Easy Chicken Bryan Recipe – Better Than the Restaurant!

Imagine a dish so rich in flavor yet simple enough to prepare in your own kitchen. Chicken Bryan recipe, a signature dish from the beloved Carrabba’s Italian Grill, is exactly that—a masterpiece that balances creamy goat cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious lemon-butter sauce atop a juicy, perfectly seared chicken breast.

This dish is a favorite among Italian cuisine lovers and home cooks looking to elevate their chicken game. Its bold flavors and restaurant-quality presentation make it a showstopper for any dinner occasion. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate this culinary gem at home, you’re in luck—this guide will walk you through the process step by step!

Ingredients and Preparation

To bring the essence of Chicken Bryan to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Lemon-Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup white wine (or chicken broth as a substitute)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

Toppings:

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 ounces goat cheese, sliced or crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Preparation Tips:

• For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate with the seasonings for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use high-quality goat cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast to the buttery sauce.

Cooking Method

• Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from heat and tent with foil to keep warm.

• Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in white wine and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

• Incorporate the Butter: Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
• Assemble the Dish: Place a slice of goat cheese over each chicken breast and spoon the lemon-butter sauce generously on top. Sprinkle with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
• Serve Immediately: Allow the cheese to soften slightly before serving, ensuring every bite is infused with the creamy, tangy goodness.

Flavor Profile and Serving Suggestions

Chicken Bryan is an explosion of flavors—the citrusy butter sauce beautifully complements the savory sun-dried tomatoes and rich, tangy goat cheese. The aromatic basil adds a touch of freshness, bringing all the elements together in harmony.

For a complete meal, consider pairing it with:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture balances the acidity of the lemon sauce.
• Grilled Asparagus – A simple, healthy side that enhances the dish’s freshness.
• Pasta Aglio e Olio – Lightly seasoned pasta that won’t overpower the main flavors.
• Crisp White Wine – A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the acidity and creaminess of the dish.

Personal Anecdotes and Tips

I first encountered Chicken Bryan at Carrabba’s and was instantly hooked. The bold yet balanced flavors made it an unforgettable experience, prompting me to experiment with recreating it at home. Through trial and error, I found that using fresh lemon juice (not bottled) and high-quality goat cheese truly makes a difference. Additionally, if you prefer a richer sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter towards the end.

For a fun twist, try grilling the chicken instead of pan-searing—it adds a delightful smoky depth to the dish!

FAQ

Can I substitute goat cheese with another cheese?

Yes! While goat cheese provides the signature tangy creaminess, you can use feta cheese or cream cheese as an alternative.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lemon-butter sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat to preserve moisture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more juiciness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

How can I make this dish healthier?

To make a lighter version, reduce the amount of butter in the sauce and use low-fat cheese. Pairing the dish with steamed vegetables instead of pasta can also help keep it balanced.

Conclusion

Chicken Bryan is a restaurant-worthy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Its rich, layered flavors, paired with the indulgent texture of goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, make it a must-try for any home cook. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this dish will impress anyone at the table.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite way to enjoy Chicken Bryan? Drop a comment below and share your experience!

Chicken Bryan Recipe

tasty vibes recipes

Learn how to make Chicken Bryan, the signature dish from Carrabba’s Italian Grill! This recipe features juicy, pan-seared chicken topped with creamy goat cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian, American-Italian

Servings 4 People

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Lemon-Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional

Toppings

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 4 ounces goat cheese sliced or crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped

Instructions

 

1️⃣ Sear the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Sear for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
• Remove from heat and tent with foil to keep warm.

2️⃣ Prepare the Lemon-Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).
• Add white wine and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

3️⃣ Finish the Sauce

• Reduce heat to low and whisk in butter, one tablespoon at a time, until smooth.
• Stir in red pepper flakes (if using) for a slight kick.

4️⃣ Assemble the Dish

• Place a slice of goat cheese over each chicken breast.
• Spoon the lemon-butter sauce generously on top.
• Sprinkle with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.

5️⃣ Serve Immediately

• Let the cheese slightly soften before serving for the best texture.

Notes

✔ Marination Tip: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken with seasonings for 30 minutes before cooking.
✔ Goat Cheese Substitute: Feta or cream cheese can be used for a different texture.
✔ Grilled Version: Try grilling the chicken instead of pan-searing for a smoky twist.
✔ Make Ahead: The lemon-butter sauce can be made 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat on low before serving.

Keyword Chicken Bryan Recipe, Italian Chicken, Lemon Butter Chicken, Chicken with Goat Cheese, Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan