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There’s a reason people can’t get enough of Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken. This dish has everything you crave in a satisfying meal—tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, melted cheese, and a sweet yet tangy honey mustard sauce. If you’re looking to bring a taste of Outback Steakhouse right to your kitchen, this guide will give you everything you need to make your own Alice Springs Chicken Recipe at home.
What Exactly is Alice Springs Chicken?
Named after Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory, this recipe doesn’t follow strict Aussie culinary traditions, but it definitely captures the Outback spirit. Known for hearty, no-fuss meals, Outback Steakhouse made Alice Springs Chicken popular in America as a savory entrée combining classic flavors. The dish involves marinating the chicken in honey mustard, grilling it until perfectly juicy, then layering it with mushrooms, cheese, and crispy bacon for an irresistible finish.
Why You’ll Love Alice Springs Chicken
If you haven’t tried making Alice Springs Chicken at home, get ready for something special! It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal yet fancy enough to serve when guests are over. Here’s why it’s such a hit:
- Family Favorite: Between the cheese, bacon, and honey mustard, this dish has something for everyone.
- Satisfying Yet Simple: Only a few basic ingredients, but when combined, they make magic.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe keeps well for a few days in the fridge, so you can enjoy leftovers or pack it up for lunch.
Essential Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken
To make this Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken Recipe right at home, here’s what you’ll need. Using fresh ingredients will make the final dish taste just like the restaurant version, if not better.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless breasts, thick and juicy. If they’re extra thick, you can carefully slice them to make sure they cook evenly.
- Honey Mustard: A staple of this dish, honey mustard gives that perfect sweet-savory contrast. Use a high-quality honey mustard, or make your own by mixing honey and Dijon mustard. Homemade food adds an extra layer of freshness.
- Bacon: Thick-cut or smoked works perfectly for this recipe. Once crispy, the bacon adds a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor.
- Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms, such as button or cremini, are ideal. These cook down to a beautiful, savory texture that pairs with the honey mustard in a way that’s hard to beat.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack is a classic choice, but cheddar or even a cheddar-Jack blend is great if you prefer a sharper flavor. The cheese will melt into the bacon and mushrooms, giving that signature Alice Springs gooeyness.
- Butter: A small amount for cooking the mushrooms and to add a bit of richness to the dish.
- Seasoning: A simple blend of salt and pepper brings out the best in each ingredient.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Alice Springs Chicken
Before you start, make sure your chicken is marinated. The honey mustard marinade not only adds flavor but helps to tenderize the chicken, making it extra juicy.
Marinating the Chicken
The first step is marinating your chicken. Here’s how to do it:
- In a medium bowl, combine half of your honey mustard sauce with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly. Cover and let sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour. For even more flavor, leave them overnight if you have the time!
Preparing the Ingredients
While the chicken is marinating, you can get the rest of the ingredients ready.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until they’re crispy. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add a bit of butter and sauté the mushrooms until they’re tender and slightly golden, about five minutes. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the mushrooms for layering on top of the chicken.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you start cooking the chicken on the stovetop.
Cooking the Chicken
After your chicken is marinated and is ready to cook it:
- Heat a Grill or Skillet: If you’re grilling, heat up your grill or grill pan to medium heat. If you’re using a skillet, heat it over medium-high with a small amount of oil to keep the chicken from sticking.
- Cook the Chicken Breasts: Grill or cook each side of the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You don’t want to overcook them, as they’ll go in the oven briefly after this step.
Assembling the Alice Springs Chicken
This is where it all comes together! With your cooked chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese ready to go, layering them will turn these simple ingredients into a masterpiece.
- Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish, making sure they have a little room between them.
- Layer with Goodness: Add a spoonful of the cooked mushrooms over each chicken breast, followed by a couple of strips of bacon. Then, add a generous layer of shredded cheese on top of each piece. The cheese will melt and blend with the bacon and mushrooms beautifully.
- Bake The baking dish should be inserted into your oven preheated.Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. Keep an eye on it – you want gooey, melted cheese, not overcooked chicken.
Serving Alice Springs Chicken
Now that your dish is hot and ready, here’s how to make it shine on the plate. Serve each piece with a drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce for an added burst of flavor. This dish can be served with a wide range of side dishes:
- Steamed Vegetables: A simple side of broccoli, green beans, or asparagus complements the richness of the chicken.
- Rice or Potatoes: A bed of white or brown rice helps soak up all the extra sauce, while mashed or roasted potatoes make for a hearty option.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light dressing can balance the richness of the meal.
Recipe Tips and Tricks for Alice Springs Chicken
To make sure your Alice Springs Chicken Recipe is absolutely perfect, here are a few tips and common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: Letting the chicken sit in the honey mustard sauce not only adds flavor but keeps it moist as it cooks.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken can be tricky to cook, so a thermometer ensures your chicken reaches the right temperature without drying out.
- Double the Honey Mustard Sauce: Many people love extra sauce on the side for dipping, so consider making a bit more than you think you’ll need.
- Get Creative with Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to add extra or experiment with a mix of your favorites.
Variations on Alice Springs Chicken
Looking to put a personal twist on this recipe? Here are some variations that can take your Alice Springs Chicken in different directions:
- Spicy Kick: Add a little heat to your honey mustard sauce with a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
- Lower-Carb Option: Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zoodles to keep it light.
- Herb-Infused: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives sprinkled over the chicken before baking can add a fresh flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Alice Springs Chicken in advance? Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! You can cook the chicken and prep all the toppings, then assemble and bake it right before serving. Remaining food items can be stored in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: What other cheeses can I use? Feel at ease to use any cheese that melts easily! Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack if you like a little spice.
Q: Can I freeze Alice Springs Chicken? Absolutely! Once cooked and cooled, freeze the chicken in a single layer in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Wrapping Up: The Best Alice Springs Chicken Recipe at Home
And there you have it—a complete guide to making Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken in your own kitchen. This recipe brings together the best of savory, smoky, sweet, and cheesy, all on a tender chicken breast. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to try something new, this recipe is simple, delicious, and packed with flavor.
Give it a try, and soon enough, you might just start skipping the restaurant altogether. Enjoy your Alice Springs Chicken adventure!