Chicken Bryan

A restaurant-worthy dinner made easy at home, Chicken Bryan is a flavorful dish featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with a creamy lemon butter sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and soft, melted goat cheese. Inspired by the famous Carrabba’s dish, this homemade version is fresh, elegant, and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality dish made easily at home

• Bright, bold flavors from lemon, garlic, and herbs

• Creamy goat cheese adds richness and tang

• A perfect meal for entertaining or weeknight indulgence

• Gluten-free and naturally low in carbs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

• Garlic

• Kosher salt

• Black pepper

• Dried oregano

• Dried basil

• Dried thyme

• Oil from sun-dried tomatoes (jarred)

For the Sauce

• Unsalted butter

• Garlic

• Lemon juice

• Heavy cream

• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

• Goat cheese

• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped)

• Fresh basil

• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken
   In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and dried herbs with salt and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or container, pour over the marinade, and let sit for 30 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate for up to 2 hours).

2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6–8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice to deglaze the pan. Reduce heat and add cream. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Finish the Sauce
   Stir in Parmesan and goat cheese until smooth and melted. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and basil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

5. Assemble and Serve
   Spoon the warm sauce over each chicken breast and serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Swap the cheese: Try feta or cream cheese if goat cheese isn’t your favorite.

• Add heat: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Grill it: Instead of pan-frying, grill the marinated chicken for a smokier flavor.

• Low-fat version: Use light cream and reduce the butter slightly for a lighter dish.

• Herb switch: Substitute fresh oregano or rosemary for a different herb twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, but limit it to 12 hours so the acid from the lemon doesn’t begin to “cook” the chicken.

What kind of goat cheese should I use?

Use soft, plain goat cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well, just adjust cooking time as needed.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can work, but the sauce may be thinner.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken and make the sauce a day ahead. Reheat gently when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to serve Chicken Bryan?

It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, pasta, or a simple green salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it contains no flour or gluten-based ingredients.

Can I make this dairy-free?

It’s tough due to the butter, cream, and cheese, but dairy-free substitutes can be tested.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 1 month.

Conclusion

Chicken Bryan is a beautiful blend of zesty lemon, creamy cheese, and tender chicken that’s easy to bring to your table. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a dish worth adding to your rotation whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself. Serve it up with your favorite sides and enjoy restaurant flavor in the comfort of home.

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