Smoky Bacon Cheese Chicken

Alice Springs Chicken is a celebrated dish featuring succulent chicken breasts, generously smothered in a rich, tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce, then topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted Colby Jack cheese. This iconic recipe brings the beloved Outback Steakhouse experience right to your home kitchen, often surpassing the restaurant version with its fresh ingredients and homemade touch. It’s a flavor explosion that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and umami notes, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.

For years, Alice Springs Chicken has been a menu staple at Outback Steakhouse, captivating diners with its unique combination of textures and tastes. It stands out as one of their most popular non-steak offerings, and it’s easy to see why. The dish is a symphony of flavors, where tender chicken provides the canvas for a vibrant honey mustard sauce, elevated by the smoky crunch of bacon, earthy mushrooms, and the comforting richness of melted cheese. Preparing this dish at home not only gives you control over the quality of ingredients but also allows you to customize it to your exact preferences, ensuring every bite is pure perfection.

At the heart of this extraordinary recipe lies the honey mustard sauce. This isn’t just any sauce; it’s a luscious concoction that is both tangy and sweet, with an incredibly creamy texture that clings to every piece of chicken. It’s generously spread over the chicken breasts before baking and also serves as an excellent dipping sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor that truly distinguishes the dish. The complexity of this sauce, with its subtle savory undertones, is what makes Alice Springs Chicken so uniquely delicious and utterly addictive.

While crafting this copycat Outback Steakhouse recipe involves a few distinct steps, each one is remarkably straightforward and requires minimal hands-on time. From preparing the chicken to assembling the final dish, you’ll find the process enjoyable and rewarding, culminating in a restaurant-quality meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, without the fuss.

Why Is It Called Alice Springs Chicken?

The name “Alice Springs Chicken” is a nod to Alice Springs, a picturesque town located in Australia’s Northern Territory. Outback Steakhouse, known for its Australian-themed decor and menu, uses names like this to evoke the spirit of the Australian outback. This naming convention adds to the restaurant’s unique identity and transports diners to a distant, adventurous land through culinary imagination.

The Core Components of Alice Springs Chicken

Crafting the perfect Alice Springs Chicken begins with understanding its foundational ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature flavor profile and satisfying texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selecting the best:

• Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ideally around 6 ounces each. Pounding them to an even 1/2-inch thickness is crucial for uniform cooking, preventing them from drying out and ensuring they remain incredibly juicy. This technique also helps the chicken absorb the marinade more effectively.
• Seasoning Salt & Garlic Powder: A simple yet effective seasoning blend is all that’s needed. Seasoning salt, such as Lawry’s, provides a balanced savory base, while garlic powder adds a foundational aromatic depth. These spices beautifully enhance the chicken’s natural flavor before it even hits the pan.
• Dijon Mustard: This is a cornerstone of the honey mustard sauce. Its sharp, tangy, and slightly spicy notes are indispensable. Even if you’re not a big mustard fan, do not skip it; it mellows out beautifully with the honey and other ingredients. Stone ground mustard can be a good substitute, but avoid standard yellow mustard for this recipe, as its flavor profile is too mild.
• Honey: The natural sweetness of honey perfectly balances the tang of Dijon mustard, creating the iconic sweet-tangy dynamic of the sauce. High-quality honey will yield the best results, adding a floral richness.
• Mayonnaise: The secret to the sauce’s ultra-creamy texture. Mayonnaise emulsifies with the other ingredients, adding richness and a silky mouthfeel without overpowering the primary flavors. It helps bind everything together.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce introduces a layer of savory umami and complexity, adding depth and a subtle fermented tang that rounds out the sauce’s flavor profile. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
• Dried Onion Flakes: A surprising ingredient that contributes a mild, sweet, and slightly caramelized onion flavor to the sauce. Unlike fresh onions, which might be too pungent or crunchy, dried flakes rehydrate gently, infusing the sauce with a subtle, aromatic background note.
• Fresh Mushrooms: Sliced button, cremini, or baby bella mushrooms are ideal. They add an earthy, savory element and a tender texture that complements the chicken and bacon. If mushrooms aren’t to your taste, feel free to omit them, but they are a classic component of the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon is essential for both flavor and texture. Beyond its delightful crunch, the bacon drippings are a key ingredient, used to sauté both the mushrooms and the chicken, infusing them with smoky richness before the cooked bacon is crumbled and used as a topping.
• Colby Jack Cheese: This blend of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses melts beautifully and offers a mild, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor. Freshly shredded cheese is always recommended for superior meltability and texture. Thinly sliced cheese from a block also works well.
• Fresh Parsley: A garnish of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich flavors of the dish.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Alice Springs Chicken

While the recipe is straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your homemade Alice Springs Chicken from good to extraordinary:

• Pound Chicken Evenly: This step cannot be overstated. Unevenly thick chicken breasts will cook inconsistently, leading to dry spots. Aim for a consistent 1/2-inch thickness for all pieces. A meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet works wonders.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While not strictly mandatory if you’re short on time, marinating the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for at least an hour (and up to 8 hours) significantly deepens the flavor. The acidity in the sauce also tenderizes the chicken.
• Crispy Bacon is Key: Don’t rush cooking the bacon. Perfectly crispy bacon adds a crucial textural contrast to the tender chicken and soft mushrooms. Cook it slowly over medium heat until golden and shatteringly crisp.
• Utilize Bacon Drippings: Those flavorful drippings are liquid gold! Using them to sauté the mushrooms and sear the chicken infuses every component of the dish with a wonderful smoky, savory base.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can quickly dry out. Sear them just enough to get a nice crust, then finish in the oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here.
• Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. Shredding your own Colby Jack cheese will ensure a creamier, more luxurious melt over your chicken.

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

Alice Springs Chicken is hearty and flavorful, pairing wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a satisfying meal. My personal favorite way to enjoy it is alongside a perfectly baked potato and tender roasted broccoli, replicating that classic steakhouse experience. This combination offers a delightful balance of textures and nutrients.

• Potatoes: Beyond a classic baked potato, consider creamy mashed potatoes, sweet and earthy baked sweet potatoes, or decadent twice baked potatoes. French fries or seasoned potato wedges would also be excellent choices.
• Vegetables: Besides roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans with garlic, grilled asparagus, or a simple corn on the cob would complement the chicken beautifully. A vibrant medley of steamed vegetables tossed with a knob of butter and fresh herbs is another fantastic option.
• Salads: To start the meal, a crisp simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or a robust wedge salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main course.
• Breads: Warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover honey mustard sauce.
• Beverage Pairings: A crisp Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir would complement the flavors of the chicken. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea would be refreshing.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

Enjoying Alice Springs Chicken the next day is just as delightful, provided you store and reheat it properly to maintain its succulence.

• Fridge: Store any leftover Alice Springs chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it cools completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Reheat: The best method for reheating is in the oven. Place the chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and warm at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. The foil helps trap moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave for quicker results, but do so in short bursts (30-60 seconds) until just hot to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken. Serve with any remaining chilled honey mustard sauce.

5 out of 5 stars (based on 3 ratings)

Alice Springs Chicken

Prep:
10 mins

Cook:
50 mins

Total:
1 hr

Servings:
4 people

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Alice Springs Chicken features juicy chicken breasts topped with a creamy honey mustard sauce, mushrooms, crispy bacon, and cheese. Just like you’d order at Outback Steakhouse, but possibly better!

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, (6 ounces each)
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt, (such as Lawry’s)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
• 6 slices bacon, cut in half
• 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
• 2 cups freshly shredded Colby-Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• baked potato, for serving
• roasted broccoli, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and pound them out to a 1/2-inch even thickness. Season both sides with the seasoning salt and garlic powder.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mustard, honey, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, and dried onion flakes. Transfer half of the sauce to a sealed container and refrigerate to use later.
3. Transfer the seasoned chicken breasts to a large plastic Ziploc bag with the remaining sauce and toss to coat. If time permits, cover and chill in the fridge for 1 to 8 hours for best flavor.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
5. Place bacon slices in a large ovenproof deep skillet and cook over medium-high heat until crisp, turning occasionally, 4-6 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain. Pour drippings into a small bowl and wipe out the skillet.
6. Add 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings back to the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Transfer to a bowl.
7. Add another tablespoon of the bacon drippings to the skillet. Add the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, flip and cook another 5 minutes, searing both sides until golden.
8. Spoon 1/4 of the reserved chilled honey-mustard sauce evenly over the chicken, then top with the sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and shredded Colby Jack cheese. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74°C).
9. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, serve immediately with the remaining reserved chilled sauce and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 775kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 52g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 1805mg | Potassium: 842mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 904IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 493mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and any changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are very important to you, I would recommend calculating them yourself.

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More Delicious Copycat Recipes To Try

If you loved recreating Alice Springs Chicken at home, you’ll surely enjoy trying your hand at these other popular restaurant favorites:

• Asian Chicken Salad (Applebee’s Copycat)
• Crumbl Chocolate Cupcake Cookies
• KFC Coleslaw
• Starbucks Pink Drink
• Wendy’s Frosty
• Chick-fil-A Frosted Lemonade
• Orange Julius