Copycat Chicken Bryan Recipe

Copycat Chicken Bryan Recipe: A Mouthwatering Masterpiece with Garlic-Wine Elegance 🍗🍷✨

1. Introduction

If you’ve ever dined at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, you’ve likely fallen in love with their famous Chicken Bryan – that perfect combination of tender chicken, tangy goat cheese, and a rich garlic-wine sauce that keeps customers coming back. This copycat Chicken Bryan recipe brings that same irresistible restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with surprisingly simple techniques. Whether you’re looking to recreate a special dining memory or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, this dish delivers impressive results every time.

The magic of this recipe lies in its perfect balance of flavors – the acidity from lemon juice and white wine cuts through the richness of the butter and goat cheese, while sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated sweetness and basil provides fresh herbal notes. What makes this version special is how we’ve adapted the restaurant technique for home cooks, ensuring you get that same luxurious experience without professional kitchen equipment.

2. Ingredients

Gathering high-quality ingredients is key to achieving authentic flavor in this copycat Chicken Bryan recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) – look for air-chilled chicken for best texture
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – kosher salt works best for even seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground for maximum flavor
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – extra virgin for its fruity notes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic makes all the difference
• 1/2 cup white wine (Chardonnay recommended) – a dry white wine works best
• 1/2 cup chicken broth – low-sodium to control saltiness
• 1/4 cup lemon juice – freshly squeezed for bright acidity
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned – oil-packed for better texture
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped – don’t substitute dried here
• 4 ounces goat cheese – look for a creamy, mild variety
• 2 tablespoons butter – unsalted for sauce control

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for other recipes that use similar ingredients, check out our lemon-infused baked goods or savory bread recipes that would make excellent sides for this dish.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving that perfect golden sear. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick (over 1 inch), consider butterflying them or pounding to even thickness between plastic wrap. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat to help it adhere during cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works beautifully) over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add the chicken breasts, making sure not to overcrowd the pan – you may need to work in batches. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer. Remove from skillet and tent loosely with foil to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.

Kitchen Tip: The browned bits left in the pan (called fond) are packed with flavor and will form the base of your incredible sauce – don’t wash the pan!

Step 3: Make the Garlic-Wine Sauce

In the same skillet (now with all those delicious browned bits), reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn it as this will make the sauce bitter. Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits. Allow the wine to reduce by half (about 2 minutes), then add chicken broth and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes to concentrate flavors and reduce slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. Finish by whisking in butter until fully incorporated and the sauce becomes glossy and luxurious.

Wine Note: The alcohol cooks off during this process, leaving behind incredible depth of flavor. If you prefer not to cook with wine, substitute with additional chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling each breast into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over each piece, then artfully arrange sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil over the top. Crumble goat cheese evenly across all the chicken breasts. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for just 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to soften slightly (it shouldn’t completely melt). Serve immediately with extra sauce spooned over the top and around the plate for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestion: This pairs wonderfully with our simple baked sides or pull-apart breads for soaking up every drop of that delicious sauce.

4. Cooking Tips

• For even cooking: Pound chicken breasts to uniform 3/4-inch thickness before seasoning using a meat mallet or rolling pin between plastic wrap
• Wine selection: Use a good quality dry white wine you would drink – the $10-15 range is perfect for cooking
• Acidity balance: If you prefer less tangy sauce, reduce the lemon juice to 2 tablespoons or add 1 teaspoon honey
• Extra richness: Substitute half the butter with heavy cream for a velvety texture
• Time saver: Prep all ingredients before starting (mise en place) as the cooking process moves quickly

5. Serving Suggestions

This copycat Chicken Bryan recipe deserves equally impressive sides. Consider these pairings:

• Garlic mashed potatoes: The perfect vehicle for that luscious sauce
• Roasted asparagus: Toss with olive oil, salt, and lemon zest
• Crusty Italian bread: For sopping up every last drop of sauce
• A crisp green salad: With lemon vinaigrette to complement the dish
• Wine pairing: Serve the same white wine used in cooking
• For dessert: Try one of our simple dessert recipes to complete the meal

6. Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The goat cheese may discolor slightly but will still taste delicious. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. You can also reheat gently in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals. The sauce may separate slightly when reheated – simply whisk vigorously to recombine or add a teaspoon of cold butter while reheating to re-emulsify.

Freezing Note: While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the goat cheese may change upon thawing. If freezing, omit the cheese and add fresh when reheating.

7. Variations

• Cheese alternatives: Substitute feta for a saltier kick or mozzarella for milder flavor
• Low-carb option: Serve over zucchini noodles or roasted spaghetti squash
• Extra veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms in with the garlic or stir in baby spinach at the end
• Spicy version: Include 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic
• Chicken substitute: Try with boneless pork chops or even salmon fillets
• Breakfast twist: Leftovers make an incredible omelette filling – see our breakfast recipes for inspiration

8. Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 420 – mostly from healthy fats and protein
• Protein: 38g – excellent post-workout meal
• Carbohydrates: 8g – mostly from tomatoes and wine
• Fat: 24g – includes heart-healthy olive oil
• Saturated Fat: 10g – mainly from cheese and butter
• Cholesterol: 125mg – about 42% daily value
• Sodium: 580mg – 25% daily value

Dietary Notes: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by omitting the cheese and using olive oil instead of butter. For keto diets, this fits perfectly into your macros.

9. Conclusion

This copycat Chicken Bryan recipe delivers all the luxurious flavors of the restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen, with techniques any home cook can master. What makes it special is how each component – the perfectly seared chicken, aromatic garlic-wine sauce, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy goat cheese – comes together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Whether you’re recreating a special dining memory or simply treating yourself to an elevated weeknight dinner, this dish brings the essence of Italian-American fine dining to your table with surprisingly simple methods. The sauce alone is worth the price of admission, transforming basic chicken breasts into something truly extraordinary.

We’d love to hear about your Chicken Bryan experiences! Share your photos and variations with us on social media. For more restaurant-quality recipes you can make at home, explore our recipe collection or check out our cooking tips and kitchen guidelines.

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