This Chicken Christopher recipe is a classic from Morton’s Steakhouse—a buttery, garlicky, pan-fried chicken dish that tastes fancy but is surprisingly simple to make at home.
It’s all about golden-browned chicken cutlets topped with a rich garlic butter sauce and finished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Elegant, yes—but still totally family-approved!
I’ve made this version for everything from Sunday dinners to date-night-in meals when we didn’t want to spend a fortune eating out. And every time, it’s a hit with both the grown-ups and the kiddos (who usually end up dipping everything in the buttery garlic sauce).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough for guests or celebrations. The flavors are clean and classic: buttery garlic, a little lemon, and crispy pan-seared chicken.
Plus, it’s super versatile! Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or even steamed rice. And leftovers reheat beautifully the next day.
What You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for sauce)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
Pro Tips
- Pound chicken evenly to about ½-inch thick so it cooks quickly and evenly.
- Use fresh garlic for the best, most aromatic sauce—jarred won’t give the same flavor.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice—it balances the butter and adds a pop of brightness.
- Keep the pan at medium heat—you want golden, not burnt.
- Make it kid-friendly: serve with pasta or bread for dipping in the extra sauce!
Tools You’ll Need
- Meat mallet (or rolling pin)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large nonstick skillet
- Citrus juicer
- Tongs or spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour for dredging.
- Dairy-free: Substitute plant-based butter for both the frying and sauce.
- Chicken thighs: You can use boneless thighs—just adjust the cook time slightly.
- Add herbs: A little thyme or rosemary in the sauce makes it feel even more gourmet.
Make Ahead Tips
You can flatten and season the chicken in advance, storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The garlic butter sauce can also be made earlier and gently reheated before serving.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then lightly dredge in flour, shaking off the excess.
2. Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Add 6 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic. Stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then add lemon juice and parsley. Stir gently to combine.
4. Assemble and Serve
Place chicken on plates or a serving platter. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top and garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.
Leftovers and Storage
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave, but do so gently in 30-second intervals.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes, but it won’t have the same crispy edges. Pan-frying gives the signature golden crust, but baking at 400°F for 20 minutes works too.
Q: What’s the best side dish for Chicken Christopher?
Mashed potatoes, angel hair pasta, or a side of roasted green beans all go beautifully with it.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Christopher?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to a month. Make the sauce fresh when serving.
Q: How do I make it less buttery for younger kids?
Use half the butter in the sauce and add a splash of low-sodium chicken broth to lighten it up.
You’re Going to Love This One
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something indulgent at home, Chicken Christopher is pure comfort food with a restaurant-quality finish.
It’s simple, full of flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. I’d love to know if you give it a try—leave a comment below and tell me how it went, or share any tweaks you made!
Ready for the next dinner winner? Let’s cook something amazing together again soon!