Alice Springs Chicken Recipe – Easy Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you might recognize Alice Springs Chicken recipe as one of their most iconic dishes. This savory, indulgent recipe combines juicy marinated chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a sweet-yet-tangy honey mustard sauce. The result? A dish that’s satisfying, flavorful, and bound to be a hit at any dinner table.

Bringing this restaurant-quality dish to your own kitchen is easier than you think!! Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking to impress, this recipe provides step-by-step instructions to guide you. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, making it perfect for family meals, gatherings, or even meal prep.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the perfect cooking techniques. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started with what you’ll need.

Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

To make Alice Springs Chicken recipe, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the signature flavors of this dish:

• Chicken Breasts (4 medium-sized): Boneless and skinless, ideally pounded to an even thickness.
• Honey Mustard Sauce:
  • ½ cup Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Bacon (8 slices): Cooked until crispy.
• Cheese (1 cup shredded): A combination of Monterey Jack and Cheddar works best.
• Mushrooms (optional, 1 cup sliced): Adds an earthy flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken.
• Cooking Oil or Butter: To sear the chicken.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard can be used, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
• Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can be substituted for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.
• For cheese, feel free to experiment with your favorites, like Gouda or Mozzarella.
• To make the dish gluten-free, ensure all packaged ingredients (like mustard and cheese) are certified gluten-free.

Preparing the Chicken

The foundation of any great Alice Springs Chicken is perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken breasts. The preparation process includes marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor and then cooking it using your preferred method. Let’s break it down step by step.

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating is essential to achieve the signature juicy and flavorful chicken. Here’s how you can prepare the marinade:

Ingredients for the Marinade:

• ½ cup prepared honey mustard sauce (from the earlier recipe)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine ½ cup honey mustard sauce with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and parsley. Mix until well-blended.
2. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them gently with a mallet until they are of even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking.
3. Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated.
4. Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, marinate overnight.

Tip: If you’re short on time, a 30-minute marinade will still add some flavor, but longer marination is recommended.

Cooking Methods

After marinating, it’s time to cook the chicken. Here are three methods you can choose from, depending on your preference:

1. Grilling (Recommended for Smoky Flavor)

• Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly grease the grates.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and discard the remaining marinade.
• Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. Pan-Searing (Quick and Easy)

• Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring a golden-brown crust forms.
• Reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet for an additional 3-4 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks through.

3. Baking (Convenient and Hands-Free)

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the marinated chicken breasts into a baking dish for an easy oven-baked alternative.
• Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Note: For baking, reserve some of the honey mustard sauce to baste the chicken halfway through cooking for added moisture and flavor.

Making the Honey Mustard Sauce

The honey mustard sauce is the heart of Alice Springs Chicken, offering the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. This sauce is easy to make and can also double as a dip for other dishes like fries or veggies.

Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Steps:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Ensure the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors to your liking. For more tanginess, add a bit more Dijon mustard; for extra sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey.
3. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Pro Tip: You can prepare the honey mustard sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Variations of the Sauce

1. Spicy Honey Mustard Sauce

• For a spicy twist, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.

2. Herbed Honey Mustard Sauce

• Mix in ½ teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary for an earthy twist that pairs beautifully with the chicken.

3. Vegan Version

• Substitute regular mayonnaise with vegan mayo and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.

Using the Sauce with Alice Springs Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, you’ll use this honey mustard sauce to layer flavors:

1. Spread a generous amount of the sauce over each cooked chicken breast.
2. Save some extra sauce for serving on the side.

Assembling the Alice Springs Chicken

The magic of Alice Springs Chicken lies in its assembly. The layers of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and the rich honey mustard sauce transform the simple chicken breast into a flavorful masterpiece. Let’s walk through the steps to assemble and finish this iconic dish.

Adding Bacon

Bacon adds a salty, crispy contrast to the tender chicken and creamy sauce. Here’s how to prepare and layer it:

Steps to Prepare Bacon:

1. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a skillet, cook bacon slices over medium heat until they are crispy.
   • Alternatively, bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet for even cooking and less mess.
2. Drain Excess Fat: Place the cooked bacon on paper towels to absorb any grease.
3. Cut if Needed: Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, you may need to cut the bacon into halves or thirds to fit perfectly.

Layering the Bacon:

• After spreading the honey mustard sauce over the cooked chicken, place 2 slices of bacon on top of each chicken breast. Ensure they are evenly distributed to cover most of the chicken.

Using Cheese

The cheesy layer is what makes this dish indulgent and comforting. The combination of Monterey Jack and Cheddar is classic, but feel free to customize it.

Preparing the Cheese:

1. Shred Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese due to its lack of anti-caking agents.
2. Combine Monterey Jack and Cheddar: Use equal parts of both cheeses for the best flavor blend.

Adding Cheese:

• Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over the bacon-covered chicken breasts. Each piece should be fully topped for a gooey, melted finish.

Melting the Cheese:

• Oven Method: Place the assembled chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
• Skillet Method: If you’re using a skillet, cover it with a lid for 2-3 minutes over low heat until the cheese melts.

Optional: Adding Mushrooms

For those who enjoy an earthy touch, sautéed mushrooms make a great addition to this dish:

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat for an extra layer of richness.
2. Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
3. Layer the mushrooms on top of the bacon before adding the cheese.

Tips for Perfect Alice Springs Chicken

Creating the perfect Alice Springs Chicken recipe at home requires a few expert tips and tricks to ensure each element of the dish shines. Follow these guidelines to achieve restaurant-quality results every time.

General Tips

1. Pound the Chicken Evenly

• Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly, preventing dry or undercooked spots. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin for this step.

2. Don’t Skip the Marinade

• Marinating is the key to locking in flavor and ensuring juicy, tender chicken. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

3. Use a Meat Thermometer

• Chicken is cooked perfectly when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer ensures you avoid overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.

Tips for Honey Mustard Sauce

1. Make It Ahead of Time

• Preparing the sauce in advance allows the flavors to meld, enhancing its taste. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Save Some for Dipping

• Reserve a portion of the sauce to serve on the side. Guests will love having extra for dipping each bite of chicken or sides like fries or bread.

Cooking and Assembling Tips

1. Crisp the Bacon Well

• Cook the bacon until it’s fully crispy. This adds a crunchy texture to the dish and prevents sogginess when layered on the chicken.

2. Shred Fresh Cheese

• Freshly shredded cheese melts more evenly and tastes better than pre-packaged options. A blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar works best.

3. Broil for a Golden Finish

• After assembling the chicken with sauce, bacon, and cheese, broil it for a few minutes. This gives the cheese a golden, bubbly finish.

Serving Tips

1. Serve Immediately

• Alice Springs Chicken is best served hot, straight from the oven or skillet. The cheese will be gooey, and the sauce will be at its most flavorful.

2. Pair with Complementary Sides

• Balance the dish with light vegetable sides or fresh salads to create a complete meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

1. How to Store

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Reheating Tips

• To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery.

Related Articles for Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

When preparing your Alice Springs Chicken recipe, why not explore complementary techniques to enhance your dinner repertoire? For a flavorful marinade, consider trying the techniques shared in the Easy Fajita Marinade Recipes, which can be adapted for poultry. If you’re interested in learning how to incorporate rich, smoky flavors, the guide on How Long to Smoke a Chuck Roast at 225 provides excellent tips that can inspire your grilling method. Additionally, elevate your side dishes with ideas from the Ultimate Guide to Dutch Oven Recipes, ensuring a wholesome, satisfying meal. These insights will transform your dining experience into a true culinary delight.

Conclusion

Alice Springs Chicken is a flavorful dish that combines the best of savory, sweet, and cheesy elements into a single, satisfying meal. By following this guide, you can recreate the beloved Outback Steakhouse favorite right in your own kitchen. From marinating the chicken to layering it with crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a rich honey mustard sauce, each step ensures an unforgettable dining experience.

Whether you’re preparing this dish for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just to treat yourself, Alice Springs Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and is sure to become a regular on your recipe rotation. Don’t forget to experiment with the sauce, toppings, and side dishes to make it your own!

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove or oven, and give this delicious recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you, and your guests will be coming back for more!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Alice Springs Chicken

Here are some common questions and answers to help you perfect your Alice Springs Chicken and address any doubts.

What is the Alice Springs Chicken at Outback?

Alice Springs Chicken is a signature dish from Outback Steakhouse, featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and sautéed mushrooms. It’s a hearty, flavorful entree often served with sides like fries or vegetables, making it a popular choice for those craving comfort food with a savory twist.

Why is it Called Alice Springs Chicken?

The dish is named after Alice Springs, a town in the Northern Territory of Australia. Outback Steakhouse uses Australian-themed names for its dishes, and this one reflects the heart of the Australian Outback while highlighting its rustic and indulgent ingredients.

Is Alice Springs Chicken Healthy?

While Alice Springs Chicken is delicious, it’s not the lightest option due to the bacon, cheese, and honey mustard sauce. However, it can be made healthier by using turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, and a lighter version of the sauce. Pairing it with steamed vegetables or a salad instead of fries also improves its nutritional profile.

What is Chicken Mary?

Chicken Mary refers to a classic preparation of chicken where it is roasted or fried and served with a tomato-based sauce. It’s often associated with Australian or British cuisine and is a simple, flavorful dish that contrasts with the layered richness of Alice Springs Chicken.