If you’ve ever been to Outback Steakhouse, you know their Alice Springs Chicken is legendary. Juicy, marinated chicken breast smothered in honey mustard, crispy bacon, and melty cheese—it’s a flavor explosion in every bite! This homemade version lets you recreate that restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen, and trust me, it’s even better than the original. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this one’s a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love Alice Springs Chicken
Restaurant-Quality at Home: Save money and skip the wait—this tastes just like the Outback favorite!
Juicy & Flavorful: A rich honey mustard marinade keeps the chicken tender and delicious.
Cheesy, Bacon-Topped Goodness: Because everything is better with crispy bacon and gooey cheese!
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps—anyone can master this dish.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully for a quick and satisfying meal later in the week.
Ingredients in Alice Springs Chicken
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show—juicy and packed with flavor.
Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy blend of honey and Dijon mustard creates the perfect marinade and sauce.
Bacon: Adds a smoky crunch that takes this dish to the next level.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy, umami depth.
Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that gooey, melty topping.
Butter: Helps caramelize the mushrooms and adds richness to the dish.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, salt, and pepper enhance the flavors.
Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken
Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts in honey mustard and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for max flavor).
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then set aside.
Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the mushrooms until tender.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in the pan and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet).
Assemble & Bake: Place the seared chicken in a baking dish. Layer with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and shredded cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Drizzle & Serve: Spoon extra honey mustard sauce over the top and serve hot!
How to Serve Alice Springs Chicken
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect base to soak up all that cheesy, saucy goodness.
Steamed Veggies: Keep it balanced with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
Rice Pilaf: A light, fluffy rice pilaf pairs beautifully with this rich dish.
Garlic Bread: Mop up every last drop of that honey mustard sauce with warm, crusty bread.
Additional Tips
Let the Chicken Marinate Longer: The longer it soaks, the more flavorful it becomes—overnight is best!
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that affect melting, so shred it fresh for the best results.
Crisp the Bacon Separately: This keeps it crunchy instead of soggy under the cheese.
Double the Honey Mustard: You’ll want extra for dipping—trust me!
Store & Reheat: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQ
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Marinate the chicken and prep the ingredients ahead, then bake when ready to serve.
Q2: What’s the best cheese to use?
A2: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the perfect gooey texture and sharp flavor.
Q3: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
A3: Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work great in this recipe.
Q4: Can I make this without mushrooms?
A4: Of course! Just skip them if you’re not a fan—the dish will still be delicious.
Q5: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A5: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Q6: Can I make this dish low-carb?
A6: Yes! Serve it with cauliflower rice or a simple side salad instead of potatoes or bread.
Q7: Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?
A7: You can, but baking helps melt the cheese evenly. If you prefer stovetop, cover the pan and let it melt.
Q8: What’s a good side sauce?
A8: Extra honey mustard on the side makes it even better for dipping!
Q9: Can I grill the chicken instead?
A9: Yes! Grilling adds a smoky flavor—just finish it in the oven with the toppings.
Q10: What’s the secret to juicy chicken?
A10: Don’t overcook it! Using a meat thermometer and resting the chicken before serving keeps it tender.
Final Thoughts
This Alice Springs Chicken recipe gives you that Outback experience at home—with even more flavor! Juicy marinated chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a blanket of melted cheese? Yeah, you’re going to want to make this one on repeat. So grab your ingredients, whip up some honey mustard, and get ready to dig into pure comfort food perfection!
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Alice Springs Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Outback-inspired Alice Springs Chicken is a mouthwatering dish featuring juicy chicken breasts, crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, and melted Colby Jack cheese, all smothered in a creamy honey mustard sauce. A restaurant-quality meal made easily at home!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
- Set aside ¼ cup of the sauce for dipping.
2️⃣ Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts in a ziplock bag and add the remaining honey mustard sauce.
- Seal and shake to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3️⃣ Preheat Oven & Cook Mushrooms:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté mushrooms for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove from skillet.
4️⃣ Sear the Chicken:
- Wipe out the skillet and heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and sear for 5 minutes per side until browned.
5️⃣ Assemble & Bake:
- Turn off heat. Top chicken with mushrooms, bacon, and shredded cheese.
- Cover skillet with a lid and bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with reserved honey mustard sauce.
Notes
- Cheese Options: Try cheddar or mozzarella for a variation.
- Make it Lighter: Use turkey bacon and a low-fat cheese blend.
- Best Served With: Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a side salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 140mg