Alice Springs Chicken is a popular dish from Outback Steakhouse featuring grilled chicken breasts topped with honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses Named after the town of Alice Springs in Australia, this dish has become one of the restaurant’s signature items, beloved for its perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors
As someone who’s tried making this at home countless times, I can tell you it’s worth every bit of effort There’s something magical about that combination of tender chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese that just hits the spot every time!
The Origins of Alice Springs Chicken
The dish comes from Outback Steakhouse, which was founded in 1988. Despite its Australian-themed branding, the restaurant chain actually originated in Tampa, Florida. The name “Alice Springs Chicken” reflects the restaurant’s Australian outback theme, referencing the town of Alice Springs, known for its wild landscapes.
Even though it’s not traditionally Australian the dish has become synonymous with Outback Steakhouse’s menu and has gained a devoted following over the years.
What Makes Alice Springs Chicken So Special?
There are several key elements that come together to create this beloved dish:
The Core Ingredients
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Serves as the lean and tender foundation
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Provides a sweet and tangy flavor profile
- Crispy Bacon: Adds smokiness and a delightful crunch
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Brings an earthy richness and depth
- Monterey Jack & Cheddar Cheeses: Creates a creamy, gooey topping
- Fresh Herbs & Seasoning: Enhances all the flavors with the perfect finish
The Flavor Profile
What makes Alice Springs Chicken truly stand out is its perfect balance of flavors. The honey mustard sauce provides sweetness with a tangy kick, while the bacon adds a smoky element. The mushrooms contribute an earthy umami flavor, and the melted cheese blankets everything in creamy goodness.
It’s this harmony of flavors and textures that makes Alice Springs Chicken such a hit. You get the juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese in every bite!
How Alice Springs Chicken Is Prepared at Outback
At Outback Steakhouse, they follow a specific process to create this signature dish:
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Marinating the Chicken: The chicken breasts are marinated with herbs, spices, and oil to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
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Grilling to Perfection: The chicken is grilled over an open flame, creating a smoky flavor while keeping the inside juicy.
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Layering the Toppings: Crispy bacon strips and sautéed mushrooms are placed on top of the grilled chicken.
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Adding the Cheese: Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses are generously sprinkled over the top and melted to gooey perfection.
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Finishing with Sauce: The dish is drizzled with honey mustard sauce, adding that signature sweet-tangy finish.
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Garnishing and Serving: Fresh herbs are added for color and flavor before serving with sides like steamed vegetables or a baked potato.
Make Alice Springs Chicken at Home: Copycat Recipe
I’ve tried making this at home several times, and while it’s not exactly the same as Outback’s version, it comes pretty darn close! Here’s how you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen:
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of honey mustard sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, and other seasonings
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. You can pound them to even thickness for more consistent cooking.
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Grill or Pan-Sear: Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F internal temperature and is golden brown on the outside.
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Sauté Mushrooms: While the chicken cooks, sauté mushrooms in butter until tender and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
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Assemble: Place the cooked chicken on a baking sheet, top with bacon strips and sautéed mushrooms.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle both cheeses generously over the top.
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Melt the Cheese: Place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Sauce and Serve: Drizzle with honey mustard sauce, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with your favorite sides.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
While the traditional Alice Springs Chicken is amazing on its own, there are some tasty variations you might want to try:
- Pepper Jack Chicken: Substitute pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick
- Gouda and Mushroom: Use gouda cheese for a smokier flavor
- Caramelized Onion: Add caramelized onions for extra sweetness
Some people also prefer baking the chicken instead of grilling it, which can result in an even juicier texture. Feel free to experiment with different cooking methods to find your perfect version!
Nutritional Information and Health Considerations
I won’t lie to you – Alice Springs Chicken isn’t exactly diet food. With the bacon, cheese, and sauce, it’s definitely an indulgence. A typical serving at Outback Steakhouse contains around 1,000-1,200 calories.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you might want to consider:
- Asking for less cheese or bacon
- Swapping the honey mustard for a lighter sauce
- Pairing it with steamed vegetables instead of potatoes
- Sharing the dish with someone else
For those making it at home, you can use reduced-fat cheese, turkey bacon, or a lighter honey mustard to cut down on calories while still enjoying the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Alice Springs Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:
- Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture complements the chicken perfectly
- Roasted vegetables: Asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a nice crunch
- Garden salad: A fresh salad helps balance the richness of the dish
- Creamy coleslaw: Provides a cool contrast to the warm, savory chicken
Why People Love Alice Springs Chicken
There are plenty of reasons why this dish has become such a favorite:
- Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet, savory, smoky, and tangy all in one dish
- Satisfying textures: Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese
- Comfort food appeal: It’s hearty and indulgent in the best way
- Versatility: Works for both casual family dinners and special occasions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alice Springs Chicken spicy?
No, it’s not spicy at all. The dish has a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavor profile from the honey mustard sauce.
Can I order Alice Springs Chicken for takeout?
Yes! Outback Steakhouse offers both delivery and takeout options, so you can enjoy this dish at home.
Is Alice Springs Chicken gluten-free?
The dish itself doesn’t contain direct gluten ingredients, but always check with the restaurant about cross-contamination if you have sensitivities.
Can I customize Alice Springs Chicken at Outback?
Absolutely! You can ask for modifications like less cheese or bacon, or request a different sauce.
Is Alice Springs Chicken available year-round?
Yes, it’s a staple on Outback Steakhouse’s menu and available throughout the year.
Final Thoughts
Alice Springs Chicken has earned its place as one of Outback Steakhouse’s most beloved dishes for good reason. The combination of grilled chicken, honey mustard sauce, bacon, mushrooms, and melted cheese creates a flavor experience that keeps people coming back for more.
Whether you’re enjoying it at the restaurant or trying your hand at making it at home, Alice Springs Chicken is a dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something indulgent, flavorful, and downright delicious.
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
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