Alice Springs Chicken – This outback copycat is sweet and savory combination of honey mustard, smoky bacon, and melted cheese over tender grilled chicken originated from Outback Steakhouse.
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is an iconic dish from Outback Steakhouse, featuring juicy, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect when you want to indulge in a decadent dinner without stepping out of your home.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Alice Springs Chicken
- Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, let the chicken marinate in the honey mustard sauce for a few hours or overnight. This helps the flavors really soak into the meat, making it even juicier and more flavorful.
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to an even thickness with a meat mallet. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Crispier Bacon: Cook your bacon until it’s extra crispy before adding it to the chicken. It will stay crunchy and add a nice texture contrast to the dish.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This prevents overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.
- Extra Sauce for Dipping: Double the honey mustard sauce recipe if you love extra sauce. It’s perfect for drizzling over the chicken or using as a dip for your sides.
- Try a Broiler Finish: For an extra gooey and golden cheese topping, finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Make It a Meal: Serve your Alice Springs Chicken with a side of baked potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad to round out the meal.
- Storage Tip: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture of the chicken and the cheese.
How to Serve Alice Springs Chicken
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with classic sides like:
- Baked potatoes or mashed potatoes
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette
Tip: Spoon extra honey mustard sauce over the chicken just before serving for an added flavor boost!
Variations You Can Try
- Low-carb version: Swap out the honey mustard sauce for a sugar-free version and skip the bacon if you’re looking to reduce fat.
- Mushroom-free: Not a fan of mushrooms? You can leave them out or substitute with sautéed onions.
- Spicy twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the honey mustard for a kick of heat.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing: Place leftover Alice Springs Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be cautious not to overcook the chicken, as it may become dry.
Tip: Add a small spoonful of water or chicken broth before reheating to keep the chicken juicy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and remain incredibly juicy. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What cheese works best for Alice Springs Chicken?
Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese are traditional, but you can experiment with provolone, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for more flavor.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can! Marinate the chicken and prepare the honey mustard sauce a day ahead. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best taste and texture.
What’s the best way to grill the chicken?
If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, then add the toppings and finish in the oven.
Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat)
Alice Springs Chicken - This outback copycat is sweet and savory combination of honey mustard, smoky bacon, and melted cheese over tender grilled chicken originated from Outback Steakhouse.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts: Slice them horizontally for even cooking.
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese: Because melty cheese makes everything better.
- 6 slices of cooked bacon: Crispy and full of smoky goodness.
Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp stone-ground mustard
Instructions
- Season & Sear: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet and brown the chicken on both sides until golden.
- Assemble: Transfer the browned chicken to a 9x13 baking dish. Whip up the honey mustard sauce (just mix honey, mayo, and mustard), and spread a generous layer over each piece of chicken.
- Top & Bake: Sprinkle the chicken with plenty of Monterey Jack cheese, then lay the crispy bacon on top. Pop it in the oven at 350°F and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Don’t forget to serve with extra honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 392Total Fat 31gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 99mgSodium 393mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 0gSugar 3gProtein 25g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Alice Springs Chicken is the kind of dish that transforms any meal into something special. With layers of bold flavors and comforting textures, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Make it for a weeknight treat, a family gathering, or even a weekend cookout!
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