Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher, a dish that will completely elevate your weeknight dinner routine! Imagine juicy chicken thighs seared to golden perfection, bathed in an irresistible garlic-herb butter, and finished with a pop of fresh lemon. Every bite is deeply savory and aromatic, balanced by just the right kick of paprika and a flourish of garden-fresh herbs. Whether you’re serving this for a cozy family meal or a casual dinner party, this crowd-pleaser brings the classic steakhouse experience right to your own kitchen—and it’s easier than you think.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher is all about high-quality, everyday ingredients that come together to make something extraordinary. Each element here plays a role: the chicken is rich and meaty, the herbs are fresh and bright, and the garlic-butter sauce ties it all together with classic steakhouse boldness.

• Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, these keep the dish moist and tender—much more forgiving than chicken breasts.
• Unsalted butter: The creamy backbone of the signature sauce and perfect for basting.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings that unmistakable, mouthwatering aroma and bite.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and bright, herbaceous notes at the end.
• Fresh thyme: Infuses the butter with a woodsy, savory depth.
• Salt and pepper: Simple but crucial—be generous to bring out every flavor.
• Paprika: Gives a subtle warmth and a nice hint of color to the chicken crust.
• Olive oil: Helps the chicken sear beautifully and adds a Mediterranean hint.
• Lemon wedges (optional): For a zesty finish that cuts through the richness—highly recommended!

How to Make Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you turn on the stove, take a moment to prep everything. Mince four cloves of fresh garlic, finely chop the parsley and thyme, and pat your chicken thighs dry. Generously sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and paprika for a savory, smoky crust. This upfront work makes the rest of the process a breeze—mise en place is your best friend!

Step 2: Preheat Your Skillet

Grab your largest skillet and get it warming over medium-high heat. Splash in a tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat until shimmering but not smoking. This ensures your chicken gets that beautiful caramelized crust right out of the gate.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet, smooth side down. Listen for that delightful sizzle! Let them sear undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes to develop deep color and flavor. Resist the urge to move them around—you want that perfect golden crust that Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher is famous for.

Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking

Once golden, flip each piece with care and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the thighs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Patience pays off—each side should be nicely browned and the chicken tender inside.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Butter

Turn the heat down to medium. Scoot the chicken to one side of the skillet, creating space to add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and all that aromatic minced garlic. Stir frequently as the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

Step 6: Incorporate the Herbs

Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and thyme right into the garlicky butter. The herbs will release their flavors and turn the simple butter into a lush, aromatic sauce that’s the heart of Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher.

Step 7: Baste the Chicken

With a big spoon, generously baste each thigh with the bubbling garlic-herb butter. Let them soak up all the savory, herby goodness for another minute, which keeps the meat succulent and packed with flavor.

Step 8: Rest the Chicken

Take the skillet off the heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This short pause ensures the juices redistribute throughout the meat for ultimate tenderness—it’s the secret to steakhouse-level results at home.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Transfer the chicken thighs to a serving plate and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the skillet on top. Add fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over just before serving. The acidity brightens all those intense, buttery flavors—promise, you’ll want every last drizzle!

How to Serve Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher

Garnishes

For that steakhouse flair, a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving makes Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher look as good as it tastes. Lemon wedges bring a zesty burst, and if you’re feeling extra, a light dusting of flaky sea salt is chef’s kiss.

Side Dishes

Serve this showstopper alongside classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad. The rich, garlicky butter sauce begs to be sopped up with a crusty piece of bread or spooned over rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging sliced chicken thighs atop a bed of creamy polenta or garlic noodles for a fresh steakhouse twist. Or, cut the chicken into strips and pile them in a sandwich roll, drizzled with extra herby butter for an unforgettable sandwich experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooled chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher holds up beautifully for up to 3 days and makes a fabulously flavorful reheated lunch.

Freezing

Though it’s best fresh, you can freeze Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher for up to one month. Cool it completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and pour the garlic-butter sauce over the chicken to keep everything moist upon reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, spooning the sauce over as it warms. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken broth will prevent the meat from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well in Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher; just be careful not to overcook them, as they dry out more easily than thighs. Consider pounding them to an even thickness for consistent results.

How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

The best way is to check with a meat thermometer—when the thickest part of the thigh hits 165°F (75°C), you’re good to go! Juices should run clear, and the meat should feel firm to the touch but still juicy.

Can I substitute dried herbs if I don’t have fresh?

You can! Use about one-third the amount—dried herbs are much more concentrated. For Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher, dried parsley and thyme will still deliver flavor, but fresh herbs brighten the dish in a unique way.

What kind of skillet is best for this recipe?

A heavy-duty skillet, like cast iron or stainless steel, is perfect for getting that gorgeous sear on the chicken and evenly distributing heat. Nonstick will work, but you may not get quite the same deep browning.

Is Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher spicy?

Not at all! The paprika adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color, but this dish is mild. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne when seasoning the chicken.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re new to cooking or a steakhouse regular, Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher is a recipe you’ll want to add to your favorites. It’s simple, deeply flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how easy it is to bring steakhouse magic to your own table!

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