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Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan: A Taste of Italian Delight at Home

Welcome to your kitchen, where you can craft a culinary masterpiece reminiscent of your favorite Italian restaurant! This Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan recipe effortlessly transforms simple pantry staples into an enchanting gourmet dish. 🌟

The magic begins with succulent chicken marinated to perfection, grilled for that juicy finish. Then, prepare to be serenaded by a decadent butter and lemon sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything! With chewy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy goat cheese as toppings, you’re in for an impressive family dinner that rivals any restaurant feast.

Tender grilled chicken with creamy goat cheese and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes in lemon butter sauce

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan

Make-Ahead Friendly: Easily prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then simply reheat before serving. This means less time in the kitchen during your dinner party and more time enjoying with guests, while the flavors have the chance to enhance.

Flavor Flexibility: This sauce isn’t just for chicken! It pairs beautifully with other proteins like fish or pork, and the recipe can be easily adjusted for intimate dinners or larger gatherings.

Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its sophisticated appearance and rich taste, this dish is surprisingly straightforward to make. You only need basic cooking skills and easily sourced ingredients—perfect for those busy weeknights or special celebrations.

Ingredients

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: They’re juicy and perfect for absorbing all the delicious flavors!
Olive Oil: Adds richness and ensures that the chicken absorbs the marinade beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: For that authentic herby flavor that infuses the chicken.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and tenderizes the chicken, used both in the marinade and the sauce.
Garlic: Brings an aromatic savory kick to both the marinade and the sauce.
Salted Butter: The base for our creamy, dreamy sauce.
Shallot: Adds a mild sweetness to the sauce.
Fresh Basil: A burst of herbal freshness to elevate the sauce.
Heavy Cream: For that rich, luscious texture we all love.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavors.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These provide a chewy, sweet-tart contrast to the creamy sauce.
Cherry Tomatoes: Optional but recommended; their sweetness balances the savory elements beautifully.
Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy, melts into a delightful topping for our chicken.

Grilled chicken breast with sun-dried tomatoes and melted goat cheese garnished with parsley.

How to Make Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan

Imagine a dish of juicy grilled chicken, creamy goat cheese, chewy sun-dried tomatoes, all drizzled with a luscious lemon-butter sauce… ready in under 45 minutes? Yes, please!

Follow these simple steps:

Combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a large bowl or bag to create the marinade.
Pound the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and tender results, then add them to the marinade.
Chill the marinated chicken in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, then remove it from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
Preheat a large grill pan over medium-high heat so that it’s hot and ready.
Cook the chicken on the grill pan for about 5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Slice the cherry tomatoes (if using) and toss them in the hot pan, cooking until they are softened and slightly charred.
Warm the butter in a skillet over medium heat, sautéing the shallot until soft (2-3 minutes). Then add the minced garlic, reserved sun-dried tomato oil, and fresh basil, stirring for an additional minute.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the lemon juice and heavy cream, continuing to cook for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the grilled chicken into the sauce, spooning it generously over the top.
Serve with sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, and the remaining sauce, and enjoy!

Tips For the Best Copycat Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan

This restaurant-quality dish can comfortably shine at home, and here are a few tips to elevate your cooking experience:

Chicken prep: Always pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking and to avoid dryness.
Soften the cheese: Take the goat cheese out 30 minutes before using. Room-temperature cheese spreads and melts better.
Try white wine: Make the sauce even richer by adding a splash of white wine (like Pinot Grigio) before whisking in the cream.
Tomato prep: Pat sun-dried tomatoes dry before adding them to avoid excess oil dripping over the chicken.
Use fresh lemon: Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice to maximize its flavor impact.
Room temperature cream: Let the cream sit out for about 30 minutes before using to prevent it from splitting.
Make the sauce early: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate for up to two days; gently reheat while whisking to regain its creamy texture.

Grilled chicken breast with sun-dried tomato sauce and goat cheese on top.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to put your spin on this recipe? Here are some fun substitutions:

Cheese alternatives: Use cream cheese or feta if goat cheese isn’t to your liking; for milder flavor, opt for Montrachet goat cheese.
Grill alternative: A cast-iron grill pan or an outdoor gas grill can bring lovely char marks and flavor to the chicken.
Recipe variations: Layer slices of prosciutto under the goat cheese, swap chicken breasts for thighs, or even try it with pork. You could also toss in some spinach into the sauce!
Other uses for sauce: This zesty lemon-butter sauce is fantastic with grilled fish, shrimp, roasted vegetables, or simply over pasta.

How to Store

Have leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh:

To Store: Place any cooled chicken and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours. Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal flavor and safety.

To Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until it registers 165°F internally. Splash a bit of water or chicken broth to keep the chicken juicy. Alternatively, use the stovetop or microwave in short intervals while covering with a damp paper towel.

To Freeze: Freeze the cooled chicken (not the sauce or toppings) in a freezer-safe bag for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating, garnishing with fresh toppings and sauce.