how I feel.