Recipe for Alice Springs Chicken – A Flavorful Copycat Dish

Introduction

If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you’ve probably heard of their famous Alice Springs Chicken. This dish is a heavenly combination of grilled chicken breast, honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all topped with sautéed mushrooms. It’s rich, indulgent, and bursting with flavor!

But what if I told you that you can make this delicious dish right at home? 😍 Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also tastes just as good—if not better—than the restaurant version.

In this article, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step recipe for Alice Springs Chicken, complete with pro tips, common problems and fixes, and the perfect pairings to elevate your meal. Let’s get cooking! 🍽️

What is Alice Springs Chicken?

Alice Springs Chicken is a classic dish from Outback Steakhouse, known for its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. It’s named after Alice Springs, a town in Australia, which aligns with Outback’s Aussie-inspired theme.

The Origin of Alice Springs Chicken

Although the name suggests an Australian origin, this dish is actually an American creation, designed for Outback Steakhouse’s menu. The combination of grilled chicken, bacon, honey mustard, and cheese quickly became a fan favorite and has remained a staple ever since.

Why is it So Popular?

Here’s why Alice Springs Chicken has such a devoted fan base:

✔️ Rich and creamy flavors – The honey mustard sauce adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
✔️ Bacon and cheese overload – Crispy bacon and gooey cheese make everything better, right? 😋
✔️ Restaurant-quality at home – This dish brings that Outback Steakhouse experience straight to your kitchen.
✔️ Easy to customize – You can switch up the cheese, add extra spices, or tweak the sauce to your liking.

Ingredients Needed for Alice Springs Chicken

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s go over what you’ll need.

Main Ingredients

Here are the essentials for making the perfect Alice Springs Chicken:

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

Want to take your Alice Springs Chicken to the next level? Here are some add-ons:

✅ Dijon mustard – Adds an extra tang to the honey mustard sauce.
✅ Red pepper flakes – If you love a little heat! 🌶️
✅ Smoked paprika – Gives a deeper, smoky flavor.
✅ Fresh parsley – For garnish and a pop of color.

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! 🍳🔥

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Alice Springs Chicken

Now that we have our ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking! Follow this step-by-step guide to make a perfect Alice Springs Chicken that tastes just like (or even better than) the one from Outback Steakhouse. 🍽️🔥

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1️⃣ Pound the Chicken Breasts – If your chicken breasts are thick, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to about ½ inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and makes the chicken tender.
2️⃣ Season Generously – Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides of each chicken breast. This adds depth of flavor to the dish.
3️⃣ Marinate in Honey Mustard – Place the chicken in a bowl and coat it with ¼ cup of the honey mustard sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor).

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can marinate for just 15 minutes, but the longer, the better!

Step 2: Making the Honey Mustard Sauce

The honey mustard sauce is one of the stars of this dish—sweet, tangy, and creamy! Here’s how to make it from scratch:

📝 Ingredients for Honey Mustard Sauce:
✔️ ½ cup mayonnaise
✔️ ¼ cup Dijon mustard
✔️ ¼ cup honey
✔️ 1 tablespoon lemon juice

📝 Instructions:
1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice.
2️⃣ Taste and adjust – If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey. If you prefer it tangier, add an extra splash of lemon juice.
3️⃣ Set aside half of the sauce for serving and use the other half to marinate the chicken.

💡 Pro Tip: This sauce is great for dipping fries, veggies, or even spreading on sandwiches! 😋

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

1️⃣ Heat a pan over medium-high heat – Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter.
2️⃣ Sear the chicken – Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will finish in the oven.
3️⃣ Transfer to a baking dish – Place the seared chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish.

Step 4: Preparing the Toppings

1️⃣ Cook the bacon – In the same pan, cook 4-6 strips of bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the mushrooms – Using the bacon grease, add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.

💡 Pro Tip: Cooking the mushrooms in bacon grease adds an extra layer of smoky flavor!

Step 5: Assembling the Dish & Baking

Now comes the fun part—putting everything together!

1️⃣ Brush the chicken – Lightly brush the seared chicken with more honey mustard sauce.
2️⃣ Layer the toppings – Add the sautéed mushrooms, then crumble the crispy bacon on top.
3️⃣ Sprinkle cheese – Add shredded Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese on each chicken breast. Be generous! 🧀
4️⃣ Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes – The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) internally.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want extra crispy cheese, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serving Alice Springs Chicken

Your Alice Springs Chicken is now ready to serve! 🍽️🔥

✔️ Drizzle with extra honey mustard sauce for more flavor.
✔️ Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
✔️ Serve hot with your favorite side dishes (more on that next!).

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Alice Springs Chicken

Want to make sure your dish turns out perfect every time? Here are some expert tips:

How to Keep the Chicken Juicy

✔️ Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken when it reaches 165°F (75°C).
✔️ Marinate longer – The longer the chicken sits in the honey mustard, the juicier and more flavorful it will be.
✔️ Sear before baking – This locks in moisture and adds a beautiful golden crust.

Best Cheese and Toppings to Use

While Colby Jack or Cheddar are traditional choices, you can experiment with:
✔️ Mozzarella – For extra melty goodness.
✔️ Smoked Gouda – Adds a rich, smoky flavor.
✔️ Pepper Jack – If you like a little spice.

Pairing Suggestions: Side Dishes & Drinks

Alice Springs Chicken pairs perfectly with:
🥗 Garlic mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a classic combo.
🥖 Texas toast for scooping up that delicious sauce.
🍷 A glass of Chardonnay or a light beer to balance the richness.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Here are some common issues and quick solutions:

Chicken Turns Out Dry – What to Do?

❌ Problem: Overcooked chicken.
✅ Solution: Use a meat thermometer and take it out at 165°F (75°C).

Sauce Too Thin or Too Thick?

❌ Problem: Sauce is too runny.
✅ Solution: Add more mayonnaise to thicken it up.

❌ Problem: Sauce is too thick.
✅ Solution: Add a splash of lemon juice or water to loosen it.

Cheese Not Melting Properly?

❌ Problem: Cheese isn’t gooey.
✅ Solution: Cover the dish with foil for the first 10 minutes to help the cheese melt evenly.

Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Here’s the approximate nutrition breakdown per serving:

💡 Want a healthier version? Swap regular cheese for low-fat cheese, use turkey bacon, and cut back on honey in the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make Alice Springs Chicken Without Honey Mustard?

Yes! You can use BBQ sauce or ranch dressing as an alternative.

How Long Can I Store Leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I Make This Dish in an Air Fryer?

Yes! Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, then top with cheese and bacon and air fry for another 3 minutes until melted.

What Other Meats Can I Use Instead of Chicken?

You can substitute chicken with pork chops or turkey breasts for a similar dish.

• Chicken Breast and Potato Recipes
• Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
• Chicken and Potatoes Recipes

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own homemade Alice Springs Chicken! 🎉 This dish is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a restaurant-style meal at home.

Give it a try and impress your family with this Outback Steakhouse favorite! 😍🍗