This Chicken Christopher dish features juicy chicken topped with a rich blend of mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a savory sauce. It’s comfort food with a fancy twist!
You won’t believe how quickly this dish can impress your dinner guests! I love serving it with mashed potatoes for a cozy meal that feels like a special occasion. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts provide great flavor and moisture. If you prefer, boneless chicken thighs can be a tender substitute. They’re also flavorful and cook up nicely!
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for that extra crunch. Turkey bacon can work too if you want a leaner option. Just cook it until it’s crispy!
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms shine here with their earthy flavor, but button mushrooms or even shiitake can work well too. Use what you have on hand to keep it simple!
Heavy cream: For a lighter option, you could substitute half-and-half, but keep in mind it won’t be as rich. Cashew cream or oat cream are great dairy-free alternatives.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can sometimes be tricky, but the key is to monitor the internal temperature closely. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C).
- If you don’t have a meat thermometer, make a small cut in the thickest part; the juices should run clear, not pink.
- Simmer the chicken in the sauce once browned. This allows the flavors to meld while fully cooking the chicken.
By following these steps, your chicken will be juicy and full of flavor, just like at the restaurant! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Morton’s Steakhouse Chicken Christopher
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 4 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
- 1 cup cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Optional Sides:
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed greens
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 45 minutes total. You can expect around 10 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a cozy evening or when you want to impress guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper for great flavor.
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts skin-side down in the skillet. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Then, flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Once browned, take them out and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce Base:
Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the butter. As it melts, toss in the minced shallot and garlic. Sauté these until they’re fragrant and translucent, around 2-3 minutes.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Now, pour in the white wine. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine reduce by about half, which takes about 3 minutes.
5. Add Broth and Cream:
Next, stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing those flavors to combine.
6. Add Mushrooms and Bacon:
Now it’s time to stir in the sliced mushrooms and crumbled bacon. Let this cook for 3-4 minutes so the mushrooms soften and the dish becomes aromatic.
7. Finish Cooking the Chicken:
Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
8. Serve:
Plate your chicken breasts and generously spoon the flavorful sauce with mushrooms and bacon on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. Pair it with mashed potatoes and steamed greens if you like!
Enjoy this rich, indulgent meal that brings the steakhouse experience right to your kitchen!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Breasts Instead?
Yes, you can! Boneless chicken breasts will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes in the simmering sauce to ensure they don’t dry out. Just be sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with more chicken broth or a mix of chicken broth and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. Keep in mind that this might slightly change the flavor profile, but it will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Chicken Christopher in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken with the sauce! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove until heated through.
