Chicken Christopher from Morton's Steakhouse features tender, grilled chicken breast smothered in a rich, buttery lemon-caper sauce, topped with sauteed shrimp and fresh herbs, presenting a savory and elegant dish with vibrant flavors and a golden-brown finish.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Meat mallet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Shallow dish or plate (for dredging)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer or reamer
- Microplane or zester
- Spoon (for basting or serving sauce)
- Plate (for resting cooked chicken/shrimp)
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Use fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to achieve the bright, tangy flavor essential to the lemon-caper sauce in Chicken Christopher. Ensure shrimp are peeled and deveined for a tender, clean bite that complements the grilled chicken breast. The combination of unsalted butter, olive oil, and garlic creates the rich base for the sauce, while dry white wine and chicken broth add depth and moisture. It's important to season the all-purpose flour with kosher salt and black pepper before dredging the chicken to enhance the overall taste. Your efforts will result in a delicious, copycat version of Chicken Christopher from Morton's Steakhouse that captures its signature savory and elegant flavors.
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts on cutting board and gently pound to even 1/2-inch thickness with meat mallet.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove cooked chicken from skillet and set aside on plate.
- Add shrimp to skillet, cooking 1-2 minutes per side until just pink; remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium; add remaining butter and minced garlic to skillet.
- Sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Deglaze pan with white wine, scraping up browned bits.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and capers; simmer sauce 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Return chicken breasts to skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer 2 minutes to reheat.
- Nestle shrimp atop chicken; spoon extra sauce over both.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Transfer to serving platter and serve immediately.
Substitution
Chicken Christopher from Morton's Steakhouse copycat menu combines grilled chicken breasts with a buttery lemon-caper sauce, topped with sauteed shrimp and fresh herbs for a bright, savory meal. When preparing this dish, you can substitute dry white wine with dry vermouth or additional chicken broth if preferred. If fresh lemon juice is unavailable, bottled lemon juice may be used, though the flavor will be less vibrant. You can use frozen shrimp if fresh shrimp aren't accessible, just be sure to thaw and pat them dry to ensure proper sauteing. Tending the chicken and shrimp carefully with tongs during cooking helps maintain the golden-brown finish and delivers the rich textures this recipe promises to your kitchen.
Tips
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness ensures uniform cooking and prevents undercooked centers. When dredging the chicken in flour, shake off excess to avoid a clumpy coating that can interfere with a crispy crust. Use medium-high heat for searing the chicken to achieve a golden-brown finish without overcooking. Rest the cooked chicken and shrimp briefly on a plate to allow juices to redistribute before returning to the skillet for sauce glazing, keeping your dish moist and flavorful.
Nutritions
Chicken Christopher offers a balanced source of lean protein, with chicken breasts providing approximately 26 grams of protein per serving, essential for muscle repair and growth. The olive oil and unsalted butter contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats while adding flavor and richness to the dish. Shrimp adds additional protein along with important nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Your meal also benefits from antioxidants and vitamin C found in fresh lemon juice, capers, and parsley, which support immune health and enhance overall flavor.
Storage
To store leftover Chicken Christopher, place the chicken and shrimp with the buttery lemon-caper sauce in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3 days to ensure optimal flavor and food safety. When reheating, use a stovetop skillet over low heat, gently warming while spooning extra sauce to keep the dish moist and flavorful for your enjoyment.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute shrimp with scallops or crab meat for a different seafood twist that complements the lemon-caper sauce. Instead of white wine, try using dry vermouth or a splash of sherry to add a subtle complexity to the sauce. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or cornstarch for dredging the chicken. Consider grilling the chicken and shrimp instead of pan-searing to impart a smoky flavor and preserve juiciness.
Allergies
Chicken Christopher contains shellfish from the sauteed shrimp, which is a common allergen that can cause severe reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes dairy from unsalted butter, which may affect those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. Be sure to inform your server if you have any allergies to seafood or dairy before ordering this meal.
Why this recipe?
Morton's Steakhouse Chicken Christopher menu is beloved for its tender herb-grilled chicken paired with a rich, tangy lemon caper sauce that enhances the savory flavors. Its perfectly balanced seasoning and succulent texture offer a gourmet dining experience that you can recreate at home to impress your guests. Replicating this dish allows you to enjoy a high-end meal with fresh ingredients tailored to your taste preferences. This makes the Chicken Christopher both a flavorful indulgence and a rewarding culinary project.