You see, “Bryan” is the name of the Texas town where the Carrabba/Mandola family settled after emigrating to the United States from Italy. In fact, when the entrĂ©e first appeared on the Carrabba’s menu, its name was “Chicken Bryan Texas,” according to Bon Appetit. “Texas” eventually disappeared from the dish’s name.
You can make Carrabbas Chicken Bryan at home. Prepare chicken by wrapping in plastic wrap and pounding out until thin. Remove chicken from plastic wrap and pat dry with a paper towel. Season chicken with salt and pepper and brush with olive oil. Cook chicken on a grill until it is done – it should take 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
Grilled chicken is often touted for its health benefits, and luckily, Carrabba’s offers a delicious Tuscan grilled chicken that is very low in carbs and calories and will pair well with the healthier small plates, sides, or salads.
Following a meal of lean protein, like the Simply Grilled Mahi or Tuscan Grilled Chicken, with a side salad or steamed asparagus, the cannoli can play an important role in a nourishing meal at Carrabba’s—it can nourish your soul!
So, who’s the Bryan behind the entree?
So, which family member is Chicken Bryan named for? It turns out, it’s not actually a person at all. You see, “Bryan” is the name of the Texas town where the Carrabba/Mandola family settled after emigrating to the United States from Italy.
The Carrabba’s menu is inspired by Italian tradition, but it also represents American food and culture. So it’s no wonder that Carrabba’s most beloved dish is an amalgamation of various cultures and is named for a Texas town.
While there are a lot of copycat recipes floating around out there, the Orlando Sentinel has the official Chicken Bryan recipe for at-home chefs.