How Do You Make Alice Springs Chicken: A Delicious Outback Copycat Recipe

Have you ever been to Outback Steakhouse and fallen in love with their Alice Springs Chicken? That juicy chicken topped with mushrooms, bacon, and melty cheese is truly something special! I’ve been obsessed with recreating this dish at home, and after many attempts, I think I’ve nailed it. Today, I’ll share my secrets for making the perfect Alice Springs Chicken that’ll have your family thinking you ordered takeout from Outback!

What Is Alice Springs Chicken?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this dish so special. Alice Springs Chicken is named after a town in Australia’s Northern Territory. It features marinated chicken breasts topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all brought together with a honey mustard sauce that’s both tangy and sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Alice Springs Chicken at home you’ll need

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

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces mushrooms (white button or cremini), sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 strips of crispy bacon, chopped
• 2 cups Colby Jack or cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade

1. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until well combined.
2. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this sauce in a separate container and refrigerate it – you’ll use this for dipping later.
3. Place your chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag and pour the remaining marinade over them.
4. Seal the bag and make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight marination will give you the best flavor!

Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms

1. When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they’ve released their moisture and started to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and wipe out the skillet.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used marinade) and place in the skillet.
3. Cook without moving until a golden-brown crust forms, about 5 minutes.
4. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 5 minutes until browned.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Divide the sautéed mushrooms evenly over each chicken breast.
2. Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the mushrooms.
3. Top everything with the shredded cheese.
4. Cover the skillet and place it in the preheated oven.
5. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
3. Serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Alice Springs Chicken

• Chicken thickness matters: Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Don’t skimp on marinating time: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be.
• Use fresh mushrooms: They have better texture and flavor than canned ones.
• Cook bacon until crispy: This gives the dish a nice textural contrast against the juicy chicken and melty cheese.
• Let the chicken rest: After baking, give your chicken a few minutes to rest before serving to keep all those delicious juices inside.
• Choose good cheese: A sharp cheddar or Colby Jack works great, but feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses.

Common Questions About Alice Springs Chicken

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. You can also pre-cook the components (chicken, mushrooms, bacon) and assemble right before baking.

What sides go well with Alice Springs Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed broccoli or asparagus
• A simple green salad
• Rice pilaf
• Roasted Brussels sprouts

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re actually more forgiving and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Alice Springs Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to prevent the chicken from drying out.

Variations to Try

The classic Alice Springs Chicken is amazing, but don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it!

• Spicy version: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or some sliced jalapeños on top.
• Different cheese: Try Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Veggie additions: Add some roasted red peppers or spinach under the cheese layer.
• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens instead of traditional starches.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this Alice Springs Chicken recipe so successful is the balance of flavors and textures. The tangy-sweet honey mustard marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor. The mushrooms add an earthy element, the bacon brings smokiness and crunch, and the melted cheese ties everything together into one cohesive, delicious package.

I’ve made this recipe countless times for family and friends, and it’s always a hit. Even my picky eaters who claim they don’t like mustard end up loving this dish!

Final Thoughts

Alice Springs Chicken is one of those recipes that looks and tastes impressive but is actually pretty simple to make. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melty cheese makes for a truly satisfying meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Give this recipe a try, and I bet it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation! And if you’ve got any questions or want to share your own variations, drop me a comment below. Happy cooking!

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Note: This Alice Springs Chicken recipe is inspired by Outback Steakhouse’s version but made in your very own kitchen. It’s the perfect way to enjoy restaurant-quality food without leaving home!