There’s something uniquely comforting about recreating a beloved restaurant dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. One such iconic dish is Alice Springs Chicken, a standout on Outback Steakhouse’s menu. With its tender chicken breast, creamy honey mustard sauce, smoky bacon, and melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you’ve been craving this dish but don’t want to dine out, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide will show you how to make a copycat version of Alice Springs Chicken that’s just as flavorful as the original—if not better!
Table of Contents
What Is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is named after the remote town of Alice Springs in Australia. It’s a dish that perfectly captures the hearty, bold flavors of the Outback Steakhouse menu. The recipe combines marinated, juicy chicken breast with a layer of sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all topped with a tangy honey mustard sauce.
This dish is both indulgent and versatile, making it a favorite for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep. Once you master it, you’ll never feel the need to order it at a restaurant again!
Why Make Alice Springs Chicken at Home?
Recreating Alice Springs Chicken at home offers several advantages:
- Save Money: Dining out can get expensive, especially if you’re feeding a family. This recipe costs a fraction of the price.
- Healthier Options: You control the ingredients, so you can use organic chicken, lower-fat cheese, or sugar-free honey mustard.
- Customizable: Prefer more bacon or extra mushrooms? Making it at home lets you tailor the recipe to your tastes.
There’s also the satisfaction of knowing you’ve created something restaurant-worthy in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the ingredients and process!
Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken
Before you start cooking, gather your ingredients. Here’s a handy table to keep things organized:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 pieces | Skinless and boneless |
| Honey mustard sauce | 1 cup | Store-bought or homemade |
| Mushrooms | 1 cup, sliced | Optional but recommended |
| Bacon | 8 slices | Cooked until crispy |
| Monterey Jack cheese | 1 cup, shredded | Or Colby Jack |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For cooking the chicken |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | For seasoning |
Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Making honey mustard sauce from scratch is easy and enhances the flavor:
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Whisk these ingredients together for a tangy, creamy sauce that’s far better than store-bought!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Alice Springs Chicken
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
2. Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the sliced mushrooms in the bacon drippings for extra flavor.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Generously spread honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast.
- Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms, followed by two slices of bacon per chicken breast.
- Top it all off with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Alice Springs Chicken
Alice Springs Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the richness of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned carrots, broccoli, or asparagus complement the dish.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
- Warm Bread Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though they rarely last long), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage: Place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Alice Springs Chicken keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Use sugar-free honey mustard sauce and skip the mushrooms or use low-carb veggies.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor. Sear the chicken on a hot grill, then transfer it to a baking dish for assembly and finish baking.
Q: What’s a good cheese substitute?
If you don’t have Monterey Jack, cheddar or mozzarella work well.
Q: Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the chicken with sauce, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese, then refrigerate. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
Conclusion: Bringing the Restaurant Home
Making Alice Springs Chicken at home is easier than you might think, and the rewards are worth every step. This dish offers restaurant-quality flavors that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home, tailored to your preferences and dietary needs.
Now it’s your turn to give this copycat recipe a try. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a memorable meal. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments or let us know how you customized the dish to make it your own!
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