If you’re a fan of Outback Steakhouse, you’ve likely heard of their famous Alice Springs Chicken – a hearty, savory dish packed with layers of flavour. This recipe combines juicy grilled chicken breast with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a honey mustard sauce that’s simply mouthwatering. The best part? You can recreate this delicious dish right at home with simple ingredients and a few easy steps! In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make Alice Springs Chicken like a pro. Let’s dive into the details so you can impress your family or friends with this restaurant-style recipe!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Alice Springs Chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a flavor experience. If you enjoy the combination of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Here are a few reasons why this dish stands out:
- Restaurant Quality at Home: With this recipe, you don’t need a reservation at Outback Steakhouse. You can enjoy the same delicious Alice Springs Chicken right at home, made fresh and with ingredients you trust.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The honey mustard sauce provides the perfect sweetness, the bacon adds a smoky touch, and the melty cheese ties it all together. Every bite is packed with flavor!
- Simple Ingredients, Amazing Results: This recipe doesn’t require anything fancy. You’ll likely have most ingredients on hand, and if not, they’re easy to find at any grocery store.
- Versatile Meal Option: Serve Alice Springs Chicken with a variety of sides to make it a complete meal. From mashed potatoes to steamed veggies or a simple green salad, this chicken pairs well with almost anything.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Alice Springs Chicken is loved by both kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep.
This recipe is not only easy to make but is also highly adaptable, so you can tailor it to suit your taste preferences.
Detailed Ingredients and Instructions
Let’s take a closer look at each ingredient and step so you feel confident cooking this recipe from start to finish.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are about the same size to ensure even cooking. Chicken thighs can also be used as a juicier alternative.
- Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese: This combination provides a perfect mix of mild creaminess and sharp flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheese types if you like – Colby Jack or mozzarella also works well.
- Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon, which will hold its crispiness better. Cooking the bacon before adding it to the chicken ensures that it’s perfectly crispy in the final dish.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: A good honey mustard sauce is critical to achieving that signature Alice Springs flavor. You can make your own by mixing equal parts honey and mustard or add a touch of mayonnaise for extra creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Set it aside on a paper towel to cool. Reserve a little bacon grease in the skillet to sear the chicken, adding extra flavor to the dish.
- Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet with a bit of bacon grease, sear each chicken breast over medium-high heat until golden brown on each side. This step adds a nice crust to the chicken and seals in the juices, so your chicken remains tender after baking.
- Layer on the Goodness: Brush a generous layer of honey mustard over each seared chicken breast. Add two pieces of cooked bacon on top of each breast, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra honey mustard sauce if desired, and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Tips, Variations, and Storage Options
Cooking Alice Springs Chicken is straightforward, but a few extra tips and tweaks can help make this dish even more delicious and adaptable to your preferences.
Tips for Perfect Alice Springs Chicken
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken before baking adds depth to the flavor and helps keep the meat juicy. It also gives the chicken a nice golden-brown color, which makes it visually appealing.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This recipe calls for transferring your chicken from the stovetop to the oven, so an oven-safe skillet is essential. A cast-iron skillet works great for this, as it distributes heat evenly and holds the warmth well.
- Customize Your Honey Mustard Sauce: If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the honey mustard mix. For a creamier consistency, whisk in a tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Cook Bacon to Crispiness: Ensuring your bacon is excellent and crispy will add texture and balance to the soft, melty cheese. Soggy bacon won’t have the same satisfying crunch, so cook it until it’s nice and crispy.
- Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This helps keep the juices inside, resulting in a more flavorful, juicy bite.
Variations of Alice Springs Chicken
- Swap the Chicken Breast for Thighs: Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and add an extra layer of richness. Follow the exact instructions, but adjust the cooking time as thighs can take a bit longer in the oven.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms in the bacon grease after cooking the bacon, and add them on top of the chicken breasts before baking. The earthy flavor of mushrooms complements the honey mustard sauce beautifully.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce for a bit of heat. Spicy honey mustard pairs exceptionally well with the smoky bacon and melted cheese.
- Use Different Cheeses: If you want to try other cheese combinations, consider Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the honey mustard and make a garlic-butter glaze instead for a low-carb version that’s still packed with flavor. Serve it with steamed veggies or a side salad for a healthy, satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will still be flavorful and juicy when reheated.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze the chicken, let it cool completely and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, though it may not be as crispy.
Equipment Needed
To make Alice Springs Chicken, you’ll need just a few essential kitchen tools:
- Oven-Safe Skillet: A cast-iron or stainless steel skillet that can be transferred from stovetop to oven is ideal.
- Tongs: For handling and flipping the chicken during the searing process.
- Basting Brush: Apply the honey mustard sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
- Baking Sheet (Optional): If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking sheet after searing it and bake it there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking new recipes can raise a few questions, especially when you want your dish to turn out just right. Here are some commonly asked questions about Alice Springs Chicken that might help:
Can I make Alice Springs Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking. Simply sear the chicken, layer it with honey mustard, bacon, and cheese, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to serve, let the skillet come to room temperature for about 15 minutes, and then bake as directed. This make-ahead method can save time, especially if you’re hosting guests or planning a big family meal.
What’s the best way to reheat Alice Springs Chicken?
The oven is the best method for reheating this dish as it helps the chicken retain its moisture, and the cheese gets melty again. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the chicken loosely with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but keep in mind the bacon may lose some of its crispiness.
Can I make this dish without an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, you can still make Alice Springs Chicken even if you don’t have an oven-safe skillet. After searing the chicken on the stovetop, transfer it to a baking dish or baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Then, proceed with the honey mustard, bacon, and cheese layers and bake as usual.
Is Alice Springs Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free bacon and honey mustard sauce. Double-check the labels on all your ingredients to be sure, especially if you’re preparing this dish for someone with gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease.
How can I make homemade honey mustard sauce?
Yes! Alice Springs Chicken flavors work beautifully with other proteins as well. Pork chops, turkey breast, or even a thick-cut piece of fish like salmon are all great substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure each protein reaches the proper internal temperature for safety and doneness.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few other chicken and comfort-food recipes that might become new favorites:
- Chicken Marsala – A creamy, mushroom-filled chicken dish with a rich marsala wine sauce.
- Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs – Sweet, sticky, and savory, these chicken thighs are perfect for weeknight dinners.
- BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Chicken – Tender chicken breast wrapped in smoky bacon and glazed with a rich BBQ sauce.
- Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Breast – Juicy chicken breast filled with a gooey cheese center, baked to perfection.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken – A flavorful dish featuring a creamy garlic sauce, parmesan, and herbs.
Each of these dishes is packed with flavor and brings a unique twist to the classic chicken dinner.
Conclusion
Alice Springs Chicken is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a delicious honey mustard sauce, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite for so many people. Making it at home allows you to enjoy all those restaurant-quality flavors with a personal touch. Plus, you get the flexibility to customize the dish to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Irresistible Alice Springs chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 strips of bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms optional
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- 1- Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside half of the sauce for serving and use the other half to marinate the chicken.,
- 2- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour half of the honey mustard sauce over them. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.,
- 3- Cook the Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Remove chicken from marinade (discarding marinade) and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.,
- 4- Add Toppings: Spread a thin layer of honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast. Top with crumbled bacon, mushrooms (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese.,
- 5- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.,
- 6- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with reserved honey mustard sauce on the side.,
- 7- Enjoy your irresistible Alice Springs chicken with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad!