Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan Recipe

Imagine succulent grilled chicken breast, topped with creamy, tangy goat cheese and a sun-dried tomato butter sauce that melts in your mouth with each bite. That’s the magic of Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan – one of the most beloved dishes from the popular Italian-American restaurant chain. This copycat recipe brings those same bold, vibrant flavors right to your dinner table without the restaurant price tag. The combination of chargrilled chicken, smooth goat cheese, and that signature lemon butter sauce creates a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. You’ll learn exactly how to recreate this restaurant favorite with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan copycat isn’t just delicious—it’s a game-changer for your home cooking repertoire. The contrast between the slightly charred, smoky exterior of the chicken and the creamy, tangy goat cheese creates a texture symphony that keeps you coming back for more. The signature butter sauce, with its bright lemon notes and the concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, brings everything together with a silky richness that feels indulgent yet balanced.

What makes this recipe truly special is how impressive it looks despite being surprisingly simple to prepare. Your dinner guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen, but this can be ready in about 30 minutes once you’ve mastered the technique. It’s also incredibly versatile—perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions when you want to impress without stress.

The dish stays true to Carrabba’s signature flavors while using ingredients that are readily available at most grocery stores, making this restaurant-quality meal accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper
• 4 oz (113 g) goat cheese, sliced into 4 rounds

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• ½ cup (80 g) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) dry white wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

The quality of your goat cheese matters—look for a creamy chèvre that’s mild but still has that distinctive tang. For sun-dried tomatoes, the oil-packed variety will give you the most authentic flavor for this Chicken Bryan recreation.

Pro Tips

Master the Chicken Thickness
For perfect Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan, uniform thickness is crucial. Pound each breast to about ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy rolling pin between two sheets of plastic wrap. This ensures even cooking and prevents the dreaded dry chicken syndrome. The flat surface also creates the perfect platform for the goat cheese to melt just enough without completely losing its shape.

Perfect Your Butter Sauce Technique
The lemon butter sauce is what elevates this dish to restaurant quality. The key is to cook it over medium-low heat, never letting it reach a full boil which would cause separation. Whisk constantly while adding the lemon juice and wine to create an emulsion. If your sauce starts to separate, remove it from heat immediately and whisk in a tablespoon of cold water to bring it back together.

Timing Is Everything
For the best texture contrast, add the goat cheese to the chicken during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This allows it to warm through and slightly soften without completely melting away. The sauce should be made right before serving—it’s at its silky best when fresh and warm, pooled around (not completely covering) the chicken to show off those beautiful layers of the dish.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and stay tender. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, gently pressing the seasonings into the meat to help them adhere.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken with olive oil to prevent sticking. Grill each breast for about 5-6 minutes per side until you reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and see nice grill marks forming. If you don’t have a grill, a heavy skillet works well too.

Step 3: Add the Goat Cheese
When the chicken is almost done, place a slice of goat cheese on top of each breast. Cover with a lid or foil for the final 2 minutes of cooking. This allows the cheese to warm through slightly while maintaining its shape. The goal is warm, softened cheese—not completely melted.

Step 4: Prepare the Signature Sauce
While the chicken rests, make your lemon butter sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant but not brown, about 30 seconds. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Add the white wine (if using) and lemon juice to the pan, stirring constantly to create a smooth emulsion. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve
Place each chicken breast on a plate, making sure the goat cheese remains on top. Spoon the warm lemon butter sauce generously around and slightly over each piece of chicken, allowing the vibrant colors of the sun-dried tomatoes to shine. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired and serve immediately.

Variations

Spinach Chicken Bryan
Add a nutritious twist to your Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan by incorporating wilted spinach between the chicken and goat cheese. Simply sauté 2 cups of fresh spinach with a touch of garlic until wilted, then drain well and place on the chicken before adding the goat cheese. The earthy spinach complements the tangy cheese beautifully while adding vibrant color and extra nutrients to the dish.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Bryan
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, wrap each seasoned chicken breast in a thin slice of prosciutto before grilling. The prosciutto crisps up during cooking and adds a wonderful saltiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy goat cheese and bright lemon butter sauce. This variation makes the dish even more special for dinner parties or date nights at home.

Gluten-Free and Dairy Alternative
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but for those avoiding dairy, you can substitute the goat cheese with a dairy-free alternative made from nuts. The butter in the sauce can be replaced with olive oil and a touch of nutritional yeast for richness. While not exactly the same as the original Chicken Bryan, this variation still captures the essence of the dish while accommodating dietary restrictions.

Storage and Serving

This Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan is best enjoyed fresh off the grill when the cheese is perfectly warmed and the sauce is at its silky best. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may cause the chicken to toughen.

For an authentic Carrabba’s experience, serve your Chicken Bryan with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or their signature Cavatappi Amatriciana pasta. A simple side of roasted asparagus or broccoli provides the perfect color contrast and balances the richness of the dish with some green vegetable goodness.

For an elevated dinner party presentation, plate the chicken over a small bed of arugula dressed with lemon and olive oil, allowing the heat of the chicken and sauce to slightly wilt the greens. This creates a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this Chicken Bryan recipe. They’re naturally more flavorful and forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just be sure to pound them to an even thickness and adjust grilling time as thighs may cook slightly faster than breasts.

What can I substitute for goat cheese if I don’t like the taste?
If goat cheese isn’t your thing, cream cheese or a mild feta can work as alternatives. Cream cheese will give you a similar creaminess without the tang, while feta offers that signature brininess but with a different texture. Either option will create a delicious, if slightly different, version of Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the white wine in the sauce?
Absolutely! Simply use chicken broth with a splash of white wine vinegar or additional lemon juice. This maintains the acidity and flavor profile without the alcohol, making the Chicken Bryan family-friendly.

How can I tell when my chicken is perfectly cooked?
The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer, which should register 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part. Visually, perfectly cooked chicken for Chicken Bryan will be firm to the touch with clear (not pink) juices and nice grill marks.

Can this dish be prepared in advance for a dinner party?
You can prepare everything up to the point of grilling the chicken. Season the chicken and make the sauce components ahead of time, then refrigerate separately. About 20 minutes before serving, grill the chicken and finish the sauce. This makes Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan an excellent choice for stress-free entertaining.

Conclusion

This Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan is comfort food elevated to an art form — tender grilled chicken topped with creamy goat cheese and bathed in a sun-kissed lemon butter sauce that’s both sophisticated and soul-satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, yet remains simple enough to master without professional culinary training. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or simply looking to expand your chicken dinner repertoire, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.

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