Outback Steakhouse Style Alice Springs Chicken

Experience the irresistible flavors of Outback Steakhouse’s iconic Alice Springs Chicken right in your own kitchen! This mouth-watering copycat recipe features tender grilled chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a generous topping of melty Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, all glazed with a tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Among the many delectable offerings at Outback Steakhouse, the Alice Springs Chicken stands out as a true fan favorite. While it’s renowned for its steaks, this chicken dish consistently ranks as one of their most popular menu items – and for good reason! The harmonious blend of savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, smoky bacon, and two types of gooey cheese, all brought together by that signature honey mustard sauce, creates an unforgettable dining experience. Many, like us, find themselves returning to Outback specifically for this indulgent chicken. Now, you can recreate that magic at home with our perfected copycat recipe.

The Star of the Show: Honey Mustard Sauce

The secret to this Alice Springs Chicken’s incredible flavor lies in its versatile honey mustard sauce. This isn’t just any sauce; it pulls double duty as both a robust marinade for the chicken and a delightful glaze that ties the entire dish together at the end. Crafted from a simple yet powerful combination of sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, creamy mayonnaise, and a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this sauce infuses the chicken with an unparalleled depth of flavor. The acidity from the lemon and mustard tenderizes the chicken, while the honey adds a beautiful caramelization during cooking. Making extra sauce to serve on the side for dipping is highly recommended – you won’t want to miss a drop!

Essential Alice Springs Chicken Ingredients

Beyond the incredible honey mustard sauce, the success of this dish relies on a few key components. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the signature Alice Springs experience:

Perfectly Prepared Chicken Breasts

For the best results, start with four boneless, skinless chicken breast halves. Look for breasts that are relatively uniform in thickness, or consider gently pounding thicker parts to an even 1-inch thickness. This ensures consistent cooking and prevents drier edges while the center cooks through. Pounding also helps tenderize the meat, making it more receptive to the marinade. Seasoning the chicken lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper before searing enhances its natural flavor, creating a delicious base for the other toppings.

Earthy Sautéed Mushrooms

One of our absolute favorite elements in this recipe is the tender sautéed mushrooms. We recommend an 8-ounce package of button mushrooms for their mild flavor and firm texture, though cremini mushrooms (baby bellas) would also work wonderfully, offering a slightly deeper, earthier note. Proper mushroom preparation is key: instead of rinsing them under water, which can make them absorb excess moisture and become rubbery, gently clean them with a damp paper towel. Simply wipe off any visible dirt, then slice them evenly. Sautéing them in a tablespoon of butter until they’re tender and just beginning to turn golden brown brings out their rich, umami flavor, making them a perfect complement to the chicken.

Crispy, Smoky Bacon

No Alice Springs Chicken is complete without the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. We prefer to use about four slices, one for each piece of chicken, for a balanced flavor profile. If you’re a true bacon enthusiast, feel free to double up! Our favorite hassle-free method for achieving perfectly crispy bacon is to bake it in the oven. This technique results in evenly cooked bacon with minimal splatter and consistent crispiness. Cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crisp but not burnt, then crumble or break each slice in half, ready to top your chicken.

How to Make Bacon in the Oven

A simple guide to baking perfect, crispy bacon every time, making it an ideal companion for your Alice Springs Chicken.

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Melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese

The final touch of cheesy goodness comes from a blend of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses. Monterey Jack is known for its excellent melting properties and mild, buttery flavor, while cheddar adds a sharper, more robust taste and a beautiful golden hue when melted. Using a total of 12 ounces (6 oz of each) ensures ample cheese to create that decadent, bubbling crust over your chicken. Shredding your own cheese from a block is always recommended, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture.

How to Make Alice Springs Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

This incredibly delicious chicken recipe comes together in under 30 minutes of active cooking time, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Here’s a brief overview of the process to get you started. For the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice until smooth and well combined. This is your flavorful foundation! Pour exactly half of this exquisite sauce into a separate small, airtight bowl, cover it, and immediately place it in the refrigerator. This reserved portion will be used later as a glaze and dipping sauce, ensuring its freshness and preventing cross-contamination with the raw chicken.
2. Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breast halves into a large, sturdy ziplock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the remaining honey mustard sauce (the half not reserved) over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least two hours. For optimal flavor penetration and tenderization, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. This step is crucial for infusing that signature sweet and tangy taste into every bite.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms to Golden Perfection: Melt one tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the cleaned and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 10 minutes, or until they become tender, release their moisture, and begin to turn a beautiful golden brown. This caramelization deepens their flavor. Once cooked, set the mushrooms aside.
4. Sear the Chicken for a Golden Crust: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade in the bag. Lightly season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the hot pan. Cook for approximately 4 minutes per side, or until the chicken develops a lovely golden-brown crust. The goal here is to sear the exterior and lock in juices; the chicken will finish cooking through in the oven.
5. Assemble and Layer the Deliciousness: Carefully transfer the seared chicken breasts to an oven-safe casserole dish. Spoon an even amount of the sautéed mushrooms over the top of each piece of chicken. Next, break your cooked bacon slices in half (or crumble them) and artfully arrange them over the mushrooms. Finally, evenly distribute the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese over each chicken breast, ensuring a generous coating that promises a bubbly, cheesy top.
6. Bake Until Melted and Cooked Through: Place the casserole dish with the layered chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Continue baking until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a safe 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the cheese has completely melted and is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve for a Grand Finale: Once removed from the oven, let the Alice Springs Chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately with the remaining, chilled honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. For an added touch of freshness and vibrant color, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this magnificent homemade copycat!

Marinating Chicken for Optimal Flavor

The marination step is paramount for achieving the deep, succulent flavor that defines Alice Springs Chicken. By allowing the chicken to soak in the honey mustard sauce, you’re not just adding flavor to the surface; you’re letting the acidity in the lemon juice and Dijon mustard gently break down the chicken fibers, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product. This also allows the sweet and tangy notes of the honey mustard to permeate the meat thoroughly.

Aim for a minimum of one hour of marinating time to impart noticeable flavor. However, the sweet spot for this recipe is usually between two and four hours. While you can marinate it overnight (up to 24 hours), be mindful that overly long marination times, especially with acidic marinades, can sometimes lead to the chicken becoming too soft or mushy. Therefore, if you’re prepping the night before, 12-18 hours is a safe maximum. This make-ahead step is fantastic for busy schedules, allowing you to streamline dinner preparation on the day you plan to cook.

And remember, that reserved honey mustard sauce for dipping isn’t just an afterthought – it’s an essential part of the experience! Its fresh, vibrant flavor provides a wonderful contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken.

How to Serve Your Alice Springs Chicken

Once your Alice Springs Chicken emerges from the oven, bubbling and golden, it’s ready to be the star of your dinner table. Drizzle each piece with a little more of the remaining honey mustard sauce, or serve the sauce on the side in a small bowl for dipping. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of simple side dishes that complement its rich flavors without overpowering them.

For a complete and balanced meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green vegetable. Classic choices include perfectly steamed or roasted green beans, which offer a crisp texture and vibrant color. Another excellent option is tender oven-roasted asparagus, lightly seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you’re looking for a heartier side, creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast, soaking up all the delicious juices. Alternatively, a fluffy baked potato with your favorite toppings is always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to offer extra honey mustard sauce on the side – it truly enhances every bite!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Should you have any delectable Alice Springs Chicken leftovers, storing them properly will allow you to enjoy them for another meal. Place any cooled portions in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For the best quality and flavor, avoid leaving cooked chicken at room temperature for extended periods.

When it comes to reheating, you have a few excellent options to ensure your chicken remains moist and delicious. The oven is generally the preferred method for reheating, as it helps retain the chicken’s texture and re-crisps the bacon and cheese. Preheat your oven to 300-325 degrees Fahrenheit (150-160 degrees Celsius), place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, and cover it loosely with foil to prevent drying. Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. The air fryer is another fantastic choice, offering quick reheating and a wonderful crispness to the toppings. Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 5-8 minutes. While the microwave is a convenient option, it can sometimes make the chicken a bit less crispy and may dry it out slightly. If using a microwave, reheat in short bursts (30-60 seconds) until warmed through.

Other Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of delicious and approachable chicken dinners, be sure to explore some of our other favorite recipes:

• Easy Chicken Parmesan: A classic Italian-American dish made simple for weeknights.
• Easy One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor with this sheet pan marvel.
• Baked Ranch Chicken: Simple, flavorful chicken that comes together with just a few ingredients.

We love hearing from you! If you try this Alice Springs Chicken recipe or any of our other delicious creations, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Your feedback is invaluable!

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Alice Springs Chicken {Outback Steakhouse Copycat}

Learn how to make a mouth-watering copycat version of Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken with mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melty Monterey Jack cheese glazed with honey mustard sauce.

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Ingredients

Honey Mustard Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard (e.g., Grey Poupon)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• Fresh lemon juice (to taste, about 1-2 tbsp)

Chicken Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, seasoned with salt and black pepper
• 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and broken in half
• 6 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 6 oz Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Pour half of this sauce into a separate small bowl, cover, and refrigerate for serving later.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish. Pour the remaining half of the honey mustard marinade over the chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours (or up to 24 hours).
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly golden brown. Set aside.
5. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discarding the marinade) and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in the preheated pan and sear for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken will not be fully cooked through at this point.
6. Transfer the seared chicken to an oven-safe casserole dish. Spoon the sautéed mushrooms evenly over each chicken breast. Arrange the cooked bacon pieces over the mushrooms. Evenly sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over each piece of chicken.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Thicker chicken breasts may require a few extra minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately, with the reserved honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your homemade Alice Springs Chicken!

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