Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken is a signature dish that has become a favorite for many. This dish combines perfectly grilled chicken with a flavorful sauce, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese to create a mouthwatering meal. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or impressing guests at a dinner party. With a balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, this recipe brings the restaurant’s signature taste right into your kitchen.
The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the creamy sauce makes each bite a delicious treat. Topped with sautéed mushrooms and a generous layer of cheese, this dish is not only rich in flavor but also visually stunning. The best part is that this recipe is relatively easy to make at home with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps. The result is a dish that tastes just as indulgent and comforting as the version served at Outback Steakhouse.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Restaurant-Quality Flavor
This Alice Springs Chicken recipe replicates the restaurant’s signature dish, so you can enjoy the same great flavor at home.
2. Savory and Sweet Sauce
The combination of mustard, honey, and mayonnaise gives the chicken a sweet and tangy coating that’s truly addictive.
3. Bacon, Mushrooms, and Cheese
Crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted Colby-Jack cheese provide the perfect finishing touches to this flavorful chicken dish.
4. Quick and Easy
With just a few simple steps, this recipe can be prepared in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
5. Customizable
You can easily adjust the level of sweetness or tanginess in the sauce, or even swap out the cheese or mushrooms to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Bacon
- Mustard
- Honey
- Mayonnaise
- Sliced mushrooms
- Shredded Colby-Jack cheese
Variations
- Different Cheese: You can swap Colby-Jack for other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the mustard-honey-mayo mixture for an extra kick.
- Mushroom-Free: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can leave them out or substitute with sautéed onions or bell peppers.
- Grilled Chicken: Instead of grilling the chicken on a stovetop, you can also use a grill for added flavor and char.
- Low-Carb Version: Skip the honey in the sauce to reduce the sweetness and make the dish lower in carbohydrates.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts until they are thin and even in thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mustard, honey, and mayonnaise. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Spread the mustard-honey-mayo mixture over each chicken breast, making sure they are fully coated.
Step 4: Chill
Place the coated chicken breasts in the refrigerator for at least one hour to let the flavors marinate.
Step 5: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan, crumble it, and set it aside.
Step 6: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 7: Grill the Chicken
On a grill pan or outdoor grill, cook the chicken breasts until they are no longer pink in the center and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 8: Sauté the Mushrooms
While the chicken is grilling, sauté the sliced mushrooms in a skillet over medium heat until they are tender and browned.
Step 9: Assemble the Dish
Once the chicken is grilled, top each breast with a generous amount of sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and shredded Colby-Jack cheese.
Step 10: Bake
Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: This helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly. If the chicken breasts are too thick, they may not cook properly in the time specified.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best flavor, make sure the mustard, honey, and mayonnaise are mixed at room temperature.
- Grill or Pan-Seared: If you prefer a smoky flavor, grilling the chicken outdoors will add extra depth to the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s grilling to ensure it doesn’t become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Mushroom Alternatives: If you’re not fond of mushrooms, try using caramelized onions or bell peppers for a similar texture.
How to Serve
Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes. Classic options include a baked potato, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. If you want to keep it low-carb, you can pair it with roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed spinach. This dish also goes well with rice or quinoa if you’re looking for a heartier meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken moist, you can reheat it in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap the cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted again. If using a microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use skin-on chicken breasts?
Yes, skin-on chicken breasts can be used, but the skin will not get as crispy as bacon. You may prefer boneless skinless for easier eating.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken with the sauce and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before grilling and baking.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese as a substitute for Colby-Jack.
4. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken should no longer be pink inside.
5. Can I cook the bacon ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time, then store it in an airtight container until ready to use.
6. Can I make this dish without bacon?
While bacon adds flavor, you can skip it or substitute it with crumbled turkey bacon for a lighter version.
7. Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?
Yes, grilling the chicken outdoors will add a nice smoky flavor to the dish.
8. Can I substitute other vegetables for mushrooms?
Yes, you can use other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach if you prefer.
9. Can I use a different mustard variety?
You can use Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, or any other mustard variety that you prefer in this recipe.
10. Can I make this recipe with boneless thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier option.
Conclusion
Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken is a delicious and indulgent dish that’s easy to make at home. With its savory bacon, tangy mustard-honey sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and melty cheese, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re grilling it for a casual weeknight dinner or serving it for a special occasion, Alice Springs Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
PrintOutback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This delicious copycat recipe brings the flavors of Outback Steakhouse’s famous Alice Springs Chicken to your kitchen. Boneless chicken breasts are topped with a savory honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted Colby-Jack cheese. Perfect for a flavorful dinner that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts until thin and even in thickness.
- In a small bowl, combine mustard, honey, and mayonnaise to create the sauce mixture.
- Spread the mustard mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Cover and chill the chicken breasts for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then crumble into small pieces.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grill the chicken breasts on medium-high heat until cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- In a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until tender and lightly browned.
- Once the chicken is grilled, top each piece with sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and a generous amount of shredded Colby-Jack cheese.
- Place the topped chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can use any preferred cheese, but Colby-Jack provides a nice melt and flavor.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also cook the chicken breasts in a skillet or bake them before topping with mushrooms, bacon, and cheese.
- For added flavor, drizzle some extra honey mustard sauce on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes