Last Updated on July 17, 2023
Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria is an Italian-inspired chicken dish that is Carrabba’s flagship item in their restaurants. It combines sliced ham, goat cheese, mushrooms, and a tangy lemon basil butter sauce to create a delicious meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
The marinade used in this recipe helps to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. It takes about an hour to prepare, but the end result is definitely worth the effort!
In this recipe, Carrabba’s tasty dish is deconstructed to make it easier for the home cook to recreate. Read on to find out what ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks. You will love the fragrant flavors of this crowd-favorite recipe from now on.
What is Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria?
Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria is a popular Italian-inspired dish from the restaurant chain Carrabba’s. It combines thinly sliced chicken breast, deli ham, goat cheese, and mushrooms in a deliciously tangy lemon basil butter sauce. This zesty dish is easy to make and will quickly become a family favorite.
What does it taste like?
Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria has a unique flavor profile that is both savory and tangy. The chicken is tenderized by the lemon-based marinade, while the rich goat cheese and mushrooms add an earthy quality to the dish. The sauce itself is creamy with hints of lemon zest and basil which helps to bring the flavors together.
How did I first get introduced to the Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria?
I first heard of the Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria when I was in college. A friend of mine had recently been to the restaurant and raved about all of their delicious dishes, including this one. She described it as a tangy, flavorful chicken dish with goat cheese and mushrooms that was sure to be a hit. She was spot on – this dish quickly became a favorite of mine and I’ve been hooked ever since.
How to make Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria?
Making Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria is easy and it takes about an hour to prepare. Here are the ingredients you need:
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 large lemon, zested and then juiced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh basil
For the Mushrooms with Lemon Basil Butter Sauce:
- the lemon zest
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh basil
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 slices of very thinly sliced deli ham
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced or pounded to ½” thick
- 4-6 ounces of goat cheese
Step by step instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken: Combine lemon zest, juice, salt, olive oil, and basil in a bowl and mix until everything is combined.
Step 2
Place the chicken into the marinade, making sure each piece is completely covered with the mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
Step 3
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the mushrooms with lemon basil butter sauce: Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add in the mushrooms and season with salt. Cook until all of the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated and they are golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Step 4
Add the butter, lemon zest, and basil to the skillet with mushrooms and stir until everything is combined. Cook for an additional 5 minutes before setting aside. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
Step 5
Place the chicken onto the prepared baking sheet and top each piece with a slice of deli ham, goat cheese, and some of the mushrooms with lemon basil butter sauce.
Step 6
Bake for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve with a side of your favorite pasta, rice, or vegetables, and enjoy!
Tips
• Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so that they cook evenly.
• Use thinly sliced deli ham for best results.
• You can also use pre-cooked bacon if you’d like.
• If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil will work just as well.
• Goat cheese can be substituted with feta or other types of cheese if desired.
Equipment
- Large pan
- Large bowl
- Oven
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 large lemon, zested and then juiced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh basil
For the Mushrooms with Lemon Basil Butter Sauce:
- the lemon zest
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh basil
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 slices of very thinly sliced deli ham
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced or pounded to ½” thick
- 4-6 ounces of goat cheese
Instructions
- Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken: Combine lemon zest, juice, salt, olive oil, and basil in a bowl and mix until everything is combined.
- Place the chicken into the marinade, making sure each piece is completely covered with the mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the mushrooms with lemon basil butter sauce: Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add in the mushrooms and season with salt. Cook until all of the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated and they are golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add the butter, lemon zest, and basil to the skillet with mushrooms and stir until everything is combined. Cook for an additional 5 minutes before setting aside. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the chicken onto the prepared baking sheet and top each piece with a slice of deli ham, goat cheese, and some of the mushrooms with lemon basil butter sauce.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve with a side of your favorite pasta, rice, or vegetables, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
• Calories: 389 kcal
• Protein: 37g
• Fat: 17g
• Carbs: 8 g
• Sodium: 1040 mg
• Fiber: 1.3 g
What to serve with Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria?
Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria can be served with a variety of sides such as pasta, rice, or vegetables. Some popular accompaniments include mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, roasted broccoli, and zucchini noodles.
How to store leftover Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria?
Leftover Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Also, the dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. So, if you have extra, don’t hesitate to make a double batch and reheat it later.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria is generally safe for pregnant women to eat, as long as certain precautions are taken. The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and all ingredients should be fresh. Pregnant women should also avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, eggs, fish, and soft cheeses to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
FAQs
Can I make Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat it before serving.
What herbs can I use in place of fresh basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be used as a substitute. Other herbs such as oregano and parsley can also be used.
Can I freeze this dish?
This dish is best served fresh, however, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What other toppings can I use?
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Some ideas include sliced olives, crumbled bacon, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also add additional herbs to the chicken or topping such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
Wrapping Up
Carrabba’s pollo rosa maria is an easy and delicious dish that can be made in under an hour. It features succulent chicken breasts topped with deli ham, tangy goat cheese, and mushrooms with a lemon basil butter sauce. Serve this dish with your favorite pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.
If you want the restaurant’s taste at home, then this is the perfect recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this scrumptious dish quickly and easily. Be sure to follow the instructions closely for the best results.
Please share this recipe with your family and friends to enjoy too! Thank you.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
