If you’ve ever been to Outback Steakhouse, chances are you’ve tasted their famous Alice Springs Chicken—a delicious, savory dish that combines the flavors of juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and gooey melted cheese, all topped off with a rich honey mustard sauce. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and restaurant-style dining. But what if you could recreate this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own home? Well, now you can!
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make a homemade version of Alice Springs Chicken that’s just as good—if not better—than what you’d find at the restaurant. This recipe is simple to follow and packed with flavors that your whole family will love.
The Origins of Alice Springs Chicken
Named after the famous town of Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory, this dish has become one of the most beloved menu items at Outback Steakhouse. The combination of tender chicken, savory bacon, and a delectable honey mustard sauce creates a unique flavor profile that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
While this dish may seem like something you’d only order at a restaurant, it’s actually quite simple to make at home. With just a few ingredients and some easy preparation steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality Alice Springs Chicken anytime you want.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To recreate this savory chicken dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 8 slices of cooked bacon (crispy)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (sautéed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to make your very own Alice Springs Chicken.
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
The signature honey mustard sauce is what makes this dish truly stand out. To make the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Set aside half of the sauce to use for marinating the chicken, and reserve the other half to drizzle over the cooked chicken later.
This sauce is sweet, tangy, and creamy—the perfect complement to the savory chicken and bacon.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Marinating the chicken helps to infuse it with flavor and keep it juicy. Here’s how:
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour half of the prepared honey mustard sauce over them.
- Cover the dish and allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms
While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the toppings.
- Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add a little olive oil if needed and sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium heat until they are golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Set both the cooked bacon and mushrooms aside, as these will be used to top the chicken.
Step 4: Grill or Sear the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook the marinated chicken.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat if you prefer to cook the chicken on the stove.
- Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as you want it to stay juicy and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a baking dish or oven-safe pan.
Step 5: Assemble the Alice Springs Chicken
Now that the chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble the dish.
- Top each chicken breast with a layer of the sautéed mushrooms, followed by a generous sprinkling of Monterey Jack cheese and Cheddar cheese.
- Add the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese, ensuring each chicken breast is fully covered.
- Place the baking dish in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C), and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve with Extra Honey Mustard Sauce
Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle the reserved honey mustard sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor. The combination of the tender chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and sweet-tangy sauce is what makes this dish so irresistible.
Serve the Alice Springs Chicken hot, with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Alice Springs Chicken
- Use quality cheese: For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese. It melts better and has a richer flavor.
- Don’t skip the marinade: Allowing the chicken to marinate ensures that it absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the honey mustard sauce, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Customize the toppings: While the classic recipe includes mushrooms and bacon, you can also experiment with adding onions, bell peppers, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Conclusion: A Restaurant Favorite Made at Home
Making Outback Steakhouse-inspired Alice Springs Chicken at home is easier than you might think, and it’s a great way to impress your family or guests with a delicious, restaurant-quality meal. The combination of savory chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and that irresistible honey mustard sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Next time you’re craving comfort food with a twist, try this recipe and enjoy the flavors of Outback Steakhouse from the comfort of your kitchen!
