Delicious Chicken Bryan Recipe – Easy Italian Favorite
Chicken Bryan Recipe is a dish loved at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. It has juicy chicken, creamy goat cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich lemon butter sauce. This Italian-American favorite is easy to make and will wow your guests.
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Key Takeaways
- Chicken Bryan is a popular dish from Carrabba’s Italian Grill featuring grilled chicken, goat cheese, and lemon butter sauce.
- The dish is named after Bryan, Texas, where the Carrabba family settled and opened their first restaurant.
- It combines classic Italian flavors like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil with tender chicken and a creamy, tangy sauce.
- The recipe is easy to make at home and can be served with a variety of Italian-inspired side dishes.
- Chicken Bryan is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round and makes for a delicious family meal or impressive dinner party entree.
The Story Behind Carrabba’s Famous Chicken Bryan
Chicken Bryan is a favorite at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. It comes from the Carrabba family’s Italian roots. The dish is named after Bryan, Texas, where the family settled after leaving Sicily.
Johnny Carrabba, the co-founder, made this chicken dish. He wanted to honor his parents’ hometown. He mixed Italian flavors with Texas touches.
The recipe shows the Carrabba family’s love for Italian food. It has creamy lemon butter sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. But, the goat cheese adds a Texas twist, making it a hit with customers.
“Chicken Bryan is a true reflection of our family’s journey from Sicily to Texas. It’s a dish that honors our heritage while embracing the flavors of our new home.”
– Johnny Carrabba, Co-founder of Carrabba’s Italian Grill
The story of Chicken Bryan is about tradition, family, and creating something special. As Carrabba’s grew, this dish stayed a classic. It shows the family’s cultural heritage and their love for sharing tasty chicken recipes.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Bryan Recipe
To make the tasty chicken dinner recipe or chicken meal prep recipe called Chicken Bryan, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need juicy chicken breasts, creamy goat cheese, and a mix of savory and tangy flavors.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
Choose even-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best taste. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender. You’ll need about 1 1/4 pounds of chicken for your chicken dinner recipe or chicken meal prep recipe.
Key Sauce Components
The sauce for Chicken Bryan is special. It’s made with butter, garlic, white wine, and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients mix together to make a rich, velvety sauce that goes well with the chicken. Use the best ingredients for the best flavor.
Cheese and Herb Selection
- Goat cheese: Its tangy, creamy taste is a great contrast.
- Fresh basil: This herb adds a fresh, Italian flavor to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese: A bit of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can make the dish even tastier.
By picking these key ingredients, you’re on your way to making a chicken dinner recipe or chicken meal prep recipe just like Carrabba’s famous Chicken Bryan.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the tasty chicken weeknight dinner recipe, you need some basic kitchen tools. First, grab a large skillet or ovenproof pan for cooking the chicken. A meat mallet helps pound the chicken breasts to the same thickness, so they cook right.
For zesting the lemon, a zester or microplane grater is key. You’ll also need a sharp knife for chopping the garlic and herbs. And, a meat thermometer is vital to check the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Large skillet or ovenproof pan
- Meat mallet
- Zester or microplane grater
- Sharp knife
- Meat thermometer
- Whisk for the marinade
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring the sauce
With these tools, you’re ready to make the chicken weeknight dinner recipe. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Plus, you can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Marinating and Preparation Techniques
Getting ready for a chicken date night recipe or chicken date night meal begins with marinating and preparing the chicken. Marinating is key. It adds flavor and makes the chicken juicy and tender.
Proper Marinating Times
For the best taste, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes at room temperature. Or, marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge. But, don’t marinate it for more than 2 hours. It can make the meat mushy.
Chicken Preparation Steps
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Take the chicken out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before cooking. This lets it reach room temperature.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps it brown and caramelize better.
By using these easy marinating and preparation steps, you’ll make a tasty and tender chicken date night recipe or chicken date night meal.

Step-by-Step Chicken Bryan Recipe
Get ready to enjoy the tasty flavors of Chicken Bryan, a favorite Italian dish from Carrabba’s Italian Grill. This guide will help you make this delicious chicken bryan recipe at home.
Start by marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. This mix gives the chicken a Mediterranean taste.
Then, heat sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet. Sear the chicken until it’s golden and cooked, about 5 minutes each side. Let the chicken rest after searing.
- Make the lemon butter sauce by cooking garlic in butter until it smells good, about 30 seconds.
- Use white wine and lemon juice to deglaze the pan, mixing the flavors.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and goat cheese to make the sauce creamy.
- Finally, mix in sun-dried tomatoes and basil leaves into the sauce.
To serve, place the seared chicken breasts on a plate. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the chicken. Add more basil leaves for a fresh look.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken Breasts | 4-6 boneless, skinless |
Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons |
Herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano) | 1 tablespoon, chopped |
Sun-dried Tomato Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Butter | 2 tablespoons |
Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
White Wine | 1/4 cup |
Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
Parmesan Cheese, grated | 1/4 cup |
Goat Cheese | 2 ounces |
Sun-dried Tomatoes, diced | 1/4 cup |
Fresh Basil Leaves | 1/4 cup, chopped |
By following these steps, you can make the delicious baked chicken recipe of Chicken Bryan at home. Enjoy the flavors of Carrabba’s Italian Grill in your kitchen.
Creating the Signature Lemon Butter Sauce
The secret to Chicken Bryan’s flavor is the lemon butter sauce. This sauce is tangy and rich, perfect with the juicy chicken. To get the right consistency and flavor, follow these tips.
Sauce Consistency Tips
Start by simmering the sauce to thicken it slightly. Add heavy cream slowly, whisking constantly, until it’s creamy. Use room temperature butter for a silky finish, adding it slowly while whisking.
Flavor Balancing Guide
Getting the flavors right is crucial. Adjust the lemon juice to your taste. Season with salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Stir in crumbled goat cheese for extra creaminess and tanginess.
By following these tips, you’ll make a sauce that makes Chicken Bryan unforgettable. It’s a chicken entree recipe and chicken main dish recipe to remember.

Professional Cooking Tips and Tricks
Want to make your chicken dinner recipe or chicken meal prep recipe taste like it’s from a restaurant? It’s simpler than you think. Just follow a few expert cooking tips and tricks, and you’ll get amazing results every time.
First, make sure your pan is super hot before adding the chicken. This step helps create a delicious golden-brown crust. Also, don’t ignore the flavorful fond (browned bits) at the bottom of the pan. It makes the sauce richer and more flavorful.
Another key tip is to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This lets the juices spread out, making the meat juicier and more tender. For meal prep, prepare the sauce ahead of time and keep it separate. Then, just reheat it and the chicken when you’re ready to eat.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs. Adding extra basil to your chicken dinner recipe or chicken meal prep recipe just before serving adds color and flavor. It makes your dish stand out.
“The secret to great chicken is all in the simple techniques.”
Cooking Temperature | Cooking Time (Small Breasts) | Cooking Time (Medium Breasts) | Cooking Time (Large Breasts) |
---|---|---|---|
425°F (220°C) | 18-20 minutes | 20-22 minutes | 22-25 minutes |
Always take your chicken out of the oven when it hits 160°F (71°C) to avoid dryness. The chicken will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed, reaching a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). With these expert tips, your chicken dinner recipe or chicken meal prep recipe will surely impress.
Perfect Side Dish Pairings
Choosing the right side dishes can make your chicken weeknight dinner recipe or chicken date night recipe of Chicken Bryan even better. You can pick from classic Italian sides or fresh veggies. This way, you can create a meal that’s both well-rounded and delicious.
Italian-Inspired Accompaniments
For a taste of Italy, try creamy mashed potatoes or goat cheese polenta with your Chicken Bryan. These sides match the chicken’s lemon butter sauce perfectly. Another great choice is fettuccine tossed in the same sauce, letting you enjoy every bit of it.
Vegetable Options
To balance the Chicken Bryan’s richness, add some Brussels sprouts or a side salad with a light dressing. These veggies offer a fresh contrast to the rich chicken. A Caesar salad with its creamy dressing and crunchy croutons also pairs well.
Don’t forget warm garlic bread or focaccia to enjoy the lemon butter sauce. These Italian sides will take you straight to Tuscany, making your meal unforgettable.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
To enjoy the Chicken Bryan recipe anytime, follow these storage and reheating tips. Store leftover Chicken Bryan in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. It’s best to keep the chicken and lemon butter sauce apart for freshness.
When reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet with a bit of water. Or, cover it and warm it in the oven at 350°F until it’s hot. Reheat the lemon butter sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often. Don’t microwave the chicken directly to avoid it becoming rubbery.
Chicken Bryan is great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy its delicious flavors for days.
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