Tony’s Take on Chicken Bryan at Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for the grill)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried onion powder
• 4 oz fresh goat cheese log (cold, sliced into 4 medallions)
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and julienned
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio works great)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional, helps stabilize the sauce)
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Side: 8 oz penne pasta and 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

1. PREP THE BIRDS: Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound them lightly to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking! Rub them with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. FIRE UP THE GRILL: Preheat your outdoor grill or a cast-iron grill pan to medium-high heat. We want nice char marks here, people!
3. START THE SAUCE BASE: While the grill heats, grab a small saucepan. Combine white wine, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Simmer over medium heat until reduced by half. Boom! Concentrated flavor.
4. GRILL TIME: Toss the chicken on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Do not overcook it! We want juicy, not jerky.
5. FINISH THE SAUCE: Turn the saucepan heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream if using. Whisk in the cold butter one cube at a time. Keep whisking! Do not stop until it's a creamy, emulsified dream. Remove from heat immediately.
6. PASTA PLAY: Boil your penne in salted water until al dente. Toss with warm marinara. Keep it simple; the chicken is the star.
7. ASSEMBLE THE SQUAD: Plate the hot chicken. Immediately top each breast with a slice of cold goat cheese (the heat of the chicken will soften it perfectly).
8. GARNISH AND SERVE: Scatter the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil over the cheese. Ladle that glorious lemon butter sauce right over the top.
9. THE FINISHER: Hit it with a pinch of Lemon Zest Finishing Salt to make those citrus notes sing.
10. DUNZO!