Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that combines juicy chicken breasts, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a tangy honey mustard sauce. This restaurant favorite is easy to recreate at home for a delicious meal that feels like a special treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy the flavors of your favorite dish without leaving the house.
- Flavor-Packed: Sweet honey mustard, smoky bacon, and melty cheese create an irresistible combination.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and ingredients make this dish approachable for any home cook.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like potatoes, rice, or veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Honey mustard dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts in honey mustard dressing and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for best flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown. Remove from heat and transfer to a baking dish.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms until tender. Spread them evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Top with Bacon and Cheese: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the chicken, then top with a mixture of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Serve: Drizzle additional honey mustard over the top before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Swap the Monterey Jack and Cheddar for Colby Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Herby Twist: Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the chicken before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey mustard for extra heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second increments.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought honey mustard?
Yes, store-bought honey mustard dressing works perfectly for this recipe.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal.
What’s the best way to cook the bacon?
Crisp the bacon in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 400°F on a lined baking sheet for about 15 minutes.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Yes, you can grill the chicken and finish it off under the broiler with the toppings if desired.
What’s a good side dish for this recipe?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad pair wonderfully with this dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to the baking step, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Marinating the chicken and avoiding overcooking will help keep it tender and juicy.
Can I add other toppings?
Sure! Sliced jalapeños, caramelized onions, or diced tomatoes would be delicious additions.
What’s the best way to shred cheese for this recipe?
Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese, so shred it yourself if possible.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
Conclusion
Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, gooey cheese, and irresistible toppings, this dish is sure to be a family favorite. Make it tonight and bring the taste of the steakhouse to your table!
PrintOutback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken
This copycat recipe for Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken features tender grilled chicken breasts smothered in honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese. It’s a restaurant favorite you can easily recreate at home!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the toppings:
- 1 cup (240 ml) honey mustard dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup (150 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Sauté the mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the dish:
- Spread 2 tablespoons of honey mustard dressing over each chicken breast.
- Top with crumbled bacon and sautéed mushrooms. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- To make homemade honey mustard, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup honey, and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard.
- For a lower-calorie option, use turkey bacon or reduce the amount of cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.