Chicken Bryan Recipe: A Flavorful Italian-Inspired Dish

What is Chicken Bryan?

Chicken Bryan is an Italian-inspired dish named after Bryan, Texas, where the founders of Carrabba’s Italian Grill first opened their restaurant. The dish is known for its balance of flavors—grilled chicken provides a smoky, savory base, while the creamy goat cheese and buttery lemon-basil sauce add richness and depth. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes introduces a subtle sweetness that ties everything together beautifully.

Ingredients for Chicken Bryan

To make this Recipe Chicken Bryan at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Lemon-Basil Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, finely diced (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• ½ chicken broth
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

For the Toppings:

• 4 ounces goat cheese, sliced into rounds
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Extra basil leaves for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Start by preheating your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. If using an outdoor grill, set it to about 400°F.
• Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a small bowl.
• Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the seasoning while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Lemon-Basil Butter Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and shallots (if using) and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in the lemon juice and white wine (or chicken broth) and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
• Reduce the heat to low and slowly whisk in the remaining butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
• Stir in the chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

• Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Depending on thickness, cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Once done, transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and rest for a few minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

• While the chicken is resting, place a slice of goat cheese on top of each chicken breast. The residual heat will help soften the cheese.
• Spoon the warm lemon-basil butter sauce over the chicken.Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top.
• Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finish.

Chicken Bryan is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some excellent options to complete your meal:

1. Starches:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes soaks up the lemon-basil butter sauce beautifully.
• Buttery Rice Pilaf: A light, seasoned rice pilaf enhances the dish without overpowering it.
• Pasta: Serve with angel hair or fettuccine tossed in olive oil, parmesan, and a bit of the sauce.

2. Vegetables:

• Roasted Asparagus or Zucchini: The slight char from roasting complements the grilled chicken.
• Sautéed Spinach or Green Beans: Adds a nutritious and slightly crisp contrast to the creamy goat cheese.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella bring a refreshing balance to the rich flavors.

3. Bread:

• Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Crusty Artisan Bread: Complements the dish with a hearty texture.

Tips for the Best Chicken Bryan

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

   Fresh basil, garlic, and lemon juice significantly enhance the sauce’s flavor. For the best results, avoid bottled lemon juice.

2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

   Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooked chicken can become dry, so remove it from heat as soon as it reaches the correct temperature.

3. Quality Goat Cheese Matters

   Opt for a creamy, tangy goat cheese that melts well. If you prefer a milder taste, try mixing goat cheese with some cream cheese.

4. Let the Chicken Rest

   After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before topping it with cheese and sauce. This keeps it juicy.

5. Enhance the Sauce

   Add a splash of heavy cream or butter to the sauce for extra richness. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

Following these tips ensures a flavorful and restaurant-quality Chicken Bryan every time!

Chicken Bryan is a delicious dish known for grilled chicken, creamy goat cheese, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and rich lemon-basil butter sauce. While the classic version is a fan favorite, many creative ways exist to put a unique spin on it. Here are some variations you can try to customize the dish to your taste or dietary needs.

1. Chicken Bryan Pasta

   Turn this dish into a creamy pasta delight! Instead of serving the chicken alone, slice it and toss it with cooked fettuccine, angel hair, or penne pasta. Double the lemon-basil butter sauce to coat the pasta thoroughly, and mix in extra sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese for a well-balanced flavor.

2. Chicken Bryan with Shrimp

   For a seafood twist, add grilled or sautéed shrimp to the chicken. The shrimp's natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the tangy goat cheese and buttery sauce, creating a surf-and-turf version of this classic dish.

3. Baked Chicken Bryan

   If you prefer a hands-off approach, bake the chicken instead of grilling it. Season the chicken breasts, place them in a baking dish, and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Once done, top with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and sauce before serving.

4. Vegetarian Bryan

   For a meatless version, replace the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms, eggplant, or even a cauliflower steak. These vegetables absorb the sauce's flavors beautifully while providing a hearty texture.

5. Chicken Bryan with a Spicy

   If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or finely diced jalapeños to the butter sauce. You can also use spicy marinated sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.

6. Chicken Bryan Stuffed Chicken

   Instead of topping the chicken with goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, stuff them inside the chicken breast for a gooey, flavorful surprise when you cut into it.

These variations allow you to enjoy the flavors of Chicken Bryan in new and exciting ways while catering to different preferences and dietary needs!

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