Alice Springs Chicken

This Alice Springs Chicken brings together the delightful flavors of honey mustard-marinated chicken topped with mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted Colby Jack cheese. Inspired by Outback Steakhouse’s beloved dish, each bite offers a blend of sweet, smoky, and savory tastes that make it an unforgettable meal.

Whether for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish satisfies cravings with layers of flavor and texture. Serve it with the reserved honey mustard sauce on the side for an added touch of sweetness, perfect for those who love a balance of tangy and rich flavors.

Full Recipe:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 4 strips of bacon, cooked until crisp
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

For the Marinade:

• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Set aside ¼ cup of the sauce in a separate container, cover, and refrigerate.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the remaining sauce over them. Seal the bag and massage to coat the chicken. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
3. Cook the Mushrooms: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat until it shimmers. Add the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until golden-brown on the bottom. Flip each breast and cook for another 5 minutes to brown the other side.
5. Add Toppings and Bake: Distribute the sautéed mushrooms evenly over the chicken, then top each piece with a strip of bacon and a sprinkle of cheese. Cover the skillet and transfer to the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce on the side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Alice Springs Chicken, inspired by the famed dish from Outback Steakhouse, has won a place in many hearts (and stomachs) due to its unique layering of flavors and textures. This recipe, rich in flavor and satisfying for the whole family, is beloved for its honey mustard-marinated chicken topped with savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, and melty Colby Jack cheese. If you’re looking for a meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen, Alice Springs Chicken might be just the recipe to add to your repertoire.

The History Behind Alice Springs Chicken

Alice Springs Chicken draws its name from the town of Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory, though the recipe itself is distinctly American in style. Outback Steakhouse, an American restaurant chain inspired by Australian themes, introduced Alice Springs Chicken as a way to bring a new chicken option to its primarily steak-focused menu. The flavors are classic and hearty, appealing to those who enjoy both sweet and savory combinations. The addition of honey mustard sauce, bacon, and cheese gives it an indulgent feel, while the mushrooms add depth and balance.

Over time, Alice Springs Chicken has become a favorite for fans of Outback Steakhouse, earning a place alongside steakhouse staples like bloomin’ onions and rib-eye steaks. This popularity has inspired many home cooks to try their hand at recreating the dish, resulting in a variety of Alice Springs Chicken recipes online.

What Makes This Dish So Irresistible?

Alice Springs Chicken is a layered experience, each ingredient playing an essential role. Here’s why it has such a devoted following:

1. Honey Mustard Marinade: This sauce gives the chicken a delightful sweet and tangy profile. The marinade, which combines Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and a hint of lemon, adds a touch of zest that permeates the chicken as it marinates. The honey mustard also pairs well with the other ingredients, creating a balance that hits all the right notes.
2. Juicy, Seared Chicken Breast: The chicken is briefly seared to lock in its juices, adding a golden-brown crust that enhances its taste and texture. Cooking the chicken on the stove before finishing it in the oven is an effective method for achieving both tenderness and flavor.
3. Crispy Bacon: Bacon brings a smoky, crispy element that contrasts with the tenderness of the chicken and cheese. Its presence is essential to this dish, adding a hint of umami and an indulgent touch.
4. Mushrooms for Earthiness: The mushrooms give a subtle depth to the dish, adding an earthy note that contrasts beautifully with the honey mustard and bacon. If you’re a fan of mushrooms, they add complexity, though the dish is just as delicious without them.
5. Melted Colby Jack Cheese: The cheese layer adds a rich, creamy texture, binding the flavors together and making each bite satisfying and indulgent. Colby Jack melts well and adds a mild, creamy flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Tips for Preparing Alice Springs Chicken

Here are some key tips that can elevate your Alice Springs Chicken from good to outstanding:

• Marinating Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) ensures the honey mustard flavors permeate deeply, making every bite flavorful. If you’re in a hurry, 30 minutes will suffice, but if you have more time, longer marination can significantly boost the dish’s taste.
• Choose the Right Cheese: Colby Jack is a popular choice because it melts beautifully without being too strong, but other cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar can be used for a more robust flavor. The cheese should be shredded finely for even melting.
• High-Quality Bacon: Opt for a thick-cut, high-quality bacon to ensure that it stays crispy and adds a good amount of flavor. Cooking the bacon until it’s crispy before layering it onto the chicken will prevent it from becoming soggy in the oven.
• Use an Oven-Proof Skillet: Searing the chicken in an oven-safe skillet lets you transfer the entire dish directly to the oven, minimizing the need for additional dishes and retaining more of the flavors from the initial cooking stage.
• Experiment with Additions: While the classic recipe is already packed with flavor, feel free to add extra herbs or spices if you wish. Chopped parsley, thyme, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika can add an interesting twist.

Serving Suggestions

Alice Springs Chicken is versatile in its serving options, making it a great choice for both family dinners and gatherings. It pairs wonderfully with various sides that can complement its richness. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Potatoes: The creamy, savory flavor of mashed or roasted potatoes pairs perfectly with the tangy honey mustard sauce. Potatoes offer a hearty, comforting element that balances the dish’s flavors.
• Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans: A side of green vegetables like asparagus or green beans provides a fresh, vibrant contrast to the richness of the chicken. They’re easy to prepare and add a pop of color to your plate.
• Steamed Rice or Pilaf: Rice serves as a neutral base, soaking up any extra sauce and creating a balanced meal. A wild rice blend or rice pilaf adds texture and complements the chicken well.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also be a great pairing, providing a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the warm, cheesy chicken.

Adapting the Recipe for Different Preferences

This recipe is adaptable to a range of dietary preferences or ingredient availability. For instance:

• Gluten-Free: Make sure all ingredients, especially the mustard and mayonnaise, are gluten-free. Most varieties are naturally gluten-free, but it’s best to double-check.
• Low-Carb: Alice Springs Chicken is inherently low in carbs, but if you’re looking to lower it even more, serve with low-carb sides like cauliflower mash or sautéed greens.
• Vegetarian Variation: Although the dish is focused on chicken, the honey mustard sauce, cheese, mushrooms, and bacon combination works well with alternatives like grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.

The Appeal of Restaurant Copycat Recipes

One of the reasons Alice Springs Chicken has become so popular is its status as a “copycat” recipe. Copycat recipes allow food enthusiasts to recreate their favorite restaurant meals at home, bringing restaurant-style dishes to the family table without the expense of dining out. These recipes are often adjusted to be more accessible for the home cook, with readily available ingredients and simplified instructions.

Recreating Outback’s Alice Springs Chicken at home offers a fun way to enjoy the restaurant experience without the need for a reservation. For fans of Outback Steakhouse, making Alice Springs Chicken at home lets them tailor the dish to their personal preferences and dietary needs.

Why Alice Springs Chicken is Perfect for Entertaining

The dish’s layered look with its golden-brown chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and optional mushrooms makes it visually appealing, while its rich flavors make it a crowd-pleaser. The honey mustard sauce offers a sweet yet tangy contrast to the savory elements, creating a harmonious balance that suits a wide range of palates.

Because it can be prepared in advance, Alice Springs Chicken is also convenient for entertaining. Marinate the chicken ahead of time, and when you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the ingredients and bake. This leaves you free to focus on other parts of the meal or spend time with guests.

Conclusion

Alice Springs Chicken is more than just a chicken dish; it’s a medley of flavors and textures that come together beautifully. Whether enjoyed at Outback Steakhouse or recreated at home, this recipe has a universal appeal that makes it a hit among those who try it. With the savory taste of bacon, the rich honey mustard sauce, and the meltingly delicious layer of cheese, Alice Springs Chicken is a dish that promises satisfaction.

Perfect for family meals, gatherings, or even an indulgent night in, this recipe provides a little taste of restaurant luxury right in your kitchen. Serve it with your favorite sides, garnish it to impress, and enjoy this copycat classic that brings both comfort and flair to any meal.