If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you know how irresistible their Alice Springs Chicken is. This dish is a crowd favorite and known for its rich, comforting flavors. The combination of honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, tender chicken, and gooey melted cheese creates a perfectly balanced meal. Whether you’re looking to recreate this dish at home or simply enjoy the magic of a restaurant-quality meal, this recipe will give you the perfect opportunity to do so. Let’s walk through the ingredients and steps to bring this delicious dish right into your kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of prepared mustard
Mustard gives this sauce the tangy flavor that balances perfectly with the sweetness of honey. - 1/4 cup of pure honey
The honey adds sweetness and richness to the sauce, making it an essential component. - 1/4 cup of light corn syrup
Corn syrup adds smoothness and a touch of sweetness, making the sauce glossy and velvety. - 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
Mayonnaise helps to thicken the sauce and creates a creamy texture that complements the tanginess of the mustard and the sweetness of the honey.
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (divided into 4 portions)
The chicken breasts are the star of this dish, and their tender texture makes the perfect base for all the toppings. - 1/2 teaspoon of McCormick Season All
This seasoning is key to adding depth and flavor to the chicken. It brings a savory balance that enhances all the other ingredients. - 6 bacon slices (cooked until crispy and cut in half)
Bacon is a crucial element in this dish, adding crunch, smokiness, and a salty contrast to the sweetness of the sauce and the creaminess of the cheese. - 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (drained, either canned or preserved in a jar)
Mushrooms add a savory umami flavor and a bit of earthiness to the dish, which complements the richness of the other ingredients. - 3 cups of finely shredded Colby Jack cheese
The cheese is what ties everything together. Colby Jack melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that’s both rich and comforting. - 2 teaspoons of finely chopped parsley
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a slight herbaceous note to balance out the richness of the dish.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
Start by making the honey mustard sauce. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mustard, honey, corn syrup, and mayonnaise. Stir the mixture vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined and the texture is smooth and uniform. Be sure to check for any clumps of mustard or honey, as they can affect the consistency of the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a little more honey or corn syrup. Set this sauce aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and rub them with 1/2 teaspoon of McCormick Season All. This seasoning gives the chicken a balanced flavor that complements the richness of the cheese and the bacon. Once the chicken is seasoned, let it marinate for about one hour. If you’re short on time, even 15-20 minutes of marinating will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
In a separate skillet, cook the bacon until it becomes crispy. Depending on your preference, you can either cook the bacon in the skillet until it reaches your desired level of crispiness or use the oven for an even bake. Once the bacon is cooked, place it on a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cooled, cut the bacon slices in half and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
After marinating, take the chicken breasts and cook them in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan to prevent the chicken from sticking. Cook each side of the chicken for about 6-7 minutes or until the outside is a light golden brown. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked inside by checking its internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (75°C). Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it may dry out. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and place it on a clean surface to rest for a few minutes.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
While the chicken rests, apply a generous amount of the honey mustard sauce onto each chicken breast. The sauce should cover the top of the chicken evenly, creating a sweet and tangy base for the mushrooms and bacon. Then, top each chicken breast with an equal amount of sliced mushrooms. The mushrooms will absorb some of the flavors from the sauce and add a savory element to the dish.
Next, place three halves of crispy bacon on top of each chicken breast. The bacon will provide a satisfying crunch and a salty contrast that balances the sweetness of the honey mustard sauce.
Finally, cover each chicken breast with 3/4 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese. The cheese will melt and become gooey as it bakes, creating a rich and comforting layer over the other ingredients.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. If you prefer your cheese to be extra golden, you can broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish each chicken breast with finely chopped parsley for a fresh and vibrant touch. Serve the chicken with additional honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Step 8: Enjoy!
It’s time to dig in and enjoy the savory, sweet, and cheesy goodness of your homemade Alice Springs Chicken! The chicken is tender and juicy, the mushrooms and bacon provide a satisfying texture, and the melted cheese adds a rich, indulgent layer of flavor. The honey mustard sauce ties everything together, giving the dish a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Tips for Success:
- Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts will result in juicier and more flavorful chicken. Be sure to remove any excess fat or connective tissue before cooking.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a spicier mustard sauce, you can add a dash of hot sauce or some Dijon mustard to the recipe. You can also experiment with the sweetness by adding more honey or corn syrup depending on your taste.
- Cheese Options: While Colby Jack cheese is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. These will give the dish a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead Tip: If you want to prepare the dish ahead of time, you can assemble the chicken with the sauce, mushrooms, bacon, and cheese, and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. When ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions.
Serving Suggestions:
Alice Springs Chicken is rich and filling on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of side dishes for a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or baked potato wedges make a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette helps to balance out the richness of the chicken.
- Rice Pilaf: A fragrant rice pilaf is a great option to soak up the extra honey mustard sauce.
Conclusion:
Making Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken at home is easier than you might think, and it’s a fantastic way to recreate the restaurant experience right in your own kitchen. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, and gooey cheese all smothered in a tangy honey mustard sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meal is both satisfying and delicious. Give it a try and enjoy the amazing flavors of this iconic dish from Outback Steakhouse!
