How to Make the Best Alice Springs Chicken at Home

Alice Springs chicken is a delicious recipe that was inspired by the popular Outback Steakhouse menu item. This chicken dish features juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, then topped with crispy bacon sauteed mushrooms and melted cheese. The combination of flavors and textures makes this chicken irresistible!

Making Alice Springs chicken at home is easy and you can have a restaurant-quality meal with less effort and cost. In this article, we will walk through the step-by-step process to make foolproof Alice Springs chicken.

Overview of Alice Springs Chicken

• Alice Springs chicken was named after the town of Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory. The Outback Steakhouse chain brought it to popularity in the United States.

• It features chicken breasts marinated in a homemade honey mustard sauce, then topped with sauteed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted cheese.

• The sweet honey and zesty mustard marinade gives the chicken lots of flavor. The toppings provide delicious textures and tastes that complement the chicken.

• This recipe has been replicated at home countless times because it’s so scrumptious yet simple to make. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make restaurant-quality Alice Springs chicken.

Ingredients Needed

To make Outback Steakhouse-style Alice Springs chicken at home, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Honey Mustard Marinade:

• 1⁄2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Chicken and Toppings:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for foolproof Alice Springs chicken every time:

1. Make the Honey Mustard Marinade

• In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until thoroughly combined.

• Reserve 1⁄4 cup of the marinade in the fridge to use for serving.

2. Marinate the Chicken

• Place the chicken breasts in a sealable plastic bag or container.

• Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken.

• Seal the bag/container and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.

3. Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms

• Cook the bacon until crispy, either in a skillet or oven. Let cool and then chop into pieces.

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned.

4. Cook the Chicken

• Remove chicken from the marinade and discard excess marinade.

• Season chicken with salt and pepper.

• Cook the chicken in an oiled skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

5. Finish the Dish

• Preheat oven to 400°F.

• Place chicken in a baking dish and top with the cooked mushrooms and bacon pieces evenly.

• Cover with the shredded cheese.

• Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Garnish with chopped parsley (optional).

• Serve immediately with the reserved honey mustard sauce.

Tips for the Best Alice Springs Chicken

• Use thick, good-quality chicken breasts for even cooking. Pound them to an even thickness before marinating.

• Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for the most flavor.

• Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

• Try coating the chicken in flour before cooking for extra crispy browned exterior.

• Substitute chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. Adjust cooking times.

• Broil the finished dish for just 2-3 minutes if you want an extra browned, crispy top.

• Garnish with sliced green onions or shredded Parmesan instead of parsley.

• Serve with ranch dressing or Bleu cheese dressing for dipping.

• Pair it with steakhouse sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese or garlic bread.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Alice Springs chicken retains its quality well for meal prepping and leftovers. Follow these tips:

• Marinate the raw chicken up to 24 hours in advance.

• Store fully cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

• Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven or microwave.

Customize It with Variations

The basic recipe lends itself well to customization and experimentation:

• Use a mix of Swiss and cheddar cheese for more flavor.

• Add sliced tomatoes, caramelized onions or roasted red peppers.

• Swap out the mushrooms for grilled zucchini or eggplant.

• Use turkey bacon or prosciutto for a change.

• Drizzle the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce or ranch dressing before topping with cheese.

• Stir some chopped chipotle peppers into the honey mustard marinade for a kick.

• For lower carb, serve over cauliflower rice instead of pasta or potatoes.

Enjoy Restaurant-Worthy Alice Springs Chicken at Home

With this easy recipe and helpful tips, you can now enjoy Alice Springs chicken with delicious flavors and textures just like at a restaurant. The preparation is simple enough for a weeknight family dinner, yet impressive enough for company.

Customize it to your tastes or keep it classic. Either way, this chicken dish never disappoints. Surprise your family with your own gourmet Alice Springs chicken tonight!