Mastering the Alice Springs Chicken

If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you might have come across their legendary Alice Springs Chicken Recipe a mouthwatering dish loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, and a rich honey mustard sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food, balancing savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in every bite.

The best part? You don’t need to go to a restaurant to enjoy it! With this easy, step-by-step guide, you can make your very own Alice Springs Chicken Recipe right at home. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just treating yourself, this homemade version is even better than the original no reservations required!

What Is Alice Springs Chicken?

Alice Springs Chicken is a classic Australian-inspired dish from Outback Steakhouse, known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients. It features:

  • Grilled and marinated chicken breasts for a tender and juicy bite
  • A rich honey mustard sauce that adds the perfect tangy sweetness
  • Crispy bacon for a smoky crunch
  • Sautéed mushrooms for a deep, umami flavor
  • Melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese to tie everything together

Ingredients Needed for Alice Springs Chicken

Raw chicken, shredded cheese, mushrooms, bacon, and honey mustard sauce on a cutting board.
Gather all your ingredients before cooking for a smooth and easy process.

Before we start cooking, let’s gather everything we need. You might already have most of these ingredients in your pantry!

IngredientQuantity
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts4
Dijon mustard1/4 cup
Honey1/4 cup
Mayonnaise2 tablespoons
Lemon juice1 tablespoon
Butter2 tablespoons
Fresh mushrooms (sliced)1 cup
Cooked bacon (crumbled or in strips)4 slices
Cheddar cheese (shredded)1/2 cup
Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)1/2 cup
Salt & pepperTo taste

Want to make it even better? Try using smoked bacon for extra flavor or adding a pinch of paprika for a little kick!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Marinade

The secret to making the best Alice Springs Chicken Recipe is in the marinade. It’s what gives the chicken its signature flavor and tenderness.

  • In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
  • Whisk until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
  • Reserve 1/3 of the sauce for later (we’ll use it as a topping).

Step 2: Marinating the Chicken

  • Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or ziplock bag.
  • Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).

Patience is key! The longer the marinade sits, the better the chicken will taste.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

  • Preheat a pan or grill over medium-high heat.
  • Add a little butter to prevent sticking.
  • Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 4: Sautéing the Mushrooms

  • In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
  • Season with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

The mushrooms add a delicious depth of flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.

Step 5: Assembling the Dish

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish.
  • Spread the reserved honey mustard sauce evenly over each piece.
  • Top with the sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and shredded cheese.

Step 6: Baking to Perfection

  • Bake uncovered for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the dish from the oven. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Alice Springs Chicken

Alice Springs Chicken in a baking dish with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and mushrooms
Straight from the oven, this dish is packed with flavor and ready to enjoy!

Now that your delicious Alice Springs Chicken Recipe is ready, let’s talk about the best side dishes:

  • Mashed potatoes – Creamy and buttery goodness!
  • Steamed vegetables – A light and healthy balance.
  • Garlic bread – Because more carbs are always welcome.

And there you have it your very own homemade Alice Springs Chicken Recipe that’s just as good (if not better!) than the one from Outback Steakhouse.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even though making Alice Springs Chicken Recipe is pretty straightforward, there are a few mistakes that can ruin the dish. Don’t worry I’ve got you covered! Here’s what to watch out for:

Overcooking or Undercooking the Chicken

One of the biggest mistakes? Not cooking the chicken properly. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough, while undercooked chicken is unsafe to eat.

  • Solution: Always use a meat thermometer! The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • If you don’t have a thermometer, check the juices if they run clear, it’s ready!

Using the Wrong Cheese

The cheese is a key ingredient in Alice Springs Chicken Recipe, and using the wrong type can affect both the flavor and texture.

  • Best Choices: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the perfect melty, gooey topping.
  • Avoid: Hard cheeses like Parmesan (they won’t melt properly).

Skipping the Marination

The marinade is what gives the chicken its signature taste. Skipping this step = missing out on serious flavor.

  • Solution: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, 4 hours is even better!
  • If you’re short on time, poke small holes in the chicken to help absorb the flavors faster.

Using Pre-Cooked Bacon

Pre-cooked bacon might seem like a time-saver, but it won’t give you the crispy, smoky crunch that freshly cooked bacon does.

  • Solution: Cook your bacon fresh for the best flavor.
  • For extra crispiness, bake your bacon at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes.

Customizing the Recipe: Variations and Twists

Want to put your own spin on the Alice Springs Chicken Recipe? Try these delicious variations!

Spicy Alice Springs Chicken

  • Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
  • Top with pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for an extra kick.

Low-Carb / Keto Version

  • Replace honey with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
  • Skip the flour-based honey mustard sauce and use a low-carb mustard dressing.
  • Pair with roasted veggies instead of mashed potatoes.

Vegetarian Twist

  • Swap chicken for portobello mushrooms or grilled tofu.
  • Use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your Alice Springs Chicken Recipe without losing flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

  • Place the chicken in an airtight container.
  • Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Best Methods to Reheat

MethodSteps
OvenPreheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes.
MicrowaveUse a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals.
Air FryerSet to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 5-7 minutes for crispy results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can:

  • Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
  • Cook the bacon and mushrooms ahead of time.
  • Assemble everything and store in the fridge just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!

What Can I Use Instead of Dijon Mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, try:

  • Yellow mustard (for a milder taste)
  • Spicy brown mustard (for extra kick)
  • Honey mustard (to skip a step!)

Can I Cook This in an Air Fryer?

Yes! To make Air Fryer Alice Springs Chicken:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the marinated chicken for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Add toppings, then cook for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts.

Explore More Delicious Recipes

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just mastered the Alice Springs Chicken Recipe a dish that’s simple yet full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

  • Remember to marinate for maximum flavor.
  • Use fresh ingredients for the best results.
  • Experiment with variations to make it your own.

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!

Print
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A plate of Alice Springs Chicken with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and honey mustard sauce.

Mastering the Alice Springs Chicken


  • Author: Rita
  • Total Time: 1 hour (including marination)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Alice Springs Chicken is a flavorful and protein-packed dish inspired by Outback Steakhouse. This recipe features juicy marinated chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese, all smothered in a rich honey mustard sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special occasions, this homemade version is even better than the restaurant classic.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

¼ cup Dijon mustard

¼ cup honey

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Toppings:

4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled or whole)

1 cup fresh mushrooms (sliced)

1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing)

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth. Reserve ⅓ of the sauce for later use.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a bowl or ziplock bag. Pour the remaining ⅔ of the sauce over the chicken, ensuring full coverage. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Transfer to a plate and let rest.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread the reserved honey mustard sauce over each piece. Top with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, and shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. For a crispier top, switch to broil mode for the last 2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Marination Tip: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days

Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals

Make it Low-Carb: Replace honey with a sugar-free substitute and serve with roasted veggies instead of potatoes

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: Time: 30 minutes – 4 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking, Grilling
  • Cuisine: American, Australian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 580 kcal
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 1,050mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 50g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Alice Springs Chicken, Outback Steakhouse Copycat, Honey Mustard Chicken, Cheesy Chicken Recipe, Baked Chicken, Chicken with Bacon and Cheese

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