Imagine sitting in a cozy booth at a well-known chain restaurant, eagerly waiting for your meal. As the server approaches, you catch a whiff of smoky bacon, melted cheese, and grilled chicken wafting through the air. Your plate arrives, and there it is Alice Springs Chicken, a beloved dish made famous by Outback Steakhouse. Its rich flavors of honey mustard, bacon, and mushrooms are so irresistible that it quickly became a household favorite nationwide.
But what exactly is Alice Springs Chicken, and what makes it so special? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the origins of the dish, its appeal, and how you can recreate this Outback Steakhouse classic right in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find that this dish is not only incredibly delicious but also simple to make with a few pantry staples.
Recipe Card – Alice Springs Chicken
Alice Springs Chicken
A savory grilled chicken breast topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese, finished with a drizzle of honey mustard sauce. Inspired by Outback Steakhouse’s famous recipe, it’s a perfect restaurant-style meal you can recreate at home!
- 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup honey mustard sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
- Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken breasts with half the honey mustard sauce. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Set aside on paper towels to drain.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add olive oil and sauté mushrooms until tender. Remove and set aside.
- Grill Chicken: Grill chicken over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
- Assemble: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place grilled chicken on a baking sheet. Top each piece with bacon slices, sautéed mushrooms, and a generous layer of shredded cheese.
Bake: Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Drizzle with remaining honey mustard sauce and garnish with parsley.
- For a quicker option, use pre-cooked bacon or mushrooms.
- Adjust the amount of honey mustard sauce based on your taste preference
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for garnish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: This recipe is straightforward, with easy-to-follow steps that make it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Recreate the famous Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken right in your kitchen without the need for a reservation.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and flavorful honey mustard sauce makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Customizable: This dish is incredibly versatile, allowing you to add or swap ingredients based on your personal preferences.
- Hearty and Filling: With protein-packed chicken, rich cheese, and smoky bacon, this meal is not only delicious but also satisfying.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
The secret to Alice Springs Chicken lies in its well-balanced flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and some substitutions you can use if needed:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts take center stage in this recipe. Their lean texture and ability to soak up flavors make them ideal for dishes like Alice Springs Chicken. However, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier texture or even use tofu for a vegetarian version.
Honey Mustard Sauce: This sauce ties all the flavors together with its sweet and tangy taste. While you can easily find honey mustard at the store, making your own with honey, Dijon mustard and a splash of vinegar is a great option for added freshness.
Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky, crispy element that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try using turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon substitute.
Cheese: A combination of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese provides the perfect melt and sharpness. Feel free to use other types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a spicier twist.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a rich, earthy depth of flavor to the dish. Portobello or cremini mushrooms work best, but you can also substitute them with bell peppers or onions if mushrooms aren’t your thing.
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating the chicken breasts in honey mustard sauce to build the flavors for Alice Springs Chicken. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they become. For optimal results, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally, leave it in the fridge overnight.
Cook the Bacon: While the chicken is marinating, cook your bacon in a skillet until it’s nice and crispy. Bacon grease also adds flavor to the sautéed mushrooms in the next step, so don’t toss it out! This method will help the mushrooms absorb a smoky essence, which enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Sauté the Mushrooms: Sautéing mushrooms is a key step to developing the earthy richness of this recipe. Let the mushrooms brown in the bacon fat (or olive oil) to intensify their flavor. Once they’re done, set them aside while you grill the chicken.
Grill the Chicken: Grilling adds a smoky, charred flavor to the marinated chicken breasts. If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan works just as well. Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Assemble the Chicken: Once the chicken is grilled, it’s time to layer on the flavor. Place each breast in a baking dish, then top with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a generous sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese.
Bake and Finish: Pop the chicken into a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once it’s out of the oven, drizzle with the remaining honey mustard sauce, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-quality meal.
Expert Tips for Success
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on them while grilling. A meat thermometer is your best friend for ensuring perfectly cooked chicken.
Layer the Flavors: Make sure to balance the flavors of the dish by using enough honey mustard and cheese, but not so much that it overpowers the other ingredients.
Customize Your Tastes: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Swap out the mushrooms for onions, or use a different type of cheese to make this dish your own.
Variations and Customizations
Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the honey mustard or use a low-carb version to make this dish keto-friendly.
Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms, and use plant-based bacon for a vegetarian twist.
Spicy Version: Add some heat by sprinkling in a little cayenne pepper or using pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover Alice Springs Chicken in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, put the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly warmed. You can also microwave it, but be aware that the cheese may become less melty.
Serving Suggestions
Alice Springs Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich, cheesy chicken.
Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans offer a lighter side to balance out the richness of the dish.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the chicken and bacon.
Garlic Bread: For an indulgent side, serve with some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed Alice Springs Chicken, you might also like:
- Baked Chicken Cutlets: Irresistible Sides to Serve: for complementary side dishes.
- Bone-In Chicken Breast: 3 Quick and Tasty Cooking Ideas: for a versatile chicken preparation guide.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu: Another cheesy, meaty dish with layers of ham and cheese.
Conclusion
Alice Springs Chicken is a mouthwatering blend of grilled chicken, smoky bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese, all tied together with a drizzle of honey mustard sauce. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or recreating the classic Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken at home, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a recipe you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation.
Now that you know how to make this delicious dish, why not give it a try? You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
Can I use a different sauce instead of honey mustard?
Is it possible to prepare this recipe in advance?
Can I freeze Alice Springs Chicken?
Share Your Thoughts
We’d love to hear from you! – Your email address will remain private. Mandatory fields are indicated as required.