Alice Springs Chicken is a beloved dish inspired by the popular offering from Outback Steakhouse, known for its rich flavors and satisfying combination of ingredients. This homemade version brings the essence of the restaurant favorite right into your kitchen, featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a drizzle of honey mustard sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors that creates a comforting and indulgent meal, perfect for a special dinner at home. Whether you’re a fan of Outback Steakhouse or simply love a good chicken recipe, this Alice Springs Chicken is sure to impress.
The first time I attempted to recreate Alice Springs Chicken at home was for a family member’s birthday dinner, aiming to bring a touch of restaurant-style dining to our celebration. The process of grilling the chicken, sautéing the mushrooms, and assembling the layers with precision made the kitchen feel like a professional setup. The anticipation grew as the dish came together, and the final result was a delightful surprise that exceeded expectations.
Serving this dish felt like presenting a labor of love, and the reaction it received was overwhelmingly positive. The combination of flavors, from the savory mushrooms and bacon to the sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, earned high praise. This experience not only added a special dish to our family’s recipe collection but also reinforced the joy of replicating restaurant favorites at home, creating memorable dining experiences around the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love Alice Springs Chicken
- Rich and Flavorful: Every bite offers a complex blend of tastes and textures.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special celebratory meal.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the toppings and sauce to suit your preferences.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy the flavors of Outback Steakhouse without leaving your house.
Ingredients Notes For Alice Springs Chicken
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation of this dish.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed until golden, mushrooms bring a rich umami flavor.
- Cheese: A combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese melts beautifully for a gooey topping.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: A homemade or store-bought sauce for marinating the chicken and serving.
Recipe Steps
- Marinate Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts in honey mustard sauce and let them marinate for at least an hour.
- Grill Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken until fully cooked and nicely charred.
- Cook Bacon: Fry bacon slices until crispy. Set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In the bacon fat, sauté sliced mushrooms until golden.
- Assemble: Place the grilled chicken in a baking dish. Top with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and shredded cheese.
- Broil: Broil the assembled chicken until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Drizzle with additional honey mustard sauce before serving.
Storage Options
- Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken at Home
Ingredients
For the Honey Mustard Marinade:
- Honey: 1/2 cup
- Dijon mustard: 1/4 cup
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 4 (pounded to an even thickness)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (for cooking)
- Bacon slices: 8 (cooked until crispy)
- Fresh mushrooms: 1 cup, sliced
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: 1 cup
- Shredded Cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Chopped parsley or chives: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and paprika to make the honey mustard marinade. Reserve 1/4 cup of the marinade for serving.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the remaining honey mustard marinade over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat vegetable oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard any leftover marinade) and sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Top the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is seared, top each breast evenly with the sliced mushrooms, then the cooked bacon slices (2 per breast). Sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese and Cheddar cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
- Bake:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Serve the Alice Springs Chicken hot, drizzled with the reserved honey mustard marinade. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
