Name: Chicken Bryan with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Goat Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 lemon juiced; 3 garlic cloves minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil sliced; 4 oz. goat cheese (crumbled or a log will work); 1 stick of unsalted butter; 3 garlic cloves minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons oil from the sun-dried tomato jar; 1/4 cup fresh basil sliced; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1/4 cup heavy cream

This Chicken Bryan is a delicious copycat of Carrabba’s popular chicken dish featuring creamy goat cheese and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. The combination of savory chicken, rich cheese, and bright lemon butter sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this dish is perfect for spring and summer dining or whenever you want to elevate your chicken dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort
The lemon butter sauce is velvety, rich, and brightens the entire dish
It’s an impressive meal for guests but simple enough for weeknight dinners
Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors – tangy goat cheese, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and herb-marinated chicken
The dish is versatile and pairs well with many sides like pasta, rice, or vegetables
You can prepare components ahead of time for quick assembly
It’s a restaurant-quality meal that costs a fraction of dining out

Ingredients

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

Boneless skinless chicken breasts serve as the protein foundation for this dish. They’re mild enough to absorb the marinade flavors while providing a hearty base for the toppings.

Extra virgin olive oil helps to tenderize the chicken during marination and adds a subtle fruity flavor that complements the Mediterranean ingredients.

Italian seasoning offers a convenient blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors during marination.

Lemon juice adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken while creating a flavor foundation for the sauce.

Garlic brings essential aromatic depth to both the marinade and sauce, adding that savory note that makes the dish irresistible.

Sun-dried tomatoes contribute intense, concentrated tomato flavor and a slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. Their oil also adds richness to the sauce.

Goat cheese provides a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the other flavors and creates that signature Chicken Bryan experience. It melts slightly over the warm chicken for a luxurious finish.

Butter forms the rich base of the lemon sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats the chicken beautifully.

Heavy cream adds body and richness to the sauce, helping it cling to the chicken and balancing the acidity of the lemon.

Fresh basil brightens the entire dish with its aromatic, slightly peppery flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and cheese.

Directions

In a large ziplock combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper and then add the chicken breasts. Seal the bag and use your hands to massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
After marinating the chicken preheat the grill to medium heat. Brush oil over grate to prevent sticking, and place chicken on the grill. Grill the chicken breasts, brushing the leftover marinade over the chicken breasts. You need to reach an internal temperature on 165 degrees F. (74 degrees C.) (takes about 6 or 7 minutes per side but varies on the sizes of the chicken). Check all the pieces of chicken to be certain that they are cooked.
While the chicken is grilling heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the butter and melt whisking continuously. Add in the garlic, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomato oil and basil. Continue to cook for 2 minutes.
Slowly add in the lemon juice and whisk to combine.
Add in the cream and continue to slowly whisking for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce starts to thicken. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Once the chicken is done remove from the grill and cover and allow to rest for about 5 minutes.
When you are ready to serve the chicken add the chicken to a dish and top each chicken breast with a 1/4 of the goat cheese, 1/4 of the sun-dried tomatoes and basil and continue for each of the chicken breast. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the chicken breasts and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. The cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, bringing the total active time to 40 minutes (plus marination). Each serving consists of one chicken breast topped with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon butter sauce.

Variations

Mediterranean Chicken Bryan: Add kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and a sprinkle of capers for an even more Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Herb-Intensive Version: Enhance the fresh herb profile by adding chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano to both the marinade and the sauce.

Spicy Chicken Bryan: Add red pepper flakes to the marinade and sauce for a kick of heat that pairs wonderfully with the cooling goat cheese.

Balsamic Twist: Add a tablespoon of balsamic glaze drizzled over the finished dish for a sweet-tangy dimension.

Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the butter before making the sauce for an earthy variation.

Citrus Blend: Use a combination of lemon and orange juice for a more complex citrus profile in the sauce.

Dairy-Free Option: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of goat cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover Chicken Bryan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the best texture.

Freezing: While you can freeze the cooked chicken, the sauce may separate when thawed. For best results, freeze the marinated raw chicken and prepare the sauce fresh when ready to cook. If freezing cooked chicken, store without the sauce and cheese for up to 2 months.

Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken gently in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Add fresh goat cheese after reheating. The sauce can be gently reheated in a saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally to prevent separation.

Make-Ahead Tips: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. The lemon butter sauce can also be made a day ahead and gently reheated before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re naturally more tender and forgiving when cooked. Adjust grilling time as thighs may take slightly longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

What can I substitute for goat cheese if I don’t like the flavor?

If goat cheese isn’t your preference, you can substitute with cream cheese for a milder option, feta for a similar tangy quality, or even fresh mozzarella for a more neutral, melty alternative.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or bake it in a 375°F oven for approximately 25-30 minutes until it reaches 165°F internally.

What’s the best way to know when chicken is done cooking?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink in the center.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

While fresh basil provides the best flavor for this dish, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried basil in a pinch. Add dried basil earlier in the cooking process to allow time for the flavor to develop.

My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce needs thickening, continue simmering it for a few more minutes. Alternatively, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for the heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for the heavy cream. These options will maintain the creamy texture while being dairy-free. Note that coconut milk will add a subtle coconut flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! Marinate and grill the chicken earlier in the day, then prepare the sauce. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes, warm the sauce separately, then assemble with fresh goat cheese and herbs just before serving.

What should I serve with Chicken Bryan?

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, pasta, rice pilaf, or quinoa. For a lighter meal, serve alongside roasted asparagus, a fresh green salad, or sautéed zucchini.

How can I use leftover lemon butter sauce?

Leftover sauce makes an excellent drizzle for steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, or even pasta. It can also be tossed with shrimp for a quick appetizer or used to enhance the flavor of plain rice or quinoa.

Conclusion

Chicken Bryan offers that perfect balance of restaurant-quality elegance and home-cooking simplicity. The combination of tender chicken, tangy goat cheese, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and that luxurious lemon butter sauce creates a meal that feels special enough for celebrations yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. The bright flavors make it particularly appealing during spring and summer, though it’s truly a year-round crowd-pleaser.

What makes this recipe particularly valuable is its adaptability. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking in your kitchen, using exactly the ingredients listed or making thoughtful substitutions based on what you have on hand, the fundamental character of the dish remains intact. It’s this flexibility, paired with reliable deliciousness, that makes Chicken Bryan a recipe worth adding to your permanent collection.

Try it once, and you’ll understand why this Carrabba’s-inspired creation has such staying power—it transforms the humble chicken breast into something truly memorable with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Chicken Bryan with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Goat Cheese