Chicken Bryan Recipe: A Restaurant-Worthy Dish You Can Make at Home

If you’ve ever dined at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, you’ve probably encountered their signature Chicken Bryan—a juicy grilled chicken breast topped with creamy goat cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fragrant basil, and drizzled with an irresistibly rich lemon butter sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels both comforting and elevated, blending classic Italian flavors with Southern hospitality.

Now, the good news: you can recreate this beloved restaurant favorite right at home. This Chicken Bryan recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special without a lot of fuss—or for impressing guests at your next dinner party. With a simple list of fresh ingredients and a few straightforward steps, this dish is about to become a regular in your rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is for anyone who:

• Loves bold, savory-sweet flavor combinations.

• Wants to recreate a restaurant favorite at home without complicated steps.

• Needs a dish that feels elegant but is easy enough for a Tuesday night.

• Enjoys grilling but wants something more interesting than plain chicken breasts.

Chicken Bryan strikes a perfect balance between rich and fresh. The goat cheese adds creaminess, the sun-dried tomatoes bring a hint of sweetness and umami, and the lemon butter sauce ties everything together with a zesty finish. It’s a showstopper, yet beginner-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to bring this flavorful dish to life:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Olive oil, for grilling

• 4 oz. goat cheese, crumbled

• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper, to taste

All of these ingredients are pantry staples or easily found at most grocery stores. For the best results, use high-quality goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil—they’re more flavorful and easier to work with.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make Chicken Bryan, you’ll need the following tools:

• Grill or grill pan

• Tongs or a spatula

• Saucepan (for the lemon butter sauce)

• Mixing spoon or silicone spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

• Serving plates

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

2. Season and Grill the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Brush them lightly with olive oil. Grill each breast for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Tip: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce:

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

• Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

• Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

• Stir in the lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

4. Assemble the Chicken Bryan

Transfer the grilled chicken to plates. Immediately top each piece with crumbled goat cheese, a sprinkle of sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh chopped basil. Drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce generously over the top.

Serve hot with your favorite side dish (ideas below).

Delicious Pairing Suggestions

Chicken Bryan pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some top picks:

 Side Dishes

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Roasted or grilled vegetables

• Buttered noodles or angel hair pasta

• Steamed asparagus

• Balsamic-glazed green beans

 Wine Pairings

• A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the lemony sauce perfectly.

• Prefer red? A light-bodied Pinot Noir works surprisingly well with goat cheese and sun-dried tomato.

Recipe Tips and Variations

 No Grill? No Problem.

Use a stovetop grill pan or simply pan-sear the chicken in a cast iron skillet with a little olive oil. Finish in the oven at 375°F if needed.

 Cheese Swap

If goat cheese isn’t your thing, try cream cheese, feta, or even a dollop of ricotta for a milder taste.

 Tomato Tweaks

Out of sun-dried tomatoes? Try cherry tomatoes sautéed in olive oil with a pinch of sugar and salt for a fresher twist.

 Sauce Variations

Add a splash of heavy cream to the lemon butter sauce if you want a richer, silkier texture. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives it a gentle kick.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Keep the sauce separate if possible for better texture when reheating.

Reheating:

• Warm the chicken gently in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes.

• Microwave works too—just reheat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

• Reheat the sauce separately on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Chicken Bryan?

Chicken Bryan is a signature dish from Carrabba’s Italian Grill. It features grilled chicken topped with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil, finished with a lemon butter sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can grill the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and assemble with toppings just before serving.

Is there a substitute for goat cheese?

Absolutely. Feta, cream cheese, or herbed Boursin cheese make great alternatives.

Can I make this recipe low-carb or keto?

Definitely. The core ingredients are keto-friendly. Just avoid serving it with pasta or bread and pair with a low-carb side like roasted cauliflower.

Can I freeze Chicken Bryan?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the grilled chicken. However, freezing goat cheese and the sauce can change their textures.

Final Thoughts 

This Chicken Bryan recipe brings the magic of a restaurant-quality meal into your own kitchen. With its tender grilled chicken, creamy goat cheese, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and zesty lemon butter sauce, it’s a dish that tastes like it took hours—but comes together in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re planning a date night, cooking for family, or just treating yourself, Chicken Bryan is a versatile, elegant option that delivers every time.

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