Chicken Bryan Recipe: Chicken Bryan is a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Made popular by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, this recipe brings together tender grilled chicken, creamy goat cheese, a rich lemon butter sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes in a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish never fails to impress.
What is Chicken Bryan?
Chicken Bryan is more than just grilled chicken—it’s a flavor-packed Italian-American masterpiece. This dish combines perfectly seasoned and grilled chicken breasts with tangy goat cheese, a citrusy lemon butter sauce, and the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil, it’s an elegant dish that balances creamy, zesty, and savory notes in every bite.
It’s the kind of entrée that makes people say, “Wow, you really made this at home?” The great thing is, you don’t need culinary school training to nail this dish—just follow the steps, take your time, and use fresh ingredients. If you’ve ever had this at Carrabba’s and wanted to recreate it at home, you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Tastes like it’s from a 5-star kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find.
- Quick Prep Time: Done in under an hour.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the flavor combo.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Elegant enough for date night or family dinners.
Chicken Bryan isn’t just delicious—it’s also incredibly satisfying to make. The layered flavors, the aromatic garlic and lemon, the creamy goat cheese—it all comes together like a culinary symphony.
The Origins of Chicken Bryan
Did you know Chicken Bryan was named after Bryan, Texas? That’s where the Carrabba family settled when they first came to America. The dish itself was inspired by the family’s Italian roots and adapted with American flavors.
It was first made popular by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, a chain co-founded by Johnny Carrabba. The dish became a customer favorite because it hit all the right notes—savory, tangy, creamy, and bright. That Southern flair combined with Mediterranean ingredients created something truly unforgettable.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect Chicken Bryan, you’ll need fresh ingredients split into three main parts: the chicken, the lemon butter sauce, and the toppings.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion or shallots
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Chardonnay)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cut into cubes, chilled)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 4 oz goat cheese (soft and fresh)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet or grill pan
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
Tips Before You Start Cooking
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and garlic make all the difference.
- Chill the butter: Cold butter emulsifies better in the sauce.
- Let goat cheese sit at room temp: This helps it melt faster.
- Preheat your grill or pan: So you get that perfect sear on the chicken.
- Have everything ready: The sauce comes together quickly, so prep first.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Bryan
Let’s dive into the details of how to make this incredible dish, one step at a time.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Breasts
Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. If they’re thick, you can slice them in half horizontally or pound them to even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
Drizzle with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Rub the seasoning in gently so it sticks.
Set aside while you prep the other ingredients. Letting the chicken sit with seasoning helps build flavor.
Step 2: Seasoning and Grilling the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Grill each chicken breast for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
Set aside and tent with foil to keep warm. Don’t cut the chicken immediately—let it rest so the juices stay inside.
Step 3: Making the Lemon Butter Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, start the lemon butter sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then the chopped onion or shallots. Sauté until soft, about 2–3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Next up, pour in the white wine and lemon juice. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes, or until reduced by about half.
Step 4: Sautéing Garlic and Onion
This step is key to building the base flavor for the sauce. When the onions turn translucent and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt, you’re in the right zone. Stir constantly to avoid browning.
The sautéed aromatics will infuse the wine and lemon juice with a rich, savory undertone. It’s subtle, but you’ll definitely taste the difference.
Step 5: Adding White Wine and Lemon Juice
Deglaze the pan with white wine—this means scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom. Let it simmer until the wine reduces by half. This concentrates the flavor and removes any sharp alcohol edge.
Add lemon juice and stir. The citrus will balance out the butter and goat cheese later on, so don’t skip this step!
Step 6: Whisking in Butter
This is where the magic happens. Reduce the heat to low, and begin whisking in the cold butter, one cube at a time. Take your time with this step—rushing it can cause the sauce to separate. Let each piece of butter melt fully before adding the next.
As the butter melts, the sauce transforms into a silky, rich, and glossy lemon butter emulsion. Season it with salt and pepper to taste, but keep in mind the goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes will add their own saltiness later.
By the end of this step, your kitchen will already smell like an upscale bistro.
Step 7: Assembling the Dish
Now it’s time to bring it all together.
Place your grilled chicken breasts on a plate or serving platter. Spoon a generous amount of that warm lemon butter sauce over each piece. Don’t skimp—you want every bite of chicken to be infused with that bright, buttery flavor.
Make sure your goat cheese is soft and spreadable (room temperature is best). Add a slice or spoonful of goat cheese right on top of each hot chicken breast.
Step 8: Melting the Goat Cheese
Once you place the goat cheese on the chicken, give it a minute or two to start softening. The residual heat from the chicken and sauce will help it melt and ooze just enough without making it messy.
Some people pop the plated chicken into a warm oven (around 200°F) for a couple of minutes to really soften the goat cheese. That’s optional but effective if you want a melty finish.
Step 9: Final Garnish
Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the goat cheese. The sweetness and chewiness of the tomatoes add the perfect contrast to the tangy cheese and citrusy sauce.
Then, finish with a generous handful of freshly chopped basil. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herby note that ties everything together.
For an extra restaurant-style touch, drizzle a little extra lemon butter sauce on the plate just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s done but still juicy.
- Burning the garlic: Sauté garlic gently and watch it closely—it turns bitter if overcooked.
- Adding butter too fast: This can break the sauce. Take your time.
- Not resting the chicken: This causes all the juices to run out when you cut into it.
- Using low-quality goat cheese: Choose fresh, creamy goat cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Bryan pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some tried-and-true options:
Classic Pairings:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Angel hair pasta with olive oil and parsley
- Steamed asparagus or broccolini
- Roasted vegetables
Low-Carb Options:
- Cauliflower mash
- Zucchini noodles
- Green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
A glass of white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) also complements this dish perfectly. Keep the vibe Italian and serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F. Add a splash of chicken broth or lemon juice to keep it moist.
- Microwave: If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals and check frequently. Goat cheese can become rubbery if overheated.
Avoid freezing this dish, as the texture of the sauce and cheese can change when thawed.
How to Make It Ahead of Time
Planning a dinner party? Chicken Bryan is a perfect make-ahead meal.
- Grill the chicken in advance and refrigerate.
- Make the lemon butter sauce ahead and store in a sealed container.
- When ready to serve, gently reheat the chicken and sauce. Assemble the dish right before serving with fresh goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil.
This makes it much easier to pull together a fancy dinner without breaking a sweat when guests arrive.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few fun twists:
- Cheese Alternatives: Try feta, cream cheese, or even blue cheese if you like bold flavors.
- Protein Swaps: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or even pork chops.
- Add Spinach: Sautéed spinach adds more greens and pairs well with the lemon butter sauce.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Herb Mix: Try thyme or rosemary in place of basil for a different aroma.
This dish is flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment based on what you have in the fridge.
Nutritional Information (per serving – approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580–620 |
| Protein | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 6–8g |
| Fat | 40g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on specific brands and quantities used.
FAQs about Chicken Bryan Recipe
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and full of flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer on the grill.
2. What if I don’t have goat cheese?
Feta or cream cheese can work in a pinch. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
3. Is it okay to skip the wine in the sauce?
Absolutely. Replace it with chicken broth if you prefer an alcohol-free version.
4. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just ensure your wine and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
5. Can I freeze Chicken Bryan?
It’s not recommended. The texture of the sauce and goat cheese doesn’t hold up well after freezing and thawing.
Conclusion
Chicken Bryan is one of those special recipes that feels like a labor of love but is secretly pretty easy to master. It’s got everything you want in a dinner—juicy grilled chicken, creamy goat cheese, zesty lemon butter sauce, and a fresh basil finish. Whether you’re making it for a date night or just elevating your weeknight dinner routine, this dish never disappoints.
Plus, the satisfaction of nailing a restaurant-style meal at home? Priceless.
Now that you’ve got the full step-by-step, don’t just bookmark it—get in the kitchen and cook it up tonight. You’re going to love it.
