Alice Springs Chicken plated with melted cheese, crispy bacon, and mushrooms, served with green beans, roasted potatoes, and a lemon wedge

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe: Easy Outback Copycat Dish

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Introduction

Are you a fan of Outback Steakhouse and craving their iconic Alice Springs Chicken recipe? This creamy, savory, and irresistible dish has become a favorite for many, thanks to its perfect combination of flavors and textures. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a rich, tangy honey mustard sauce, topped with crispy bacon, earthy sautéed mushrooms, and a gooey layer of melted cheese. It’s a flavor-packed meal that tastes gourmet but is incredibly easy to recreate in your own kitchen.

The beauty of the Alice Springs Chicken recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity. With a handful of everyday ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home without the price tag. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from the essential ingredients and step-by-step preparation to expert tips for perfecting the dish and ideal serving suggestions. You’ll even find answers to frequently asked questions about this beloved recipe.

By the end, you’ll have all the tools to recreate the Alice Springs Chicken recipe in your kitchen, delivering a delicious, satisfying meal that brings the flavors of Outback Steakhouse right to your dinner table. Let’s get started!

What is Alice Springs Chicken?

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a popular menu item at Outback Steakhouse, known for its layers of bold flavors. It starts with seasoned, juicy chicken breasts topped with honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese.

Key Highlights of Alice Springs Chicken:

  1. Juicy and Flavorful Chicken: Perfectly cooked chicken breasts are marinated or seasoned for extra tenderness.
  2. Honey Mustard Sauce: A creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce that ties the dish together.
  3. Crispy Bacon: Adds texture and a smoky flavor.
  4. Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms provide balance and depth.
  5. Melted Cheese: Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses creates a creamy, gooey topping.

This dish is an excellent combination of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors, making it a family favorite. It’s often served with classic sides like baked potatoes, steamed veggies, or salads, adding to its appeal as a satisfying and hearty meal.

The Origin of Alice Springs Chicken

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe takes its name from Alice Springs, a small town in Australia. Outback Steakhouse, inspired by Australian cuisine and culture, created this dish as part of its menu, combining bold flavors with simple, comforting ingredients.

Although Alice Springs Chicken is not a traditional Australian recipe, it reflects Outback’s signature approach: hearty, indulgent meals with universal appeal. The dish quickly became a customer favorite thanks to its combination of creamy honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, and melted cheese atop tender grilled chicken.

Its popularity lies in its ability to feel indulgent yet wholesome, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that satisfy any craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe has all the qualities of a perfect home-cooked meal, making it a favorite for families and food lovers alike. Here are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with this delicious dish:

  1. Restaurant-Quality at Home
    • Why spend extra time and money dining out when you can recreate this Outback Steakhouse classic right in your kitchen? The Alice Springs Chicken recipe delivers the same indulgent flavors and textures you love from the restaurant, but with the satisfaction of a homemade meal.
  2. Simple and Easy to Make
    • Despite its impressive appearance and rich flavors, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients—chicken, bacon, mushrooms, cheese, and honey mustard—you can create a gourmet-quality dish with minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, the step-by-step process ensures perfect results every time.
  3. Family-Friendly Favorite
    • This recipe is a guaranteed hit with both adults and kids. The creamy honey mustard sauce, gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tender chicken appeal to even the pickiest eaters. It’s a meal that brings the family together around the dinner table.
  4. Quick Weeknight Dinner Option
    • Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. By marinating the chicken in advance, you can reduce prep time even further.
  5. Customizable to Your Taste
    • One of the best things about the Alice Springs Chicken recipe is its versatility:
      • Cheese Choices: Use Monterey Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese blend.
      • Add Veggies: Load it with extra mushrooms, onions, or even spinach for a nutritious boost.
      • Dietary Adjustments: Make it low-carb or keto-friendly by serving it with cauliflower rice or steamed greens.
  6. Perfect for Any Occasion
    • Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or hosting friends, this dish strikes the perfect balance of comfort food and elegance. Its combination of flavors makes it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.
  7. Make-Ahead Friendly
    • You can prepare parts of this recipe in advance. Marinate the chicken overnight and pre-cook the bacon and mushrooms ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, all that’s left is assembling and baking, saving you precious time.
  8. Great Leftovers
    • If you happen to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day. The flavors develop even more as the sauce soaks into the chicken, making it just as tasty the second time around.
  9. Balanced Meal Option
    • While indulgent, this recipe can be part of a well-rounded meal when paired with nutritious sides like steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. The protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense mushrooms, and balanced honey mustard sauce make it satisfying and filling.

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe truly checks all the boxes: it’s easy, delicious, customizable, and family-friendly. Once you give it a try, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, earning its place as a regular in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken

Here’s everything you need to make this Alice Springs Chicken recipe at home. These simple, easy-to-find ingredients come together to deliver bold, irresistible flavor:

Main Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness for even cooking.
  • Honey Mustard Sauce:
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a tangy twist)
  • Bacon: 6 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy.
  • Mushrooms: 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced (white button or baby Bella mushrooms work best).
  • Cheese: 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses.
  • Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the mushrooms and browning the chicken.
  • Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

These ingredients work together to create a rich, creamy, and savory dish that mimics the Outback classic.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Alice Springs Chicken recipe at home:

Alice Springs Chicken fresh out of the oven with melted cheese, crispy bacon, mushrooms, and honey mustard sauce bubbling around the edges

1. Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey mustard sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Coat the chicken in half of the honey mustard sauce (reserve the other half for later).
  4. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator (overnight is even better for maximum flavor).

2. Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, using the bacon drippings, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and tender. Remove from heat.

3. Brown the Chicken

  1. In the same skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the marinated chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until browned. You don’t need to fully cook the chicken at this stage—just give it color.

4. Assemble and Bake

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place the browned chicken breasts in a baking dish.
  3. Top each chicken breast with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon slices, and a generous layer of shredded cheese.
  4. Drizzle the reserved honey mustard sauce over the top.
  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve

  1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
  2. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy dish with your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfect Alice Springs Chicken

Follow these expert tips to ensure your Alice Springs Chicken recipe turns out perfect every time:

  1. Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the honey mustard sauce.
  2. Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
  3. Crispy Bacon: Cook the bacon until crisp—it adds texture and flavor to the dish.
  4. Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. Overcooking can make it dry.
  5. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh mushrooms and high-quality cheese for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Alice Springs Chicken recipe with these delicious sides for a complete, restaurant-quality meal:

  1. Steamed or Roasted Vegetables
    • Green beans, asparagus, or broccoli complement the rich flavors of the dish.
  2. Mashed or Baked Potatoes
    • Creamy mashed potatoes or a loaded baked potato make perfect comfort-food sides.
  3. Rice or Quinoa
    • Light and fluffy grains balance the richness of the chicken.
  4. Fresh Salad
    • A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance.

 FAQs About Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

1. What is Alice Springs chicken at Outback?

Alice Springs Chicken at Outback Steakhouse is a popular dish featuring seasoned grilled chicken topped with honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese.

2. Why is it called Alice Springs chicken?

The dish is named after Alice Springs, a town in Australia. Outback Steakhouse, known for its Australian-inspired menu, created the recipe as a tribute to the town while focusing on bold, comforting flavors.

3. What to eat with Alice Springs chicken?

Alice Springs Chicken pairs well with:

  • Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli
  • Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or rice pilaf
  • Fresh salads with a light vinaigrette dressing

4. What is grilled chicken on the Barbie at Outback Steakhouse?

Grilled Chicken on the Barbie is another Outback Steakhouse favorite. It features grilled chicken breast seasoned with Outback’s signature spices and served with a side of BBQ sauce and fresh vegetables.

Conclusion

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe is more than just a dish—it’s a comforting, flavorful meal that brings the magic of Outback Steakhouse right to your home kitchen. With its tender, marinated chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, gooey melted cheese, and a tangy honey mustard sauce, it’s no surprise that this recipe has become a family favorite.

What makes this recipe truly special is its perfect balance of bold flavors, simple preparation, and universal appeal. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy family gathering, or even a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress every time. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to adjust toppings, sides, and ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or tastes.

By following this guide, you now have all the tools to recreate this classic favorite. Pair it with steamed vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad, and you’ll have a complete, restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, and savory bite of this delicious Alice Springs Chicken recipe. It’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection, delivering comfort and flavor with every serving.

Happy cooking, and enjoy your meal! 🍗✨

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