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Copycat Morton’s Festive Chicken

A restaurant-style chicken dish featuring pan-seared breasts in a rich garlic-white-wine cream sauce, finished with fresh parsley and lemon.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Holiday
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Seasoning

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

Cooking Fat

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce Ingredients

  • 6 cloves garlic finely minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine use a cooking wine you’d drink
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to about ½-inch thickness. Pat dry with paper towels.
  • On a plate, mix the flour with the salt and pepper. Lightly coat each breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.

Cooking

  • In a large frying pan over medium–high heat, heat 3 tablespoons of the butter with the olive oil until shimmering.
  • Add the chicken and cook undisturbed until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side, until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and loosely tent with foil to keep warm.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds—don’t let it brown.
  • Pour in the white wine and the chicken stock, using a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits (fond) from the pan bottom. Let it bubble and reduce for 2–3 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and chopped parsley. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly and shines. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over each piece. Warm through for 1–2 minutes.

Serving

  • Plate the breasts, spoon extra sauce over top, and offer lemon wedges for squeezing.

Notes

For substitutions, use chicken stock plus vinegar or lemon juice if avoiding wine. This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.
Keyword chicken dish, garlic cream sauce, Holiday Dinner, pan-seared chicken