This Alice Springs Chicken Recipe brings together juicy chicken breasts topped with a rich honey mustard sauce, crispy turkey bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese. Inspired by the classic restaurant dish, this homemade version is packed with flavor and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Pound to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – Adds moisture and flavor.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Simple seasonings to enhance the chicken.
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ½ cup Dijon mustard – Adds tangy depth to the sauce.
- ½ cup honey – Balances the tanginess with sweetness.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise – Creates a creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice – Brightens the sauce with acidity.
Toppings:
- 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked until crispy – Smoky and savory.
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced – Sautéed for added depth of flavor.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend – A perfect cheesy topping.
Instructions for Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside ⅓ cup of the sauce for marinating the chicken, and reserve the rest for serving.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the ⅓ cup of honey mustard sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and season both sides with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of crispy turkey bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a generous layer of shredded cheese.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve with Honey Mustard Sauce
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the reserved honey mustard sauce and serve warm.
Variants of Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
Grilled Alice Springs Chicken
Skip the oven and cook the chicken entirely on the grill. Marinate the chicken as usual, then grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Add the bacon, mushrooms, and cheese during the last few minutes on the grill, closing the lid to melt the cheese.
Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken
Add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey mustard sauce for a spicy kick. This variation balances the sweetness of the honey with a touch of heat.
Vegetarian Alice Springs Style
Replace the chicken with thick slices of roasted portobello mushrooms. Layer them with the honey mustard sauce, crispy turkey bacon (or vegetarian bacon), sautéed mushrooms, and cheese. Bake until the cheese melts.
Low-Carb Alice Springs Chicken
For a keto-friendly version, reduce the honey in the sauce to 2 tablespoons and use a sugar-free alternative. Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep the meal low-carb.
Cheesier Alice Springs Chicken
Use a combination of cheeses like Mozzarella, Gouda, or Pepper Jack for an even cheesier and more indulgent topping. This adds a creamy, melty layer of flavor to the dish.
Alice Springs Chicken Casserole
Turn this recipe into a one-pan casserole! Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, layer them in a baking dish with the honey mustard sauce, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese, then bake until bubbly. Serve over rice or pasta.
Herb-Infused Alice Springs Chicken
Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the honey mustard marinade for a fresh, aromatic twist. Garnish the finished dish with chopped parsley for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking
Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays moist throughout.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Don’t skip the marinating step! Allow the chicken to soak in the honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to infuse it with flavor.
Cook Bacon and Mushrooms Ahead
Prepare the bacon and sautéed mushrooms before assembling the dish. Having these toppings ready speeds up the cooking process and ensures everything is hot and fresh.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet
An oven-safe skillet makes it easy to transfer the chicken from the stovetop to the oven without dirtying extra dishes. If you don’t have one, sear the chicken in a regular pan and then transfer it to a baking dish for baking.
Customize the Cheese Blend
Experiment with your favorite cheese combinations. While Monterey Jack and Cheddar are traditional, you can use Gouda, Mozzarella, or Pepper Jack for a unique twist.
Check the Internal Temperature
Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Serve with Extra Sauce
Reserve some honey mustard sauce for drizzling over the finished chicken or serving as a dipping sauce. This adds extra creaminess and enhances the dish’s flavor.
Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps retain the juices and ensures each bite is tender and flavorful.
FAQs About Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a popular dish inspired by Outback Steakhouse. It features juicy chicken breasts topped with honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes! Turkey bacon is a great alternative that’s leaner and just as delicious. It works perfectly in this recipe and provides a similar smoky flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the toppings (bacon and mushrooms) ahead of time. Assemble the dish just before baking for the freshest results.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
A blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Provolone, or Pepper Jack to suit your taste preferences.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, cover the chicken with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. This prevents the chicken from drying out while keeping the cheese melty.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and swap the mayonnaise in the honey mustard sauce with a vegan mayo. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
What should I serve with Alice Springs Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a crisp side salad. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Dijon mustard and mayonnaise, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
This Alice Springs Chicken Recipe is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the classic Outback Steakhouse favorite to your home kitchen. With its juicy chicken, smoky turkey bacon, savory sautéed mushrooms, and gooey melted cheese, all topped with a rich honey mustard sauce, it’s a recipe that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal, this recipe is simple to prepare and easy to customize. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests.
Now it’s time to give it a try! Once you taste this homemade version of Alice Springs Chicken, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
