Best Chicken Bryan Recipe – Classic Italian-American Dish
I love cooking at home and exploring the rich flavors of Italian-American cuisine. When I first tried Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan, I knew I had to make it for my loved ones. This dish, inspired by Bryan, Texas, mixes creamy goat cheese with lemon and fresh basil. It’s a true culinary delight.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Carrabba’s Famous Chicken Dish
Carrabba’s Italian Grill is famous for its real Italian-American food. Chicken Bryan is a top dish, loved by many. It mixes Italy’s rich tastes with American heartiness.
Origins in Bryan, Texas
Chicken Bryan started in Bryan, Texas. The Carrabba family moved there from Sicily in 1890. This dish honors their Italian heritage.
The Carrabba Family Legacy
The first Carrabba’s restaurant opened in Texas in 1986. It’s now a favorite for Italian-American food. Chicken Bryan shows the family’s commitment to their cooking traditions.
The Carrabba family’s recipes are key to the menu. They ensure dishes like Chicken Bryan capture the essence of Italian-American flavors.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The Chicken Bryan recipe from Carrabba’s Italian Grill is truly exceptional. It turns simple chicken into a gourmet dish. The recipe features juicy chicken, grilled to perfection, and topped with a tangy lemon butter sauce, creamy goat cheese, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes.
This gourmet chicken recipe is special because of its balanced flavors. The chicken and goat cheese mix for a creamy texture. The sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness, while the lemon butter sauce brings a zesty touch.
This recipe makes a simple grilled chicken into a restaurant-quality meal. It’s perfect for any occasion or a delicious weeknight dinner. The Chicken Bryan’s unique flavor combination is sure to impress.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Chicken | 3-5 lbs |
| Kosher Salt | 5 tablespoons (100 grams) |
| Brine Time | 2-3 hours at room temperature or 4-6 hours in the fridge |
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 30 minutes at room temperature or 1 hour in the fridge |
| Brine Calories | 19 calories per serving |
| Brine Sodium | 34,932 mg |
| Brine Protein | 1 g per serving |
| Brine Carbohydrates | 4 g per serving |
| Brine Preparation Time | 2 hours and 20 minutes |
| Brine Ingredients | 3-6 sprigs of fresh herbs, 4 large cloves of smashed garlic, 1 pound of ice |
The Chicken Bryan recipe combines special ingredients and techniques. It makes a unique flavor combination that turns chicken into a homemade Italian dish fit for a gourmet chicken recipe.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Bryan
Making the perfect Chicken Bryan needs the right ingredients. At its core, the dish uses chicken breast recipes that are boneless and skinless. This makes the chicken tender and juicy. It’s marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian herbs, giving it a zesty flavor.
The dish also includes goat cheese, which adds a creamy, tangy taste. Sweet, chewy sun-dried tomatoes bring a Mediterranean flavor. Fresh basil and minced garlic add aromatic notes that enhance the dish’s taste.
To make the lemon butter sauce, you need butter, white wine, heavy cream, and lemon juice. This mix creates the rich, velvety sauce that’s a hallmark of Carrabba’s.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1 1/4 lbs, cut into 5 pieces |
| Olive Oil | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1/4 cup |
| Italian Herbs | 2 teaspoons |
| Goat Cheese | 4 oz. |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Fresh Basil | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Butter | 1/2 cup, divided |
| White Wine | 1/4 cup |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the classic Chicken Bryan, you’ll need some basic cooking tools and gadgets. First, a good grill or skillet is key for cooking the chicken right. You’ll also need a saucepan to simmer the lemon butter sauce, which is the dish’s main flavor.
For chopping herbs and tomatoes, a sharp knife is essential. A citrus juicer is needed for the fresh lemon juice in the sauce. And, a meat thermometer is crucial to make sure the chicken is cooked safely.
- Grill or skillet for cooking chicken
- Saucepan for lemon butter sauce
- Sharp knife for chopping herbs and tomatoes
- Citrus juicer for fresh lemon juice
- Meat thermometer to check doneness
- Garlic press for mincing garlic
- Cheese grater for shredding Parmesan
With these tools, you’re ready to make the perfect Chicken Bryan. It will have its famous lemon butter sauce and melted goat cheese on top. Now, let’s start cooking!
Preparing the Perfect Chicken Bryan Recipe
Making Chicken Bryan is a fun journey that mixes the South’s bright flavors with Italy’s finesse. It’s all about marinating the chicken, cooking it just right, and making the lemon butter sauce. These steps ensure a dish that’s both tasty and visually appealing.
Marination Process
Start by marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. This mix tenderizes the chicken and adds a zesty taste. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to soak up all the flavors.
Cooking Techniques
After marinating, grill or pan-sear the chicken until it’s golden and cooked to 165°F. This careful cooking makes the chicken juicy and perfectly done.
Sauce Preparation
To finish, make the lemon butter sauce. Sauté garlic and shallots, then add white wine and lemon juice. Mix in butter and cream for a smooth sauce that goes great with the chicken.
Mastering these steps will help you make a Chicken Bryan that wows everyone. Use top-notch ingredients and be patient and precise for the best taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 1 1/2 pounds |
| White Wine | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | 2 tablespoons |
| Goat Cheese | 8 ounces, sliced into disks |
By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you’ll make a Chicken Bryan that looks and tastes amazing. It’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite, no matter your cooking level.
Making the Signature Lemon Butter Sauce
The creamy lemon butter sauce is the star of Chicken Bryan. It brings a bright, tangy flavor that matches the rich chicken and goat cheese. To make it, sauté minced garlic and shallots in butter until they smell great.
Then, add white wine and fresh lemon juice to the pan. Let it simmer gently. This lets the flavors mix and the sauce thicken a bit. After it reduces, add heavy cream and butter slowly to make it smooth.
To finish, mix in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Keep the heat low to avoid the sauce breaking. Patience and slow butter addition are key for a smooth sauce.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (113g) |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Shallot, minced | 1 small |
| Dry white wine | 1/4 cup (60ml) |
| Lemon juice, freshly squeezed | 3 tbsp (45ml) |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup (120ml) |
| Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped | 1/4 cup (40g) |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 2 tbsp (10g) |
By following these steps, you’ll make a creamy lemon sauce that will take your Chicken Bryan to the next level. This butter sauce recipe shows how Italian-inspired sauces can turn a dish into a masterpiece.
Tips for Working with Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is a versatile and flavorful ingredient. It can make many dishes, like Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan, even better. Here are a few key tips for working with goat cheese for the best results.
Selection and Storage
Choose a soft, creamy goat cheese for your Chicken Bryan. This type melts beautifully on hot chicken, making it rich and indulgent. Always store goat cheese in the fridge, wrapped tightly, to keep it fresh and prevent drying out.
Proper Melting Techniques
To melt the goat cheese perfectly on Chicken Bryan, slice it into thin rounds. This way, the chicken’s heat can melt the cheese softly. It becomes creamy without turning into liquid.
By following these simple tips for goat cheese, you can make your Chicken Bryan dish even better. Enjoy the perfect balance of melting cheese and cheese storage techniques.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Chicken Bryan is a delightful dish that pairs beautifully with many side dishes. Serve it with freshly cooked pasta like fettuccine or angel hair. This will soak up the lemon-butter sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Roasted vegetables are also a great choice. Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or a mix of carrots, parsnips, and beets. They add a vibrant and nutritious touch, complementing the savory chicken.
For wine, a crisp white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is perfect. These wines balance the dish’s richness, offering a refreshing taste.
“The perfect pairing for Chicken Bryan is a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio, allowing the bright, citrusy notes to cut through the creamy indulgence of the dish.”
Chicken Bryan is great for any occasion, from small gatherings to big Italian feasts. Try different side dishes and wines to find your favorite way to enjoy it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Bryan, avoid a few common mistakes. First, watch the temperature to prevent dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. Aim for 165°F for juicy, tender chicken.
Temperature Control
Timing is also crucial. Take your time when making the sauce. Let it slowly reduce to get that rich, creamy texture. Also, add goat cheese carefully to avoid curdling from high heat.
Timing Considerations
Marination is key, but don’t overdo it. Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, but not too long. This ensures your Chicken Bryan is full of flavor and texture.
