Alice Springs Chicken Outback Style Recipe

Make Alice Springs Chicken Outback Style

This classic Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken recipe brings the beloved restaurant flavor right into your home kitchen. Known for its succulent chicken breasts, perfectly cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, and a signature honey mustard sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Forget the long waits; you can now recreate this iconic cheesy chicken dish with ease and impress your family or guests. This copycat recipe is designed to deliver that authentic taste, ensuring a satisfying and memorable meal every time you make it. Our detailed steps cover everything from preparing the chicken to crafting the perfect sauce, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Quick preparation and cook times

One of the best aspects of this Alice Springs Chicken recipe is its efficiency. With a little pre-planning, you can have this flavorful meal on the table in under an hour. The preparation involves simple steps like cooking bacon and seasoning chicken, followed by a quick sear and baking. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, restaurant-quality dinner without the hassle. The hands-on time is minimal, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the oven does most of the work, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.

Yields four delicious servings

This Alice Springs Chicken recipe is perfectly portioned to yield four generous servings, making it an excellent option for a family dinner or a small gathering. Each serving is packed with protein and rich flavors, ensuring everyone feels satisfied. If you’re cooking for a larger group, simply scale up the ingredients accordingly. The beauty of this chicken dish lies in its robust flavors and satisfying nature, proving that you don’t need to leave home for an exceptional dining experience. Consider making extra, as leftovers are just as delightful!

Gather All Recipe Ingredients

To create the perfect Alice Springs Chicken, having all your ingredients ready is crucial. This recipe uses readily available items that combine to form a symphony of flavors reminiscent of the famous Outback Steakhouse dish. A key to any successful chicken recipe is fresh, quality components. Taking the time to gather and measure everything beforehand, also known as “mise en place,” will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the delicious transformation happening in your kitchen.

Essential chicken and bacon items

For the core of this Alice Springs Chicken, you will need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Choose breasts that are relatively uniform in thickness to ensure even cooking. If they are thick, you might want to lightly pound them to about ½ to ¾ inch thick. You will also need 8 slices of thick-cut bacon, which will not only add a crispy texture but also provide flavorful fat for searing the chicken. A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper will create a simple yet effective seasoning for your chicken breasts, enhancing their natural savory notes.

Key sauce and topping components

The signature honey mustard sauce is central to this Alice Springs Chicken recipe. You’ll need honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and dried minced onion flakes to build its distinctive sweet and tangy profile. A touch of corn syrup can be used to adjust sweetness if desired. For toppings, gather sliced fresh mushrooms – cremini or white button mushrooms work wonderfully – and 1.5 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, which melts beautifully and adds a creamy, mild flavor. Having these elements prepared will ensure a seamless assembly of your copycat Outback Steakhouse dish.

Prepare Bacon and Chicken Seasoning

The foundation of great Alice Springs Chicken begins with properly prepared bacon and well-seasoned chicken. These initial steps are vital for building the layers of flavor that make this dish so irresistible. Taking the time to render the bacon perfectly and allowing the chicken to absorb its seasonings will significantly elevate the final taste profile, making your homemade version truly stand out.

Cook bacon until crispy

Start by cooking your thick-cut bacon. Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, turning occasionally, until the bacon is beautifully crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Be sure to reserve about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet; this will be used later to brown your chicken and infuse it with an incredible smoky flavor. The crispy bacon will be crumbled and used as a topping, adding a delightful crunch to the Alice Springs Chicken.

Season chicken and marinate well

While the bacon is draining, prepare your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels – this helps the seasoning adhere and promotes better browning. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Generously rub this seasoning mixture all over both sides of each chicken breast. For optimal flavor penetration, allow the seasoned chicken to rest for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This brief “marination” period allows the spices to meld with the chicken, setting the stage for a truly flavorful main course. For another great chicken option, try this easy honey garlic chicken recipe.

Craft Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce

The signature honey mustard sauce is arguably what truly defines the Alice Springs Chicken. Its unique balance of sweet and tangy flavors complements the savory chicken, bacon, and cheese perfectly. Creating this sauce from scratch is simple and yields a much fresher, more vibrant taste than store-bought versions. This homemade sauce is versatile and can also be used as a dipping sauce for other dishes, like a crispy parmesan chicken with a rich garlic sauce.

Mix honey, mustard, mayo, onion flakes

In a medium bowl, combine the core ingredients for your honey mustard sauce. Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and dried minced onion flakes. The Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy kick, while the mayonnaise adds a creamy texture and richness. The dried minced onion flakes introduce a subtle savory depth and a hint of onion flavor without the raw pungency. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy. A good whisk will help ensure there are no lumps and the flavors are evenly distributed.

Adjust sweetness with corn syrup

Taste your homemade honey mustard sauce and determine if it meets your preference for sweetness and tanginess. If you find the sauce too tangy or prefer a sweeter profile, you can adjust it by adding a small amount of corn syrup, about a teaspoon at a time. Whisk thoroughly after each addition and taste again. The corn syrup provides a neutral sweetness that won’t overpower the other flavors, allowing you to fine-tune the sauce to your exact liking. This step is crucial for achieving that authentic Outback Steakhouse flavor profile for your Alice Springs Chicken. To learn more about the condiment, visit Honey Mustard on Wikipedia.

Brown Marinated Chicken Breasts

Browning the marinated chicken breasts is a critical step in preparing your Alice Springs Chicken. This process not only cooks the chicken partially but also creates a beautiful golden crust, locking in moisture and intensifying the savory flavors. This initial sear ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender after baking, contributing significantly to the overall texture and taste of the final dish.

Use bacon fat for extra flavor

Remember that reserved bacon fat from earlier? Now is its time to shine. Heat the skillet with the bacon fat over medium-high heat until it shimmers. The rendered bacon fat is a secret ingredient that imparts an incredible depth of smoky flavor to the chicken that cannot be achieved with plain oil. This step is a cornerstone of the Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken recipe, elevating the taste profile from good to extraordinary. If you don’t have enough bacon fat, you can supplement with a touch of olive oil, but prioritize the bacon fat for that authentic taste.

Sear 2-3 minutes per side

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. The goal here is not to cook the chicken through entirely, but to create that delicious browned exterior and seal in the juices. After searing, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. They will finish cooking later in the oven, ensuring they remain moist and perfectly tender. This technique is similar to how many fantastic chicken dishes begin, like these creamy chicken alfredo lasagna rolls. For more information on chicken preparation, check out Chicken Meat on Wikipedia.

Assemble Alice Springs Chicken Dish

With the chicken browned and the sauce ready, it’s time for the exciting part: assembling your Alice Springs Chicken! This step brings all the delicious components together, creating the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so famous. Proper layering ensures that every bite is packed with the perfect combination of savory chicken, creamy sauce, crispy bacon, tender mushrooms, and gooey cheese. This process transforms your ingredients into a visually appealing and incredibly appetizing meal.

Layer sauce, mushrooms, bacon, cheese

To assemble, first, place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread a generous amount of your homemade honey mustard sauce over the top of each chicken breast. Don’t be shy – this sauce is a key flavor component. Next, arrange the sliced fresh mushrooms evenly over the sauce-covered chicken. Follow this with a sprinkle of your crumbled crispy bacon. Finally, blanket each chicken breast with a generous portion of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. The cheese will melt into a luscious, bubbly topping during baking, cementing all the flavors together. This systematic layering ensures an even distribution of ingredients for the ultimate Alice Springs Chicken experience, a perfect main course for any occasion.

Bake Alice Springs Chicken Perfectly

The final stage of cooking your Alice Springs Chicken involves baking it to perfection. This step is crucial for ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked, the mushrooms are tender, and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Baking allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying dish that is both comforting and gourmet. Achieving the right internal temperature for the chicken while ensuring the toppings are perfectly browned is key to replicating the Outback Steakhouse experience at home.

Oven bake until cheese is bubbly

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once hot, carefully place the assembled baking dish with the Alice Springs Chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the Monterey Jack cheese is gloriously melted, golden, and bubbling vigorously. The edges of the cheese might even turn a light golden brown, indicating perfect caramelization and a slight crispness. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent overcooking, which can dry out the chicken. This baking process ensures every element is perfectly cooked, resulting in tender, juicy chicken and a rich, gooey topping that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Serve Alice Springs Chicken Hot

Serving your Alice Springs Chicken immediately after baking is highly recommended to enjoy it at its best. The melted cheese will be wonderfully gooey, the sauce warm and fragrant, and the chicken perfectly tender. Allow it to rest for a few minutes out of the oven before serving; this allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, ensuring maximum moisture and flavor in every bite. This dish makes a fantastic dinner centerpiece.

Pair with fresh vegetable slaw

To complement the rich flavors of the Alice Springs Chicken, consider pairing it with a fresh, crisp vegetable slaw. The coolness and slight acidity of a slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty chicken dish. Other excellent side dish options include steamed green beans, a simple garden salad, or roasted asparagus. These sides offer a balanced meal, adding color and nutrients without overpowering the main attraction.

Enjoy with a refreshing drink

Complete your homemade Outback Steakhouse experience with a refreshing beverage. A chilled glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a light white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc can perfectly cut through the richness of the Alice Springs Chicken. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime is also a great choice. Sharing your culinary creations is wonderful! For more inspiration, check out Carina Recipes on Pinterest or Instagram.

Adjust Honey Mustard Sauce to Taste

While our recipe provides a fantastic base for the honey mustard sauce, taste is subjective, and you might find yourself wanting to fine-tune it. This is perfectly normal and encouraged! The beauty of homemade sauces is the ability to adjust them to your personal preference, ensuring your Alice Springs Chicken is exactly how you like it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ratios until you hit your sweet spot.

Balance tanginess with corn syrup

If your honey mustard sauce tastes too tangy from the Dijon mustard, a simple solution is to add a small amount of corn syrup. Start with half a teaspoon, mix well, and taste again. The corn syrup will round out the sharp notes without significantly altering the overall consistency. Conversely, if you desire a more pronounced tang, a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar or a bit more Dijon can achieve that. Remember, it’s easier to add more than to take away, so make small adjustments. This flexibility ensures your homemade Alice Springs Chicken has the perfect sauce every time.

Store Leftover Alice Springs Chicken

Having leftovers of this delicious Alice Springs Chicken is a treat! Proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness and flavor, allowing you to enjoy this meal for a few more days. Whether you’re packing it for lunch or planning another dinner, a little care in storage goes a long way.

Keep refrigerated for three days

Once your Alice Springs Chicken has cooled completely to room temperature (within two hours of cooking), transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. This will prevent bacterial growth and keep the chicken fresh. Place the container in the refrigerator, where it will remain good for up to three days. Labeling the container with the date can help you keep track. Always ensure the chicken is covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other food odors.

Reheat gently in oven or microwave

For reheating, the oven is often the best method to preserve texture. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This gentle heating prevents the chicken from drying out and helps the cheese re-melt nicely. If you’re short on time, the microwave can also be used; reheat in short bursts (30-60 seconds) until warm, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Enjoying this chicken recipe a second time is just as delightful!

Freeze This Chicken Recipe for Later

Freezing Alice Springs Chicken is a fantastic meal prep strategy, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish even on your busiest days. It’s a convenient way to have a homemade, restaurant-quality meal ready to bake whenever you need it. This method ensures you always have a comforting and flavorful option on hand, making dinner planning a breeze.

Assemble before baking for freezing

To freeze Alice Springs Chicken effectively, it’s best to assemble the dish before the initial baking step. Prepare the chicken breasts (seasoned and seared), make the honey mustard sauce, sauté the mushrooms, and cook the bacon. Assemble the chicken with sauce, mushrooms, bacon, and cheese in an aluminum foil baking dish or a freezer-safe dish. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and cooking instructions. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw overnight, then bake as directed

When you’re ready to cook your frozen Alice Springs Chicken, transfer the dish from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. This slow thawing ensures even cooking and maintains the quality of the ingredients. Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and foil (if using a non-oven safe wrap), and bake as directed in the “Bake Alice Springs Chicken Perfectly” section, adjusting baking time if necessary. You may need an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbly. This freezer-friendly approach makes weeknight dinners incredibly convenient and stress-free.

Explore Fun Recipe Twists

While the classic Alice Springs Chicken recipe is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it! Customizing dishes is a great way to explore new flavors and cater to different dietary preferences or ingredient availability. These simple twists can transform the dish, offering exciting variations for future meals.

Lighten dish with healthy swaps

For a lighter version of Alice Springs Chicken, you can make several healthy swaps. Instead of full-fat mayonnaise in the honey mustard sauce, opt for a light mayo or even Greek yogurt for added protein and fewer calories. You can also use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon, or reduce the amount of cheese. Consider adding more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach under the cheese layer to boost nutrient content. These small changes can make the dish a healthier option without sacrificing too much flavor.

Add spice with cayenne or pepper jack

If you enjoy a bit of heat, introducing some spice to your Alice Springs Chicken is a fantastic idea. You can sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into your chicken seasoning mixture before searing. Alternatively, swap out the Monterey Jack cheese for Pepper Jack cheese, which will melt beautifully and provide a pleasant spicy kick. A dash of hot sauce in the honey mustard can also elevate the flavor profile, giving it an exciting new dimension.

Introduce BBQ sauce for smoky flavor

For a different take on the classic, consider incorporating BBQ sauce. You could replace a portion of the honey mustard sauce with your favorite smoky BBQ sauce, or even layer a thin coating of BBQ sauce under the honey mustard for a complex sweet and smoky profile. This twist creates a delicious fusion of flavors, offering a hearty and unique chicken recipe that’s still familiar but with an exciting new character. This is perfect for those who enjoy the robust flavor of a good barbecue.