You’re in for a treat with this homemade version of Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher—a restaurant-style dish that brings buttery, garlicky, lemony magic straight to your dinner table. It’s elegant enough to serve on a special occasion but simple enough to whip up for a cozy weeknight dinner. Think tender, pan-fried chicken cutlets topped with a rich garlic butter sauce, finished with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. And yes, it’s totally halal-friendly.
Morton’s might be famous for their steaks, but Chicken Christopher has quietly become a cult favorite—and once you try it, you’ll see why. It’s light, bright, comforting, and full of flavor, with a velvety sauce that tastes like something you’d get in a white-tablecloth restaurant. The first time I made this at home, it was for a date-night-in dinner—and now, it’s one of our go-to meals for when we want something “fancy” without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and buttery: The lemon garlic butter sauce is rich without being heavy.
- Crispy pan-fried chicken: Lightly breaded and golden, with a tender, juicy interior.
- Fast but elegant: Ready in about 30 minutes—no oven required.
- Restaurant-quality at home: Tastes like a $30 plate but costs a fraction to make.
- Halal-friendly: No wine, no pork, and made with simple, clean ingredients.
This is the kind of recipe that’ll make you feel like a chef in your own kitchen—and it’s surprisingly easy to master.
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: Serves 4
Calories per serving: 420
Protein: 38g | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 25g
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even ½-inch thickness
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain with ½ tsp Italian seasoning)
- 3 tbsp olive oil or neutral oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- Juice of 1 lemon (plus wedges for serving)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
Optional garnish: Extra parsley, lemon zest, or grated Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch) so they cook evenly.
- Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- Place flour in one shallow bowl.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water.
- In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Chicken
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, then press into the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Set aside on a plate while you prepare the pan.
4. Pan-Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add breaded chicken to the skillet and cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from pan and keep warm (cover with foil or place in a warm oven).
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small saucepan (or wipe out your skillet and reuse), melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
- Stir in lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and chopped parsley.
- Taste and adjust: more lemon for tang, more butter for richness, or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
How to Serve
- Over pasta: Spoon the garlic butter sauce over linguine or angel hair for a full meal.
- With mashed potatoes: The sauce makes an amazing gravy-style drizzle.
- Alongside veggies: Try sautéed green beans, roasted asparagus, or garlic spinach.
- Over rice or couscous: Perfect for soaking up the buttery lemon sauce.
- With a side salad: A crisp arugula or romaine salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
Additional Tips for Success
- Use thin chicken: Even thickness ensures even cooking and better texture.
- Don’t crowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed so it crisps instead of steaming.
- Fresh lemon only: Bottled juice won’t give the same brightness.
- Use real butter: It’s the star of the sauce, so go for good quality if you can.
- Keep it warm: If you’re cooking in batches, place cooked chicken on a wire rack in a 200°F oven to stay crispy.
Recipe Variations
- Add mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter before adding the garlic for an earthy twist.
- Creamy version: Add a splash of cream to the garlic butter sauce for a luxurious finish.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for breading.
- Herb twist: Swap parsley for fresh basil or thyme for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes:
- Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
- Herbed couscous
- Parmesan risotto
- Lemon rice pilaf
- Drinks:
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Cucumber-mint mocktail
- Light iced tea with honey and citrus
- Dessert ideas:
- Lemon bars
- Berry shortcake
- Creamy panna cotta (halal, no gelatin)
Freezing and Storage
To Store:
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Store sauce separately for best results.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to keep the breading crisp.
To Freeze:
- Breaded chicken can be frozen before cooking—place on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven until hot and crispy.
- Sauce is best fresh, but can be made ahead and gently rewarmed.
Special Equipment
- Meat mallet or rolling pin: To pound the chicken evenly.
- Nonstick skillet or stainless steel pan: For the best crust and even browning.
- Zester or microplane: For adding a little lemon zest to garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Christopher?
It’s a lightly breaded chicken dish from Morton’s Steakhouse, served with a garlic butter lemon sauce and often paired with pasta or mashed potatoes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Cook just before serving for best texture.
Can I bake it instead of frying?
You can bake it at 400°F for 20–25 minutes on a rack over a baking sheet, but the crust won’t be quite as golden.
What cut of chicken works best?
Boneless breasts are ideal, but you could use thighs if you prefer—they’ll be juicier, just slightly less elegant.
Is this dish halal?
Yes! Just be sure to use halal-certified chicken and avoid any sauces with wine or alcohol. This version is completely halal-friendly.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the sauce its richness and flavor. Margarine can be used in a pinch, but it won’t taste quite the same.
What do I do with extra sauce?
It’s delicious over pasta, veggies, rice, or even as a dip for bread.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for breading.
Can I use chicken tenders or cutlets?
Yes—just reduce the cook time by a few minutes.
Can I add cheese to the sauce?
You can stir in grated Parmesan at the end for a cheesy finish.
Conclusion
Morton’s Chicken Christopher is one of those timeless, craveable dishes that feels fancy but is secretly easy to pull off. That crispy golden chicken with the garlicky lemon butter sauce? It’s pure restaurant magic—right in your own kitchen.
Try it for a date night, family dinner, or whenever you want to impress someone (including yourself). If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your creation on Instagram or leave a comment with your own twist on this classic.
