Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken

This copycat recipe for Alice Springs Chicken brings the restaurant classic straight to your kitchen. Marinated and seasoned chicken breasts are browned in bacon drippings, layered with savory honey mustard sauce, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and gooey Colby/Jack cheese, then baked to melty perfection. Serve this indulgent dish with a side of steamed veggies, a fresh salad, or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of honey mustard, the smoky bacon, and the rich cheese combine for a mouthwatering experience.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep, this dish comes together easily and bakes up quickly.
Restaurant-Quality: You’ll feel like you’re eating at a steakhouse from the comfort of your own kitchen!

Key Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean, tender base. You can use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut; just adjust the baking time.

Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty crunch that balances the sweetness of the honey mustard sauce. Turkey bacon works well as a lighter substitute.

Colby/Jack Cheese: This cheese blend melts beautifully, creating a gooey topping that brings everything together. Substitute with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack if you like a different flavor profile.

Button Mushrooms: Sliced button mushrooms add an earthy note. Feel free to substitute with cremini or baby bella mushrooms for a deeper, more robust flavor.

Honey Mustard Sauce: The sauce is made with honey, grainy mustard, mayonnaise, and onion flakes. Adding corn syrup (optional) can balance the mustard’s tanginess for a smoother taste.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Cooking Instructions:

Preparation

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when needed.

Prepare the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy and the fat has rendered.
Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with chicken seasoning, onion powder, and paprika.
Massage the seasonings into the chicken, then let it marinate for at least 45 minutes to enhance flavor.

Making the Honey Mustard Sauce

Prepare the Sauce:
In a non-stick pan over low heat, combine 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup mustard, 1 teaspoon onion flakes, and 1/4 cup mayonnaise.
Stir the mixture until it’s smooth and well combined.

Adjust Sweetness:
Add corn syrup gradually to balance the tanginess of the mustard, adjusting to taste.
Allow the sauce to simmer lightly, then set it aside.

Cooking the Chicken

Brown the Chicken:
Using the same skillet with the remaining bacon fat, heat over medium heat.
Brown the marinated chicken breasts on both sides until they’re golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Assembly and Baking

Prepare the Baking Dish:
Line a baking dish with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the dish.

Assemble the Dish:
Spread the prepared honey mustard sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
Top with sliced mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and a generous layer of shredded Colby/Jack cheese.

Bake:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve

Presentation:
Remove from the oven and serve hot, paired with a side of vegetable slaw and a refreshing drink to complement the rich flavors.

Serving Suggestions:

Classic Sides: This rich dish pairs well with lighter sides like steamed green beans, a fresh salad, or roasted asparagus.
Beverage Pairing: Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing iced tea with lemon.
Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives for added color and a hint of freshness.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave on low power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Simply assemble the ingredients, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Variations:

Lighter Version

For a lighter option, use turkey bacon and reduce the cheese by half. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the honey mustard sauce for a lighter, tangy taste.

Spicy Twist

Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick. You could also use pepper jack cheese instead of Colby Jack for extra heat.

BBQ Honey Mustard Sauce

Mix 1 tablespoon of your favorite barbecue sauce into the honey mustard sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.

Conclusion:

This Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a delightful, cheesy, and savory dish that’s sure to satisfy. With layers of flavor from the honey mustard, melted cheese, bacon, and mushrooms, each bite is a treat. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion when you’re craving something indulgent yet easy to make. Enjoy this steakhouse favorite right at home!