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Flavorful Copycat Carrabbas Chicken Bryan Recipe Easy Homemade Basil Pesto

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A quick and easy copycat recipe of Carrabba’s Chicken Bryan featuring pan-seared chicken breasts topped with creamy goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh homemade basil pesto.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), pounded to even thickness
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed (washed and dried)
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 1/2 cup olive oil (good quality)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 oz goat cheese, softened (chevre)
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm). Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse several times to chop, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while the processor runs until the mixture is smooth but still has texture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until the underside is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Reduce heat to low. Spread softened goat cheese evenly over each chicken breast, then sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top. Cover the pan loosely with a lid and let sit for 2–3 minutes until cheese softens.
  5. Spoon generous dollops of basil pesto over the chicken just before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness. If pesto is too thick, add a teaspoon of olive oil or a splash of water to loosen. Avoid moving chicken too much while searing to get a perfect crust. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days. For gluten-free, skip breading or sides containing gluten. Pine nuts can be substituted with walnuts. Goat cheese can be swapped with cream cheese for milder flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Bryan, Carrabba's copycat, basil pesto, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, easy chicken recipe, homemade pesto, pan-seared chicken

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/flavorful-copycat-carrabbas-chicken-bryan-recipe-easy-homemade-basil-pesto/