Festive Copycat Morton’s Chicken

Christmas Chicken Breast Recipes Idea

Introduction

When the holidays arrive, there’s a special kind of magic in the kitchen. It’s the season of comfort, warmth, and meals that feel a little more special than usual. This Festive Copycat: Morton’s Chicken recipe captures exactly that spirit. Inspired by the iconic chicken dish served at Morton’s Steakhouse, this recipe brings restaurant-style elegance into your home with surprisingly simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Morton’s is known for classic, timeless dishes that focus on quality ingredients and flawless execution. Their chicken is no exception. Tender, pan-seared chicken breasts are coated lightly in flour, cooked in butter and olive oil, then finished in a rich, silky garlic cream sauce with white wine and chicken stock. The result is a dish that feels luxurious without being heavy, making it perfect for Christmas dinners, festive gatherings, or any night when you want something comforting yet refined.

This recipe works beautifully as a holiday main course because it’s elegant enough to impress guests, yet approachable enough for home cooks of all skill levels. It’s also versatile. Serve it with classic sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a complete, celebratory meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

What truly makes this dish stand out is its balance. The chicken is golden and juicy, the sauce is creamy but not overwhelming, and the fresh parsley and lemon bring brightness that keeps everything feeling fresh. It’s a timeless recipe that feels right at home on a Christmas table, but just as welcome on a quiet winter evening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Inspired by a famous steakhouse favorite, recreated at home
• Tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked evenly every time
• Rich garlic cream sauce with restaurant-quality flavor
• Perfect for Christmas dinners and festive occasions
• Made with simple, easy-to-find ingredients
• Elegant presentation without complicated techniques

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 4 people and uses classic ingredients that work together to create a rich yet balanced dish. For best results, measure everything accurately and prepare ingredients before cooking.

Chicken and Coating

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup plain all-purpose flour (for coating)
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking Fats

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce Components

• 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

For Serving

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Each ingredient has a purpose. The flour creates a light crust that helps the sauce cling to the chicken. Butter and olive oil provide flavor and proper browning. Garlic, wine, and stock build depth, while cream smooths everything into a cohesive, glossy sauce.

Tools & Equipment Needed

To prepare this dish smoothly, gather the following kitchen tools:

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Plate for dredging flour
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Aluminum foil (to keep chicken warm)

Having everything ready before you start ensures the cooking process stays calm and efficient, especially important when preparing a holiday meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and the sauce turns out rich and smooth.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Flatten each chicken breast to an even thickness of about ½ inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step ensures even cooking and prevents dry edges. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the coating adhere properly.

2. Season and Coat

On a plate, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. Lightly coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, tapping off any excess. The coating should be thin, not heavy.

3. Brown the Chicken

Heat 3 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium–high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

4. Build the Sauce Base

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook briefly, about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.

5. Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the white wine and chicken stock, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid bubble and reduce for a couple of minutes, concentrating the flavor.

6. Finish the Sauce

Stir in the heavy whipping cream and chopped parsley. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

7. Return the Chicken

Return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon the sauce over each piece. Warm the chicken through for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to absorb some of the sauce.

8. Serve

Plate the chicken, spoon extra sauce over the top, and serve with lemon wedges alongside for a fresh finishing touch.

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for coating.
• Dairy-free adjustment: Replace butter and cream with suitable dairy-free alternatives designed for cooking.
• Extra garlic flavor: Finely mince the garlic evenly to ensure smooth sauce texture.
• Lighter sauce: Use gentle simmering to prevent the cream from becoming too thick.
• Holiday herbs: Stick to parsley as listed for authenticity, keeping the flavor classic and balanced.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish delivers a rich, savory flavor with layers of buttery warmth and subtle garlic depth. The white wine and chicken stock add brightness and complexity, while the heavy cream brings everything together into a smooth, velvety sauce. Fresh parsley adds a clean finish, and lemon wedges provide optional acidity that lifts the entire dish.

The texture is equally satisfying: tender chicken with a light crust, coated in a glossy sauce that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Nutritional Overview

This recipe offers a balanced combination of protein and fats, making it filling and satisfying. The use of low-sodium chicken stock helps control salt levels, while fresh ingredients keep the dish from feeling overly rich.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken breasts can be flattened and coated in flour a few hours ahead, then refrigerated.
• Garlic and parsley can be chopped in advance to save time.
• The dish is best cooked fresh, but leftovers reheat well for next-day meals.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
The recipe is written specifically for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Using thighs would change cooking time and texture.

What kind of white wine works best?
A dry white wine works best, as listed, to balance the richness of the cream.

Can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmering slightly longer will naturally thicken the sauce without altering ingredients.

Is this recipe suitable for Christmas dinner?
Yes. It’s elegant, comforting, and festive, making it ideal for holiday meals.

Can leftovers be reheated?
Yes. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Stage	Time
Prep Time	10–15 minutes
Cook Time	25–30 minutes
Total Time	About 40–45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken on warm plates with plenty of sauce spooned over the top. Lemon wedges on the side add brightness and visual appeal. This dish pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered pasta.

Recipe Variations

• Creamy garlic chicken platter: Slice the chicken before serving and arrange on a platter with extra sauce.
• Festive dinner plate: Serve whole breasts with traditional Christmas sides.
• Family-style skillet: Bring the pan directly to the table for a rustic presentation.
• Leftover transformation: Slice leftover chicken and serve over rice or pasta with extra sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Breast

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, mild, and perfect for pan-searing. Flattening them ensures even cooking and a juicy result.

Garlic

Fresh garlic provides aromatic depth. Cooking it briefly prevents bitterness and ensures a smooth, fragrant sauce.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Always pat chicken dry before dredging for better browning.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain proper heat.
• Deglazing thoroughly captures maximum flavor from the pan.
• Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to maintain its smooth texture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, stirring the sauce as needed.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Estimated Amount
Calories	Approximately 520
Protein	36g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	34g
Fiber	1g

Dietary notes: Contains dairy and gluten; not vegetarian.

Expanded Conclusion

This Festive Copycat: Morton’s Chicken recipe is proof that elegant, holiday-worthy meals don’t have to be complicated. With tender chicken, a luxurious garlic cream sauce, and classic flavors that never go out of style, it’s a dish that feels right at home on a Christmas table or any special dinner night.

Whether you’re cooking for guests or simply treating yourself to something comforting and refined, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with home-kitchen ease. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a favorite in your festive dinner rotation. Share it, savor it, and return for more timeless recipes designed to bring warmth and joy to your table.

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