Table of Contents
Introduction
If you’ve ever been to Outback Steakhouse, you know their Alice Spring Chicken is one of the most popular dishes on the menu. But what if I told you that you can make this mouthwatering, cheesy, honey-mustard-smothered chicken right at home? 😍
This copycat Alice Spring Chicken recipe delivers the juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy honey mustard sauce you love—without the restaurant price tag! Plus, you can tweak it to your liking, whether you want a low-carb version or an extra cheesy, extra saucy masterpiece.
In this guide, we’ll go step by step through the ingredients, cooking process, tips, and tricks to ensure your homemade Alice Spring Chicken is just as delicious (if not better) than the one at Outback! 🍗✨
What Is Alice Spring Chicken?
The Origins of This Classic Dish
Alice Spring Chicken is a signature grilled chicken dish from Outback Steakhouse, an Australian-themed restaurant chain. It was inspired by the hearty, flavorful meals found in Alice Springs, Australia, a town known for its rugged Outback charm and bold flavors.
Why Is It Called “Alice Spring Chicken”?
Despite the name, this dish isn’t actually Australian. The name comes from Alice Springs, a famous town in central Australia. Outback Steakhouse created this dish to fit their Australian-themed menu, and it quickly became a customer favorite!
What Makes It So Popular?
So, why do people love Alice Spring Chicken so much? Simple:
✔️ Juicy grilled chicken – perfectly seasoned and cooked.
✔️ Rich honey mustard sauce – a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
✔️ Crispy bacon – because bacon makes everything better! 🥓
✔️ Melted cheese – the ultimate finishing touch.
✔️ Easy to make at home – with just a few ingredients.
Now that you know why this dish is so special, let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to recreate it in your own kitchen! 🏡🔥
Ingredients Needed for Alice Spring Chicken
Main Ingredients Breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 large |
| Bacon | 4 strips |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup (shredded) |
| Monterey Jack cheese | 1 cup (shredded) |
| Honey | ¼ cup |
| Dijon mustard | ¼ cup |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
Want to customize your Alice Spring Chicken? Try these additions:
✅ Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms add extra richness. 🍄
✅ Paprika or Smoked Paprika – Adds a little heat and depth.
✅ Parsley – Fresh herbs for garnish. 🌿
✅ Worcestershire Sauce – A dash for an umami boost.
Substitutes for Dietary Preferences
If you’re on a special diet, here are some easy swaps:
🔹 Low-carb/Keto – Use sugar-free honey or skip the honey mustard.
🔹 Dairy-free – Use plant-based cheese.
🔹 Turkey bacon – A healthier alternative to regular bacon.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
1️⃣ Flatten the chicken breasts: Place them between plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch).
2️⃣ Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3️⃣ Marinate: Mix 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, then rub it over the chicken. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Creating the Honey Mustard Sauce
✅ In a bowl, whisk together:
✔️ ¼ cup honey
✔️ ¼ cup Dijon mustard
✔️ 2 tbsp mayonnaise
✔️ 1 tbsp lemon juice
👉 Set half of this sauce aside (for drizzling later) and use the rest for marinating the chicken!
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
🔥 Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
🥩 Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
🚨 Don’t overcook – the chicken will bake later!
Step 4: Assembling and Baking the Dish
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Place the grilled chicken in a baking dish.
3️⃣ Brush with more honey mustard sauce.
4️⃣ Add crispy bacon on top of each chicken breast. 🥓
5️⃣ Sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. 🧀
6️⃣ Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Alice Spring Chicken
How to Keep the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful
✔️ Use a meat thermometer – Chicken is done at 165°F (75°C).
✔️ Marinate for at least 30 minutes – The longer, the better!
✔️ Don’t overcook – It will finish cooking in the oven.
Best Cheese and Bacon Combinations
🧀 Try swapping in pepper jack cheese for some spice!
🥓 Thick-cut bacon works best for crispiness.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
🚫 Skipping the marination – This step locks in moisture!
🚫 Overcooking the chicken – It should be golden brown, not dry.
🚫 Forgetting to reserve sauce – You’ll want some for drizzling!
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes 🍽️
Alice Spring Chicken is rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, so pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Whether you want something light and fresh or hearty and indulgent, here are the best options:
Best Sides to Pair with Alice Spring Chicken
✔️ Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, and green beans balance the richness. 🥦🥕
✔️ Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery, they soak up the extra honey mustard sauce. 🥔
✔️ Crispy French Fries – A classic restaurant-style pairing! 🍟
✔️ Baked Sweet Potatoes – A slightly sweet contrast to the savory chicken. 🍠
✔️ Caesar Salad – The fresh, crisp flavors cut through the cheesiness. 🥗
Drink Pairings for a Complete Meal
🍷 White Wine – A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well.
🥂 Sparkling Lemonade – A refreshing, citrusy drink to complement the sauce.
🍺 Light Beer – A crisp lager or pale ale balances the richness.
Common Problems and Their Solutions 🛠️
Even though this recipe is simple, a few things can go wrong. But don’t worry—I’ve got solutions for every issue!
Why Is My Chicken Dry? How to Fix It
🚨 Possible Causes:
- Overcooking the chicken on the grill.
- Baking it too long.
- Skipping the marination process.
✅ Solutions:
✔️ Use a meat thermometer – Chicken is done at 165°F (75°C).
✔️ Marinate for at least 30 minutes to lock in moisture.
✔️ If the chicken is already dry, brush extra honey mustard sauce over it before serving.
Sauce Too Runny? Thickening Tips
🚨 Possible Causes:
- Too much lemon juice.
- Not enough mayonnaise.
✅ Solutions:
✔️ Add a little cornstarch (½ tsp mixed with 1 tbsp water).
✔️ Let the sauce sit for 5 minutes—it will thicken slightly.
✔️ Increase the mayonnaise or Dijon mustard to balance the consistency.
Cheese Not Melting Properly? Solutions
🚨 Possible Causes:
- Using pre-shredded cheese (which contains anti-caking agents).
- Oven temperature too low.
✅ Solutions:
✔️ Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
✔️ Cover the baking dish with foil to help the cheese melt evenly.
Nutritional Information 🥗
This Alice Spring Chicken recipe is flavor-packed, but how does it stack up nutritionally? Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on a standard recipe with bacon and cheese):
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | ~50g |
| Carbohydrates | ~12g |
| Fat | ~30g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sugar | ~7g |
Healthier Alternatives Without Losing Flavor
🍏 Low-Calorie Version: Use turkey bacon and light cheese.
🔥 Keto-Friendly Version: Skip the honey or use a sugar-free alternative.
💪 High-Protein Version: Add extra chicken and reduce the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
Can I Make This Dish Without Bacon?
Absolutely! While bacon adds smoky flavor, you can swap it for:
✅ Turkey bacon for a lighter option.
✅ Crispy prosciutto for a fancier twist.
✅ Caramelized onions for a vegetarian-friendly choice.
Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Yes! Cheddar and Monterey Jack are the classic choices, but you can experiment with:
🧀 Pepper Jack – Adds a bit of spice.
🧀 Swiss cheese – Mild and melty.
🧀 Mozzarella – Super gooey and stretchy.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
✔️ Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔️ Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
✔️ Microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Conclusion 🎉
There you have it—a perfect copycat recipe for Alice Spring Chicken from Outback Steakhouse! This easy, flavorful dish combines juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a rich honey mustard sauce into one irresistible meal. 🤤
✨ Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving restaurant-quality food at home, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔️ Tastes just like Outback Steakhouse’s version (or even better!)
✔️ Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
✔️ Customizable for different diets and preferences.
✔️ Perfect for meal prep – leftovers taste amazing.
So, grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let’s get cooking! 🍗🔥