Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Grilled Chicken Breast – Gourmet BBQ Dinner

Elevate your backyard grilling to a gourmet level with these Sun-Dried Tomato and Goat Cheese Grilled Chicken Breasts. This dish combines juicy, perfectly grilled chicken with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese and the sweet, intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. Inspired by the famous Carrabba’s Italian Grill dish, Chicken Bryan, this recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance to your home BBQ. It’s an impressive yet surprisingly simple meal that’s perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests.

This BBQ recipe is all about fresh, vibrant ingredients and simple techniques. The creamy goat cheese melts beautifully over the hot chicken, while the sun-dried tomato and basil butter sauce adds a burst of bright, savory flavor. Whether you’re using a charcoal grill for authentic smoky notes or a gas grill for convenience, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a gourmet summer cookout or a romantic dinner for two.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is essential for getting a good sear on the grill. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
2. Fire Up the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). For a charcoal grill, set up a two-zone fire with coals on one side for direct heat and a cooler indirect zone on the other. For a gas grill, preheat all burners, then turn one off to create an indirect cooking area. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the direct heat side of the grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until you get nice, golden-brown grill marks. Move the chicken to the indirect heat side, close the lid, and cook for another 5-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F-165°F.
4. Add the Topping: During the last 2-3 minutes of grilling, top each chicken breast with a generous portion of crumbled goat cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Close the lid to allow the cheese to soften and melt slightly.
5. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce (Optional): While the chicken rests, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and season with salt and pepper. Keep warm.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. If using the sauce, spoon it over the chicken before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and lemon wedges.

Tips for Gourmet Grilled Chicken Perfection

• Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of this dish relies on a few key ingredients. Use good quality goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, and fresh basil for the best results.
• Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness—160°F-165°F is the sweet spot. Remember that the chicken will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
• Make it a Stuffed Version: For an even more impressive presentation, butterfly the chicken breasts and stuff them with a mixture of goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach before grilling. Secure with toothpicks and grill using the two-zone method.
• Get a Good Sear: Resist the urge to move the chicken around on the grill. Place it on the direct heat side and leave it for 5-6 minutes to develop a beautiful, caramelized crust and those signature grill marks.
• Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after grilling is crucial for a juicy result. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Delicious Variations

• Spinach and Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken: Sauté fresh spinach until wilted, and mix it with the goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Stuff the mixture into the chicken breasts for a creamy, savory filling.
• Smoked Chicken with Goat Cheese: Smoke the chicken breasts on a pellet grill at 225°F for 45 minutes, then finish over high heat. Top with the goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes during the last few minutes. The smokiness adds an incredible depth of flavor.
• Pesto Goat Cheese Chicken: Top the grilled chicken with a dollop of basil pesto along with the goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of herby flavor.
• Chicken Bryan Style: For a copycat of the famous dish, top the chicken with the goat cheese and a generous amount of the lemon butter sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
• Balsamic Glazed Version: Drizzle the finished chicken with a balsamic glaze for a touch of sweet acidity that complements the creamy goat cheese and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: The best way to reheat this chicken is on the grill or in the oven to restore that crispy exterior. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 8-10 minutes, or reheat on the grill over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side. The goat cheese topping will melt beautifully again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the chicken tough and the cheese rubbery.

Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the goat cheese can become watery and change texture upon thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or store in the refrigerator for a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What type of goat cheese should I use?
Use a fresh, soft chèvre (goat cheese) for this recipe. It’s available in most grocery stores in logs or pre-crumbled containers. The creamy, tangy flavor is the perfect complement to the sun-dried tomatoes and grilled chicken.

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil?
Yes, you can! If using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water or chicken broth for about 20 minutes until soft. Drain them well before chopping and using.

Can I make this dish on a gas grill?
Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly on a gas grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) and follow the same two-zone cooking method by turning off one burner to create an indirect heat zone.

What sides go well with this gourmet chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try it with roasted potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, pasta marinara, grilled asparagus, or a fresh green salad. A glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio is the perfect drink pairing.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and the sauce ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in olive oil, salt, and pepper for up to 24 hours. The lemon butter sauce can be made a day ahead and gently reheated. Grill the chicken just before serving for the best results.