Have you ever heard someone raving about Chicken Bryan and wondered what all the fuss is about? I was in the same boat until I tried this amazing dish for myself! As a food lover who’s always on the hunt for delicious recipes to share with my readers, I just had to dig deep into what makes Chicken Bryan so special.
What Exactly is Chicken Bryan?
Chicken Bryan is a signature dish that originated from Carrabba’s Italian Grill, an American-Italian restaurant chain. It’s basically a flavor explosion that combines grilled chicken breast with creamy goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and a tangy lemon basil butter sauce. The combination creates this incredible savory-tangy taste that’s honestly unlike any other chicken dish I’ve tried.
The dish gets its name “Bryan” not from a chef, but reportedly from a town in Texas where the founders of Carrabba’s have family ties. Whatever the origin of its name, it’s become one of the most popular items on their menu!
What Makes Chicken Bryan So Special?
There are several elements that come together to make Chicken Bryan so irresistible
- The Chicken Base: Perfectly grilled, juicy chicken breasts that are marinated in olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley
- The Cheese: Creamy goat cheese that adds richness and tanginess
- The Tomatoes: Sweet and slightly tart sun-dried tomatoes that provide a burst of flavor
- The Sauce: A to-die-for lemon basil butter sauce that ties everything together with its bright, aromatic profile
The combination of these elements creates a dish that’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough to make on a weeknight It’s no wonder people try to recreate it at home!
How to Make Chicken Bryan at Home
If you’re craving this delicious dish but don’t want to head to Carrabba’s, you’ll be happy to know that making a copycat version at home is totally doable. Here’s how:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (around 100g each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 small yellow onion, minced
- 6 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 ounces goat cheese or cream cheese
- Salt, pepper, and parsley to taste
For the Lemon Basil Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup of white wine
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 6 tablespoons butter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prep Work
First things first, you’ll want to make sure your chicken breasts are similar in size. This helps them cook evenly. The chicken should be less than 1-inch thick for best results. If they’re thicker, just pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to get an even thickness.
Step 2: Marinating the Chicken
Rub your chicken with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and parsley. Place them in a ziplock bag or covered dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is super important because it helps the chicken soak up the flavors and stay juicy when cooked.
Step 3: Making the Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, you can start on that amazing sauce! In a saucepan, combine the white wine and lemon juice. Let it simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the liquid reduces. Then add the butter, and once it’s melted, stir in half of the chopped basil. Reduce the heat to low to keep it warm.
Step 4: Sautéing
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter along with your chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Push the onions and garlic to the side of the pan and add your marinated chicken. Cook for about 8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you prefer, you can also grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is cooked, top each piece with goat cheese or cream cheese, add the sun-dried tomatoes, and drizzle that amazing lemon basil butter sauce over everything. Sprinkle the remaining chopped basil on top, and voilà – you’ve got yourself some homemade Chicken Bryan!
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Bryan is super versatile when it comes to side dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:
- With a side of pasta (the sauce tastes amazing with pasta!)
- Alongside mashed potatoes
- With roasted vegetables
- With a fresh green salad
- Served with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Bryan
Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! While goat cheese is traditional for this dish, you can substitute it with cream cheese for a milder flavor. Some folks even use feta or mozzarella with great results.
What if I don’t drink alcohol? Can I skip the wine in the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the white wine with chicken broth and still get a delicious sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The dish actually reheats quite well!
What’s the best way to reheat Chicken Bryan?
You have two good options:
In the oven:
- Preheat to 350°F
- Let chicken come to room temperature while oven heats
- Place chicken in a baking dish with a thin layer of water or chicken stock
- Cover tightly with foil
- Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F
On the stovetop:
- Add a bit of water to a skillet
- Slice the chicken for quicker heating
- Once water simmers, add chicken
- Lower heat and stir gently until warmed through
Is Chicken Bryan a spicy dish?
Nope! It’s not spicy at all. The flavor profile is more savory and tangy rather than hot or spicy.
Can I make a vegetarian version?
You sure can! Try substituting the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or slices of eggplant for a delicious vegetarian twist.
What People Are Saying About Chicken Bryan
I’m not the only one obsessed with this dish. Just check out some of these comments from people who’ve tried making it at home:
- “This was a hit for dinner tonight!!”
- “Chickens juicy, and flavor is “
- “My family and I all loved this very much!!”
- “My husband and I have made this a bunch of times now and we love it! Comes out perfect every single time!”
- “I got this at Carrabbas the other night and I like this recipe so much better!”
My Final Thoughts
I gotta tell ya, Chicken Bryan is one of those dishes that feels fancy but isn’t actually that hard to make. The combination of tender chicken, creamy goat cheese, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and that amazing lemon basil butter sauce just hits all the right notes.
Whether you’re making it for a date night at home, serving it to impressed guests, or just treating yourself to something special on a random Tuesday, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor without requiring professional chef skills.
If you haven’t tried Chicken Bryan yet, what are you waiting for? It might just become your new favorite chicken dish!
