Are you craving the savory goodness of Outback Steakhouse’s signature Alice Springs Chicken recipe but don’t want to leave the house? Good news! You can recreate this restaurant-quality meal at home, saving money and adding your own personal touch. With juicy chicken breasts, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese smothered in a rich, sweet, and tangy honey mustard sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
This recipe allows you to enjoy the same satisfying flavors of Alice Springs Chicken recipe while offering customization options. Whether you’re looking to recreate the dish exactly or make healthier substitutions, this guide will take you step-by-step through the process.
And if you love experimenting with restaurant-style meals, be sure to explore our guide on how to recreate pepper lunch at home. It’s another popular dining-out dish that can easily be prepared in your own kitchen.
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Named after the town of Alice Springs in Australia, this dish has become one of the iconic meals at Outback Steakhouse. It features chicken breasts that are marinated in honey mustard, then grilled or baked. Once the chicken is cooked, it is topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a layer of melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses.
The honey mustard sauce gives the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the savory bacon and mushrooms. The cheese adds a creamy, rich finish, making this a complete dish that is filling and full of flavor.
If you’re interested in learning more about flavor combinations, check out our comprehensive guide on seafood boil sauces to enhance your culinary skills.
Why Make Alice Springs Chicken at Home?
Making Alice Springs Chicken recipe at home has many advantages beyond just replicating your favorite restaurant dish. Here are a few reasons to try this recipe in your own kitchen:
1. Cost-Effective
Restaurant meals can be expensive, but by preparing this dish at home, you can feed a family of four for the price of one Outback entrée. The ingredients are readily available, and many are pantry staples.
2. Customizable
One of the best parts about cooking at home is that you can adjust the recipe to fit your personal preferences. Want a little extra cheese? Go ahead! Prefer it spicier? Add some hot sauce to the honey mustard. You can even swap out ingredients to make the dish healthier or vegetarian.
3. Control Over Ingredients
When you make this dish at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. Choose high-quality organic chicken, nitrate-free bacon, or even experiment with plant-based substitutes. You can also adjust the amount of cheese, salt, and oil to fit your dietary needs.
4. Meal Prep
Alice Springs Chicken makes great leftovers. Cook a large batch and store the extras in the refrigerator for easy lunches or dinners later in the week. This dish also freezes well, so you can double the recipe and save some for busy nights.
Interested in other recipes that make meal prepping easy? Check out our recipe for meal prep high-protein breakfast burritos to make your mornings a breeze.
The Story Behind Alice Springs Chicken
Although Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a signature item from Outback Steakhouse, its roots go back to the town of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia. Known for its outback desert landscapes, Alice Springs is a place where hearty, flavorful meals are necessary after a long day of work. It makes sense that a dish like this—packed with protein, hearty toppings, and comforting flavors—would bear its name.
The dish has been a fan favorite at Outback for decades, and its appeal lies in the blend of different textures and flavors. The sweet honey mustard pairs perfectly with the salty bacon, while the gooey cheese melts into the earthy mushrooms. When cooked correctly, the chicken stays moist and tender, making this a well-rounded meal that is sure to impress.
For more restaurant-style meals with fascinating backstories, you might want to try recreating the famous sinigang recipe from Filipino cuisine, another comfort food that has deep cultural roots.
Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken
Core Ingredients:
To make Alice Springs Chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (medium to large size).
- Honey Mustard Sauce: 1 cup of honey mustard (store-bought or homemade).
- Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon for grilling or pan-searing the chicken.
- Mushrooms: 2 cups of sliced mushrooms (white or cremini mushrooms work best).
- Bacon: 8 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 ½ cups, shredded.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups, shredded.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing the mushrooms.
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Ingredient Substitutions:
Here are a few suggestions for tweaking the recipe based on dietary needs or preferences:
- Low-Fat Cheese: Use low-fat Monterey Jack and Cheddar to reduce calories and fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- Turkey Bacon: Swap traditional bacon for turkey bacon or even a vegetarian bacon alternative.
- Mushrooms: If you want a meatier, heartier flavor, substitute portobello mushrooms for white mushrooms.
- Honey Mustard: Homemade honey mustard is easy to make. Just mix equal parts honey and Dijon mustard with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of garlic powder.
And if you’re in the mood for even more indulgence, pair this savory dish with a sweet treat like pumpkin banana loaf for dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Alice Springs Chicken
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make this dish:
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Generously coat each chicken breast with honey mustard sauce, making sure the chicken is fully covered.
- Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
Marinating the chicken in honey mustard ensures that the meat remains moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process. The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate, making this an important step in the recipe.
If you’re curious about how to marinate and brine meats for optimal flavor, you might enjoy this ultimate guide to the perfect chicken brine recipe.
2. Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms
- While the chicken is marinating, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Set aside to drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the mushrooms with minced garlic for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
The key to sautéing mushrooms is patience. Cook them over medium heat to allow them to release their moisture and develop a rich, golden color. Adding garlic enhances the earthy flavor of the mushrooms, making them the perfect complement to the savory bacon and cheesy chicken.
3. Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or on a grill.
- Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Alternatively, you can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
Grilling gives the chicken a delicious charred flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tangy honey mustard. If you prefer, baking the chicken in the oven ensures that it stays tender and juicy. Either method will work, depending on your preference.
4. Assemble and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Top each breast with the sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a generous amount of shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This final step is where the magic happens. The melted cheese brings all the ingredients together, creating a dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is fully melted and the chicken is hot, remove the dish from the oven and serve immediately. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Tips for Making the Best Alice Springs Chicken
To ensure that your Alice Springs Chicken recipe turns out perfectly every time, here are a few additional tips:
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding your own cheese will give you a creamier, meltier finish.
- Don’t Skip the Marination: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes ensures that it absorbs the flavors of the honey mustard, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh mushrooms, bacon, and garlic to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
For more expert cooking tips, you might want to explore our guide to making a versatile blue jam garlic aioli that pairs well with almost any dish, including Alice Springs Chicken.
Side Dishes That Pair Well with Alice Springs Chicken
Alice Springs Chicken is a rich, hearty dish, so pairing it with the right sides can create a balanced meal. Here are a few options:
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes with butter and garlic are a perfect match for the rich flavors of Alice Springs Chicken. Consider adding some grated Cheddar cheese to the mashed potatoes for an extra indulgent side.
Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad with a tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the chicken, bacon, and cheese. Add croutons and shaved Parmesan to round out the flavors.
Steamed Vegetables
For a lighter side dish, steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots pair well with the richness of the chicken and cheese. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
For a creative twist, you might also consider serving Alice Springs Chicken with Mediterranean farm-house spaghetti sauce to add even more depth to your meal.
Nutritional Information and Healthier Alternatives
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving):
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
Healthier Substitutions:
- Low-Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses to cut down on calories and fat.
- Turkey Bacon: Replace traditional bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Olive Oil: Swap butter for olive oil when sautéing the mushrooms to reduce saturated fats.
For a lighter dessert to follow this meal, try our easy-to-make banana pudding, which is a crowd-pleasing option that satisfies your sweet tooth without being overly rich.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Alice Springs Chicken made of?
Alice Springs Chicken is made from marinated grilled chicken breasts, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a tangy honey mustard sauce.
2. Can I freeze Alice Springs Chicken?
Yes, Alice Springs Chicken can be frozen. Place it in an airtight container, and it will last up to three months. Reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
3. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Definitely! Pork chops or turkey breasts work well in this recipe. Both absorb the marinade and taste delicious with the bacon and cheese toppings.
4. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick, easy meal.
5. What’s the origin of Alice Springs Chicken?
The dish is named after Alice Springs, a town in Australia’s Northern Territory. Outback Steakhouse introduced this dish as part of their Australian-themed menu, and it quickly became a customer favorite.
Conclusion
Alice Springs Chicken is a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily recreate at home. With its juicy chicken breasts, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese, all topped with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, this meal is sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a dinner party, this dish is a guaranteed hit.
Don’t forget to try pairing it with our fideo recipe for a complete meal, or finish your dinner with a delightful Philadelphia cheesecake for dessert.
Happy cooking!