Table of Contents
Introduction
Craving that juicy, cheesy, bacon-loaded Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse? 🍗🧀 This recipe brings the magic of Outback’s famous dish straight to your kitchen! It’s an irresistible blend of grilled chicken, honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese, all packed with flavor.
Whether you’re a die-hard Outback fan or just looking for a new chicken recipe to try, this homemade version is easy to make, super delicious, and budget-friendly compared to dining out. Plus, you can tweak it to match your preferences! 😉
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
✅ The origins and popularity of the dish
✅ Ingredients & step-by-step instructions
✅ Tips for the juiciest chicken and the perfect cheese melt
✅ Common mistakes & how to fix them
✅ Nutritional info & best sides to serve
Let’s get cooking! 🔥
What is Outback Alice Springs Chicken?
The Origins of the Dish
Alice Springs Chicken is a signature dish from Outback Steakhouse, an Australian-themed restaurant chain. Despite its exotic name, this dish is a true American classic with a fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
The honey mustard sauce gives it a tangy-sweet kick, the crispy bacon adds a salty crunch, and the melted cheese ties everything together in cheesy goodness. It’s served with steamed veggies or seasoned fries, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Why is it So Popular?
People love Alice Springs Chicken because it’s:
✅ Loaded with flavors – Sweet, smoky, creamy, and cheesy!
✅ Simple yet fancy – A restaurant-quality dish made at home.
✅ Protein-packed & satisfying – Perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
✅ Customizable – You can tweak the ingredients to fit your diet!
Now, let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to create this Outback copycat masterpiece! 🛒
Ingredients Needed for Alice Springs Chicken
Main Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces |
| Honey mustard sauce (homemade or store-bought) | ½ cup |
| Bacon strips | 4-6 strips |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 1 cup |
| Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Olive oil or butter | 2 tbsp |
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor
Want to spice things up? Try these add-ons! 🌶️
✅ Cayenne pepper – For a bit of heat!
✅ Smoked paprika – Adds a deeper smoky flavor.
✅ Green onions – Sprinkle on top for freshness!
Substitutes for Dietary Restrictions
If you need a healthier or allergy-friendly version:
✔️ Turkey bacon instead of pork bacon
✔️ Dairy-free cheese if lactose-intolerant
✔️ Greek yogurt-based honey mustard for a lower-calorie sauce
Now that we have everything ready, let’s start cooking! 👩🍳🔥
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preparing the Chicken
1️⃣ Flatten the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking and a juicier texture.
2️⃣ Season well: Rub both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes for the flavors to soak in.
3️⃣ Sear in a pan: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the chicken at this stage! It will continue cooking in the oven later.
2. Making the Honey Mustard Sauce
Outback’s honey mustard is the star of this dish! Here’s how to make it:
🛑 Ingredients:
✔️ ¼ cup honey 🍯
✔️ ¼ cup Dijon mustard
✔️ ¼ cup mayonnaise
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.
2️⃣ Adjust sweetness by adding more honey if needed.
3️⃣ Set aside for later!
3. Cooking the Bacon and Sautéing Mushrooms
🔥 Cook the bacon: In the same pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
🍄 Sauté the mushrooms: In the leftover bacon grease, sauté the mushrooms until golden brown.
4. Assembling and Baking the Chicken
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Brush chicken with honey mustard sauce.
3️⃣ Layer with bacon, mushrooms, and shredded cheese.
4️⃣ Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
🔥 Final Step: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🎉 And there you have it—homemade Alice Springs Chicken, Outback-style!
Cooking Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results
Cooking Alice Springs Chicken at home is easy, but a few expert tips can take it from good to Outback-level amazing! Here are some pro tricks to make sure your dish turns out juicy, flavorful, and cheesy perfection.
How to Keep the Chicken Juicy
✔️ Marinate it! If you have extra time, let the chicken soak in honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This locks in moisture and adds flavor.
✔️ Don’t overcook it! The ideal internal temp is 165°F (75°C)—use a meat thermometer to check.
✔️ Let it rest after baking. Giving the chicken 5 minutes to rest allows the juices to redistribute, making it extra tender.
Choosing the Best Cheese for Melting
🧀 Colby Jack and Cheddar are great choices because they melt smoothly and add rich flavor. But if you want to experiment, try:
✅ Provolone – Creamy and mild
✅ Mozzarella – Extra gooey
✅ Pepper Jack – A little spicy kick
Avoiding Common Mistakes
❌ Skipping the searing step? The crispy, golden-brown crust on the chicken adds flavor—don’t miss it!
❌ Using cold cheese? Let the shredded cheese come to room temperature before baking for better melting.
❌ Overcrowding the pan? Cook in batches if needed—crowding causes uneven cooking.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
Even with the best efforts, things don’t always go as planned in the kitchen. Here’s how to fix common cooking mishaps!
1. My Sauce is Too Runny – What to Do?
💡 Fix: Add a little mayo or Dijon mustard to thicken it up. If needed, refrigerate the sauce for 10-15 minutes before using.
2. The Chicken Turned Out Dry – Fixing It
💡 Fix: Brush the cooked chicken with extra honey mustard sauce before serving. This adds moisture and more flavor!
3. Cheese Didn’t Melt Properly – Solutions
💡 Fix: If your cheese isn’t fully melted, place the baking dish under a broiler for 1-2 minutes for that golden, bubbly cheese topping!
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Alice Springs Chicken
This chicken dish is rich and packed with flavor, so choosing the right side dishes helps balance the meal. Here are some delicious pairings!
Classic Pairings
🍟 Crispy French Fries – Just like at Outback!
🥦 Steamed Broccoli – A fresh, healthy contrast to the richness.
🥔 Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and comforting.
Healthy Alternatives
🥗 Mixed Green Salad – Light and refreshing.
🍠 Roasted Sweet Potatoes – A slightly sweet, nutrient-packed side.
🥒 Zucchini Noodles – A low-carb option that pairs well with the flavors.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftover Alice Springs Chicken, lucky you! 😍 Here’s how to store and reheat it without losing flavor or texture.
Best Ways to Store It
✔️ Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔️ Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Without Drying It Out
🔥 Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, covered with foil to keep moisture in.
🔥 Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat in a covered pan with a splash of chicken broth.
🔥 Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, but beware—this can make the chicken rubbery!
Nutrition Facts & Health Considerations
Alice Springs Chicken isn’t exactly diet food, but it can be modified for healthier eating! Here’s a look at the nutrition breakdown.
Calories, Carbs, and Protein Content
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~600 kcal |
| Protein | ~50g |
| Carbohydrates | ~10g |
| Fat | ~40g |
Making a Healthier Version
✔️ Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
✔️ Swap full-fat cheese for a low-fat version.
✔️ Make a lighter honey mustard sauce by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make It Without Bacon?
Absolutely! If you’re avoiding pork, swap it for turkey bacon or skip it altogether. The dish will still be delicious.
2. Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Yes! Try mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a fun twist.
3. How Long Does It Take to Cook?
From start to finish, about 30-40 minutes.
4. Is It Keto-Friendly?
Yes! Just skip the honey mustard sauce or make a low-carb version using Dijon mustard and sugar-free sweetener.
Conclusion
And that’s it—your Outback Alice Springs Chicken Recipe, made right at home! 🎉
✅ Juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor
✅ Easy to customize for different diets
✅ Perfect for family dinners or meal prep
Now it’s time to grab your apron and start cooking! Let me know how it turns out! 🍗😊