Alice Springs Chicken is a delicious, flavorful dish that has become popular in many restaurants. But when making this at home, an important question arises – what should you serve alongside it to create a complete and balanced meal?
In this article, I’ll suggest 15 delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with Alice Springs Chicken. We’ll explore options that provide contrasting textures, flavors, and elements to complement the chicken’s rich and indulgent taste.
Overview of Alice Springs Chicken
Before diving into side dish pairings, let’s quickly recap what defines Alice Springs Chicken. It typically consists of chicken breasts coated in a honey mustard glaze or marinade The chicken is then topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, often a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar
The end result is a sweet, savory and decadent chicken dish that is very rich and filling on its own. That’s why the side dishes served alongside it should aim to balance out and complement the intense flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Alice Springs Chicken
Here are 15 side dish recommendations that pair wonderfully with Alice Springs Chicken:
1. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with Alice Springs Chicken. They provide a rich, smooth texture that balances the crispy bacon and melted cheese. For extra flavor, try making them with roasted garlic or chives.
2. Baked Potato
A simple baked potato allows you to customize with various toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits to complement the chicken.
3. Coleslaw
The crispy, fresh texture of coleslaw paired with its tangy dressing is a nice contrast to the chicken’s richness. Try making it with a vinegar-based or creamy dressing.
4. Steamed Vegetables
Fresh steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus offer brightness and a lighter complement to the hearty chicken dish.
5. Caesar Salad
The cool, crunchy romaine lettuce with creamy caesar dressing and croutons balances the warm chicken perfectly.
6. Mac and Cheese
A cheesy, creamy mac and cheese pairing amplifies the indulgence of the melted cheese on the chicken.
7. Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs provides a pleasant base that soaks up the chicken’s delicious flavors.
8. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or squash caramelizes their natural sweetness, pairing nicely with the honey-mustard chicken.
9. Bread
A loaf of warm bread or rolls is perfect for dipping in any leftover honey mustard sauce. Garlic bread offers extra flavor.
10. Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy, sweet potato fries complement the touch of sweetness from the chicken’s honey-mustard glaze.
11. Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a healthy, energizing side that balances the rich chicken.
12. Corn on the Cob
In summer, grilled corn on the cob makes for a fresh, sweet accompaniment.
13. Fried Okra
Crispy fried okra provides a nice crunch and Southern touch.
14. Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad with melon, berries, and citrus fruits helps cut through the chicken’s richness.
15. Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls are perfect for dipping in sauce and rounding out the meal.
Choosing the Best Pairings
With so many excellent options, how do you choose side dishes to serve with Alice Springs Chicken? Here are a few helpful tips:
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Aim for contrasting textures – Pair something smooth and creamy with something crunchy and fresh, like mashed potatoes and coleslaw.
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Vary the flavors – If the chicken is very rich, opt for a lighter salad or steamed veggie side. If you want more indulgence, choose a cheesy pasta or potato dish.
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Consider different cooking methods – Roasting, steaming, and frying all produce different results, so vary the cooking techniques among your sides.
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Complement the season – In summer, grilled corn and fruit salads are delightful. In winter, roasted veggies and creamy soups pair nicely.
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Satisfy preferences – Pick family favorites and foods suitable for the occasion, whether that’s a weeknight dinner or special event.
Putting It All Together
Alice Springs Chicken is already packed with flavor, so the sides you select should balance and fill out the meal. Aim for a variety of flavors, textures, colors, and cooking methods. Lean on classic pairings like mashed potatoes but also incorporate fresh options like salads and roasted vegetables.
With the right combination of side dishes, you can create a mouthwatering plate that perfectly complements the signature Alice Springs Chicken, helping to make it an even more memorable dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alice Springs Chicken Side Dishes
Here are answers to some common questions about selecting the best side dishes for Alice Springs Chicken:
What are the best vegetables to serve with it?
The best vegetables are fresh and vibrant to balance the rich chicken. Great options include green beans, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and roasted root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.
What about a pasta side dish?
Creamy and indulgent pasta dishes like mac and cheese pair wonderfully. Avoid heavy tomato sauces and instead opt for cheese-based or olive oil-dressed pasta.
Are potatoes a good pairing?
Yes, potatoes are a classic choice. Opt for mashed, baked, roasted, or fried potatoes. Sweet potato fries also complement the honey mustard glaze well.
What kind of salad works best?
A crisp green salad or Caesar salad provides freshness. Broccoli and fruit-based salads also pair well. Vinaigrette dressings cut through the chicken’s richness.
Is rice a good side for this chicken dish?
Certain rice dishes like rice pilaf work excellently, soaking up flavors and providing a pleasant base. Avoid heavily sauced or fried rice to prevent overpowering the chicken.
What breads pair well with Alice Springs Chicken?
Breads like rolls, biscuits, and cornbread are great for enjoying with any leftover sauce. Garlic bread offers especially delicious flavor pairing.
Should soups or chilis be avoided?
Thick, creamy soups can be too heavy. Broth-based soups work better. Spicy chilis may clash with the honey mustard, so avoid pairing those.
Satisfying and Balanced Meals Made Easy
With so many wonderful options, it’s easy to find delicious side dishes to complement heavenly Alice Springs Chicken. Vary textures, flavors, colors, and cooking techniques for an ideal meal. Lean on classic pairings but also experiment with new ones. The right sides can make this chicken truly unforgettable.
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is one of the most popular menu items at the Outback Steakhouse Restaurant. The dish is named for the town of Alice Springs in Northern Australia. And while people normally go to Outback Steakhouse for the steaks, this rich and hearty chicken gives any steak from the restaurant a run for its money!
- White mushrooms – Mild and earthy; perfect for sautéing and adding umami flavor.
- Butter – Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the mushrooms to golden perfection.
- Boneless chicken breasts, halved – halving them helps them cook more evenly and quickly.
- Vegetable oil – Used to sear the chicken and prevent sticking.
- Salt and pepper – Classic seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Paprika – Adds a touch of warmth and a subtle smoky color to the chicken.
- Cooked bacon – Crispy and smoky; a delicious topping that adds texture and flavor.
- Monterey Jack cheese – Mild and melty; gives a creamy texture when baked.
- Cheddar cheese – Sharp and flavorful; balances the milder Monterey Jack.
- Fresh parsley – A bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.
- Grey Poupon Dijon mustard – Tangy and bold; adds sharpness to the marinade.
- Honey – Naturally sweet; balances the acidity of the mustard.
- Mayonnaise – Creamy base that brings everything together.
- Lemon juice – Adds a bit of brightness and zing to round out the flavors.
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken
- First, start with the tangy honey mustard marinade. Combine Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a bowl. Use this mixture both as a marinade and a dipping sauce for after the chicken is cooked. Put about &frac13 of the marinade in a Ziplock bag with the chicken and marinate for 2 hours.
- When the chicken is almost done marinating, cook the bacon and sauté the mushrooms and set aside. Remove the chicken from the bag and discard the marinade. In an ovenproof frying pan (a cast iron skillet works best and gives it the best flavor), heat oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for a few minutes on each side, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Next, brush each seared chicken breast with a little of the honey mustard marinade. Make sure to save a little extra to serve on the side later. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then top each chicken breast with 2 slices of bacon. Spoon the sauteed mushrooms over the top, and sprinkle with cheese.
- Finally, bake in the oven until the cheese is thoroughly melted and starting to bubble and the chicken is cooked through (165-degrees F). Sprinkle each chicken breast with parsley before serving, and serve with remaining honey mustard.
Another great way to enjoy this recipe is by grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying it. This gives the chicken such a delicious, smoky barbecue flavor. I like to grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, flipping once. Of course, I still top it all off with the mushrooms, bacon, and cheese and bake it as directed in the recipe.
- Flatten the chicken: The trick to even cooking is even thickness. If your chicken is really thick, use a meat mallet to pound out the chicken so it’s nice and even. I like to do this by placing the chicken in a Ziplock bag and pounding the outside of the bag until the chicken has even thickness.
- Use a cast iron skillet: I don’t know what it is about cast iron pans, but they just make everything taste better. Especially chicken! They are oven safe so they transition easily from the stove top to the oven without any issues.
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the honey mustard sauce in advance. Assemble the dish just before baking to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can omit them or substitute with sautéed onions or bell peppers.
Yes, Monterey Jack and cheddar are traditional, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack or mozzarella based on your preference.
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as thighs may require a slightly longer cooking period to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave on medium power in short intervals
- ▢ 2 cups sliced white mushrooms
- ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
- ▢ 4 boneless chicken breasts halved
- ▢ 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ▢ salt and pepper, to taste
- ▢ paprika, to taste
- ▢ 8 slices bacon, cooked
- ▢ 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ▢ 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ▢ 1 cup Grey Poupon Dijon mustard
- ▢ 1 cup honey
- ▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
- ▢ 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- In a small bowl, combine all honey mustard marinade ingredients. Use an electric mixer to whip the mixture for about 30 seconds.
- Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag and pour in about one-third of the marinade. Refrigerate for about 2 hours. Chill the remaining marinade until later.
- Heat the oven to 275 degrees F. In a small frying pan, saute the mushrooms in the butter for 5-7 minutes, until mushrooms are golden brown. Set aside. After the chicken has been marinated, remove the chicken from the bag and discard the marinade. In an ovenproof frying pan, heat chicken and oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken in the pan for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove pan from heat but keep chicken in the pan.
- Brush each seared chicken breast with a little of the honey mustard marinade, being sure to save a little extra that you can serve on the side later. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stack 2 pieces of cooked bacon crosswise on each chicken breast. Spoon the sauteed mushrooms onto the bacon, being sure to coat each breast evenly. Sprinkle ¼ cup Monterey Jack cheese evenly onto each breast followed by ¼ cup cheddar.
- Bake the pan of prepared chicken breasts for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and starting to bubble. Sprinkle each breast with ½ teaspoon parsley before serving. Put extra honey mustard marinade into a small bowl to serve on the side.
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