If you’ve ever found yourself craving the bright, tangy flavors and creamy richness of a classic Italian dish, then you’re going to absolutely love this Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan Copycat Recipe. It captures everything you adore about the original—a perfect harmony of seared chicken breasts topped with luscious goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil, all swimming in a silky lemon-butter sauce. This copycat is not just about emulating the restaurant favorite; it’s about bringing that delightful experience right to your own kitchen with straightforward ingredients and simple steps that yield spectacular, restaurant-quality results. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight meals or a special dish to impress guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan Copycat Recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the juicy chicken to the tangy lemon and creamy goat cheese, culminating in a rich and vibrant dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive): Provides the perfect medium for searing the chicken, locking in moisture and flavor.
- 1 ¼ pounds chicken breast (pounded to 1-inch thick and cut into 5 pieces): Ensures even cooking and tender, juicy meat every time.
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick, balancing the dish’s brightness.
- ½ cup butter (salted, divided): Creates that luxuriously smooth and rich sauce you’ll want to swoon over.
- ¼ cup sweet onion (finely diced): Offers subtle sweetness and texture to the sauce base.
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced): Brings aromatic depth and a mouthwatering savory note.
- ¾ cup chicken broth (regular sodium): Adds body to the sauce while keeping it light and flavorful.
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Delivers a vibrant, zesty brightness that makes the dish sing.
- 7 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (julienned, drained): Infuse a sweet-tart complexity and chewy texture.
- â…“ cup fresh basil (chiffonade): Brings fresh, herbal brightness for that classic Italian touch.
- 4 ounces goat cheese log: Melts into heavenly creamy pockets of tangy richness atop the chicken.
How to Make Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating up your chosen oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Season the chicken pieces evenly with half of the salt and all of the pepper—this simple step lays the groundwork for flavor. Carefully place the chicken in a single layer in the skillet, cooking them for about 7 to 8 minutes total, flipping once halfway through to get that gorgeous golden-brown sear on both sides. The goal is to cook them almost all the way through without drying them out. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Turn your heat down to medium and add 2 tablespoons of that lovely butter to the same skillet. As it melts, toss in the minced garlic and diced sweet onion. Sauté these fragrant ingredients for just a couple of minutes until the onion softens and the garlic releases its delicious aroma. This step creates an incredible flavor foundation that will lift your sauce to the next level.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Next, pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, whisking them together to loosen any browned bits stuck to the pan—this is where your sauce’s complex flavor truly begins. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat, stirring now and then, until it reduces by half, which usually takes around 5 to 7 minutes. Lower the heat to low, then stir in the remaining butter, adding it in tablespoons and mixing well after each addition to give the sauce a rich, silky texture. Season with the rest of the salt and fold in those vibrant, sun-dried tomatoes, which add bursts of chewy sweetness into every bite.
Step 4: Melt the Goat Cheese Over Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the luscious sauce. Spoon generous amounts of goat cheese on top of each breast, then cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt gently for about 4 to 5 minutes. This step transforms the dish, adding creamy tanginess that perfectly balances the acidity of the lemon and sweetness of the tomatoes.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Once the goat cheese has melted and the chicken is heated through, carefully spoon the sauce generously over the chicken breasts. For an extra pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle additional chiffonade-cut fresh basil leaves right before serving. This not only looks stunning but also adds a fragrant herbal note that brightens the entire dish.
How to Serve Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan Copycat Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the classic garnish here, providing such a refreshing herbal contrast to the creamy and tangy components of the dish. If you want to elevate it further, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese can add depth and a subtle nutty finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, clean sides that won’t overshadow the flavors. Think garlic mashed potatoes, a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or even a bed of creamy polenta. Roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus make fantastic companions as well, balancing the richness of the sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress guests, try plating the chicken Bryan on a wide platter with a sprinkle of fresh basil and sun-dried tomatoes scattered around. For a rustic yet elegant touch, serve it alongside crusty Italian bread to soak up all that luscious sauce. Alternatively, slice the chicken and lay it over a mound of creamy risotto, drizzling the sauce over for a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to wow.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan Copycat Recipe are just as delightful the next day. Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as slow warming helps the goat cheese maintain its creamy texture without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
While goat cheese adds a unique tang and creaminess essential to the dish’s signature flavor, you can substitute it with cream cheese or ricotta for a milder taste, although it will change the character of the recipe slightly.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breast to 1-inch thickness?
Yes, pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender. Thin, uneven breasts might cook too quickly or remain undercooked in places.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
If you want to avoid dairy, you can substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or avocado oil and omit goat cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind this will alter the sauce’s richness.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the lemon-butter sauce in advance and refrigerate it, but it’s best to finish cooking the chicken and melting the goat cheese just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
What wine pairs well with Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan Copycat Recipe?
A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements the lemony brightness and creamy goat cheese beautifully, cutting through the richness while accentuating the dish’s fresh herbal notes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, and this Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan Copycat Recipe absolutely delivers that experience with ease and elegance. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy those vibrant Italian flavors anytime you want, without needing to step out. I encourage you to gather these simple ingredients and give this recipe a try—it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your home kitchen. Happy cooking!
Print
Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan Copycat Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Enjoy a delicious copycat version of Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan, featuring juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with creamy goat cheese and a savory sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and lemon. This skillet-cooked Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive)
- 1 ¼ pounds chicken breast (pounded to 1-inch thick and cut into 5 pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- ½ cup butter (salted, divided)
- ¼ cup sweet onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- ¾ cup chicken broth (regular sodium)
- ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 7 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (julienned, drained)
- â…“ cup fresh basil (chiffonade)
- 4 ounces goat cheese log
Instructions
- Prepare and cook chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is almost fully cooked and nicely seared on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Saute aromatics: Lower the skillet heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. When the butter has melted, add the finely minced garlic and diced sweet onion. Saute for about 2 minutes until the onion softens and becomes tender, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk the mixture well to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the skillet bottom. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until it reduces by half, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Then reduce the heat to low and incorporate the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter gradually, adding one tablespoon at a time and stirring thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and the drained sun-dried tomatoes.
- Combine chicken and cheese: Return the partially cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Evenly distribute the goat cheese pieces over each chicken breast. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the goat cheese to melt over the chicken.
- Serve: Spoon the rich sauce over the chicken breasts and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure even cooking.
- If goat cheese is too strong, you can substitute with cream cheese or mozzarella, though it will alter the flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant sauce flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes should be drained thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a light pasta.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the chicken broth is labeled gluten-free.
