If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you’re likely familiar with one of their most popular dishes: the Alice Springs Chicken recipe. This savory and cheesy chicken dish is beloved for its combination of juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, and a rich honey mustard sauce. It’s the perfect blend of flavors that satisfies any craving for a hearty, delicious meal.
Luckily, you don’t need to visit the restaurant to enjoy this iconic dish. With a few key ingredients and simple steps, you can make Alice Springs Chicken at home and savor its flavors any time. This article will guide you through how to recreate the famous recipe from scratch, offer variations, and provide helpful tips to ensure your meal turns out as delicious as the restaurant version.
What Is Alice Springs Chicken?
Named after the town of Alice Springs in Australia, this dish captures the essence of comfort food while delivering robust flavors in each bite. Alice Springs Chicken typically features:
- Grilled chicken breast: The base of the dish is a perfectly grilled, tender chicken breast that’s juicy and flavorful.
- Bacon: Crispy strips of bacon add a smoky crunch.
- Sautéed mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms are sautéed in butter, complementing the richness of the bacon and cheese.
- Cheese: Melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese are layered on top of the chicken, providing a gooey, creamy texture.
- Honey mustard sauce: The pièce de résistance is the tangy honey mustard sauce, used both as a marinade and a topping, bringing the entire dish together.
This hearty dish is filling and decadent, making it perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving something rich and savory.
Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken
Before diving into the Alice Springs Chicken recipe, make sure you gather all the essential ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for sautéing mushrooms
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Garnishes (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sliced green onions
This recipe yields 4 servings, but you can adjust the quantities if you’re cooking for more or fewer people.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Alice Springs Chicken
Follow these steps to prepare the perfect Alice Springs Chicken, bursting with flavor in every bite.
Step 1: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
The honey mustard sauce is one of the stars of this dish. It serves as both a marinade and a drizzle, giving the chicken a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the other rich ingredients.
Instructions:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the balance of sweetness and tanginess if needed by adding more honey or mustard.
- Divide the sauce into two equal portions: one half will be used to marinate the chicken, and the other half will be reserved as a topping and for serving.
Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, make the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld.
Internal Link: Want to experiment with different sauces? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Homemade Sauces for more ideas on how to add flavor to your dishes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is essential for achieving maximum flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-lock bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour half of the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are evenly coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Tip: If you’re short on time, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes—but longer marinating is highly recommended.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Sauté the Mushrooms
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the bacon and mushrooms. These two ingredients provide the savory richness that makes Alice Springs Chicken so irresistible.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or use the leftover bacon fat) and sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium heat. Cook the mushrooms until they’re tender and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Internal Link: Looking for tips on how to sauté mushrooms to perfection? Visit our Mushroom Cooking Guide for techniques and recipes.
Step 4: Grill or Sear the Chicken
You can either grill or pan-sear the chicken, depending on your preference and available equipment. Here’s how:
Grilling Instructions:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the used marinade.
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Pan-Searing Instructions:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a bit of olive oil to the pan and sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Tip: If using an oven, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish and Bake
Now comes the fun part—assembling all the ingredients into one mouth-watering dish!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the grilled or seared chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Top each chicken breast with two slices of cooked bacon.
- Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms over the bacon.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top of each piece of chicken.
- Bake the dish in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
Once baked, the chicken will be cheesy, rich, and topped with bacon and mushrooms for a perfect blend of flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the Alice Springs Chicken from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Drizzle the reserved honey mustard sauce over the chicken, or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
Garnish options:
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions over the top for a pop of color and added freshness.
Internal Link: Need some ideas for the perfect sides? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Side Dishes for delicious options to serve alongside your Alice Springs Chicken.
Variations of Alice Springs Chicken recipe
Alice Springs Chicken is versatile, allowing for different variations to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few creative twists on the classic recipe:
1. BBQ Alice Springs Chicken
For a smoky and tangy alternative, swap the honey mustard sauce for barbecue sauce. Use BBQ sauce as the marinade and glaze for the chicken. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce will pair beautifully with the bacon and melted cheese, giving the dish a smoky Southern flair.
Internal Link: Try our Ultimate BBQ Chicken Recipes for more barbecue-inspired meals.
2. Low-Carb/Keto Alice Springs Chicken
To make this dish suitable for a low-carb or keto diet, you can easily modify a few ingredients. Instead of using traditional honey mustard, opt for a sugar-free mustard sauce, and replace the cheese with low-carb cheese options. Serve the dish with low-carb sides like roasted cauliflower or steamed broccoli.
Internal Link: Looking for more low-carb meals? Visit our Low-Carb and Keto Recipe Guide for a variety of delicious dishes.
3. Vegetarian Alice Springs “Chicken”
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms or a plant-based chicken alternative. You can still use the honey mustard sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and bacon, or replace the bacon with a vegetarian alternative.
Internal Link: Interested in more vegetarian recipes? Check out our Vegetarian Meals Guide for inspiration.
What to Serve with Alice Springs Chicken recipe
While Alice Springs Chicken is a rich and satisfying dish on its own, pairing it with the right sides will create a complete, balanced meal. Here are some excellent side dishes to serve with this savory chicken dish:
1. Mashed Potatoes
The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the richness of the chicken, bacon, and cheese. The soft potatoes soak up the honey mustard sauce, making every bite flavorful and indulgent.
Internal Link: Learn how to make the best mashed potatoes with our Mashed Potatoes Recipe.
2. Roasted Vegetables
For a healthier and more colorful option, serve roasted vegetables alongside your Alice Springs Chicken. Vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes complement the richness of the dish while adding a healthy balance.
How to Roast Vegetables:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss your favorite vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and tender.
Internal Link: Need more veggie inspiration? Visit our Ultimate Guide to Roasted Vegetables.
3. Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad offers a refreshing, crunchy contrast to the richness of the chicken. The tangy Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons balance the heavier elements of the dish.
Internal Link: Want to make a homemade Caesar dressing? Check out our Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe for a simple yet flavorful option.
Tips for the Best Alice Springs Chicken recipe
To make sure your Alice Springs Chicken turns out just as delicious as the version from Outback Steakhouse, follow these tips:
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours helps infuse it with the tangy flavors of the honey mustard sauce, ensuring it’s juicy and flavorful.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Overcooked chicken can become dry, so watch the cooking time closely.
- Cheese quality matters: For the best results, use high-quality cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can be convenient but may not melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents.
FAQs About Alice Springs Chicken
1. Can I Freeze Alice Springs Chicken?
Yes, Alice Springs Chicken freezes well. To freeze, assemble the chicken with bacon, mushrooms, and cheese, but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
2. How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
Ideally, marinate the chicken for 2-8 hours. This allows the honey mustard sauce to fully infuse the chicken with flavor. If you’re short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack are the traditional cheeses used in Alice Springs Chicken, you can substitute them with mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack if you prefer a bit of spice.
Conclusion
Alice Springs Chicken is a beloved dish that combines the savory flavors of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese, all brought together by a tangy honey mustard sauce. Whether you’re making this dish for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to recreate this Outback Steakhouse favorite right at home.
Internal Link: For more mouthwatering chicken recipes, check out our Ultimate Guide to Chicken Dishes and discover even more ways to cook flavorful chicken meals.