Festive Copycat: Morton’s Chicken — Christmas Chicken Breast Recipes Idea
This festive copycat Morton’s chicken recipe is perfect for the holiday season. Whether for family gatherings or festive dinners, this delicious chicken dish will impress your guests and elevate your Christmas celebrations.
Why Make This Recipe
Bringing the flavors of Morton’s into your home kitchen means you get to enjoy restaurant-quality dishes without the hefty price tag. This festive chicken recipe is not only packed with flavor, but it also follows a straightforward cooking method that’s easy to replicate, even for beginner cooks.
Using simple ingredients, you can create a rich, buttery cream sauce that perfectly pairs with pan-seared chicken breasts. Moreover, this dish is perfect for the holidays—it’s festive, delicious, and will surely leave your family and friends asking for seconds.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking to treat your family to a special dinner, this recipe is a wonderful addition to your Christmas chicken breast recipe lineup.
How to Make Festive Copycat Morton’s Chicken
Creating this delightful recipe at home is simpler than you might think. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know regarding the ingredients and directions for making this mouthwatering Morton’s chicken.
Ingredients
Before diving into the cooking process, gather these ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain all-purpose flour (for coating)
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or broth as a non-alcoholic substitute)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, follow these steps to create this festive chicken dish:
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Flatten the Chicken: Start by flattening each chicken breast to an even thickness of about ½ inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking. Pat the meat dry with a paper towel.
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Season the Flour: Combine the flour, salt, and black pepper on a plate. Lightly coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, gently tapping off any excess flour.
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Sear the Chicken: In a large frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of butter along with the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Carefully add each chicken breast to the pan and brown them on both sides for about 4–5 minutes, or until they are completely cooked through. Once browned, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
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Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same pan, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly—just until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
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Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (or broth) and chicken stock, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Allow the mixture to bubble and reduce for a few minutes.
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Cream and Herbs: Stir in the heavy whipping cream and chopped parsley, allowing the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens a bit and becomes glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Combine: Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the luscious sauce over each piece. Let the chicken warm through for a minute or two so it soaks up the delicious sauce.
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Serve: Plate the chicken, generously spooning extra sauce over the top. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added touch of freshness.
Pro Tips for Success with Morton’s Chicken
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Uniform Thickness: Ensure that all chicken breasts are of uniform thickness for even cooking. This prevents the thinner parts from drying out before the thicker ones are done.
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Don’t Rush the Browning: Let the chicken sear properly on each side to develop a nice golden crust. This adds not only flavor but a beautiful appearance.
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Deglazing is Key: Scraping up the bits at the bottom of the pan during deglazing adds depth to your sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
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Adjust Consistency to Taste: Depending on personal preference, you can adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer or adding a touch more cream.
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Extra Flavor: Try adding a dash of lemon juice or zest to the sauce for a brighter flavor profile.
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Rest the Chicken: Letting the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving helps keep it juicy.
Flavor Variations for Morton’s Chicken
To give this dish a unique twist, consider these variations:
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a more aromatic sauce that pairs beautifully with chicken.
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Mushroom Addition: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra umami flavor before adding the liquids.
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Spiciness: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat that contrasts nicely with the cream sauce.
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Citrus Zing: Besides lemon, try adding some orange zest to the sauce for a festive, seasonal flavor.
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Nutty Flavor: Include a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds over the finished dish for an added layer of texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Morton’s Chicken
This festive chicken dish pairs well with various side items to create a well-rounded meal:
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes work great in soaking up the delicious sauce.
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Seasonal Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans for a fresh, vibrant balance.
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Rice Pilaf: A light rice pilaf can be a wonderful accompaniment that allows the chicken flavors to shine.
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Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cream sauce.
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Baguette: Don’t forget a crusty baguette to soak up every drop of that delectable sauce!
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Morton’s Chicken
To properly store any leftovers, follow these guidelines:
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Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken. Seal in a freezer-safe bag or container to avoid freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|——————|—————|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
FAQ About Festive Copycat Morton’s Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and can add extra flavor to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as dark meat generally takes a bit longer to cook through.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, there are several alternatives. Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or a mixture of lemon juice and broth can mimic the acidity and depth that wine offers.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. Simply reheat it gently on the stove with the sauce to maintain the flavors and moisture.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Certainly! For a gluten-free version, substitute plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch for coating the chicken.
How can I make the sauce dairy-free?
To create a dairy-free version of the sauce, replace the heavy whipping cream with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut cream or cashew cream.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If you find your sauce is too thick, simply add a little more chicken stock or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Cooking a festive copycat of Morton’s chicken is an excellent way to celebrate the holiday season while enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones. This recipe not only brings restaurant-quality flavors to your dining table but is also easy to follow and customize according to your taste preferences.
As you gather around the table this holiday season, consider making this delightful dish that’s sure to spark joy and create lasting memories. Enjoy the cooking process, and even more, enjoy the smiles when everyone sits down to savor the meal you’ve prepared. Happy cooking!
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Festive Copycat Morton’s Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free flour)
Description
A delicious festive chicken dish that brings Morton’s flavors into your home, perfect for holidays and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain all-purpose flour (for coating)
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ½ cup dry white wine (or broth as a non-alcoholic substitute)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Flatten each chicken breast to an even thickness of about ½ inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Combine the flour, salt, and black pepper on a plate. Lightly coat each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, tapping off excess.
- In a large frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and brown on both sides for about 4-5 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to a plate to keep warm.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
- Pour in the white wine (or broth) and chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits. Allow to bubble and reduce for a few minutes.
- Stir in the heavy whipping cream and chopped parsley, simmering gently until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Return the chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over each piece. Warm through for a minute or two.
- Plate the chicken, generously spoon extra sauce on top, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Ensure uniform thickness of chicken breasts for even cooking. Scraping up the bits at the bottom of the pan adds depth to your sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Saucing
- Cuisine: American