When it comes to replicating restaurant-quality dishes at home, few meals offer as much savory satisfaction as the Alice Springs Chicken. This beloved recipe from Outback Steakhouse combines juicy grilled chicken breasts, crispy bacon, fresh mushrooms, and a decadent blend of Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, all topped off with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. It’s a meal that will leave your family asking for more, and the best part? You can make it at home, baked instead of grilled, for ultimate convenience.
Ingredients for the Perfect Alice Springs Chicken
To achieve this restaurant-style dish at home, you’ll need to gather the following key ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (about ½ pound each)
- Seasoning Salt to taste
- 6 Slices of Bacon, cut in half
- 1 cup of Sliced Mushrooms
- 1 cup Colby-Monterey Jack Shredded Cheese
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup yellow mustard
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons onion flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
These ingredients will create the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and richness that make Alice Springs Chicken such a fan favorite.
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken: Step-by-Step
Let’s break down how to prepare this copycat Alice Springs Chicken in your own kitchen, creating a dish that is every bit as satisfying as the original.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rubbing seasoning salt on each chicken breast. Make sure to cover them fully to enhance the flavor during cooking. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step helps the seasoning penetrate the meat for a more flavorful bite.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the chicken is resting, slice the bacon in half and cook it until it reaches a crispy texture. You can do this by pan-frying, baking, or air-frying the bacon—whatever method you prefer. Once cooked, set the bacon aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey mustard sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, yellow mustard, corn syrup, honey, and onion flakes (if using). The sauce should be smooth and creamy, with a balanced sweet and tangy flavor. You can double or triple the recipe if you want extra sauce for dipping or other uses.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Preheat a skillet over medium heat and lightly oil the pan. Sear the chicken breasts for about 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This quick sear helps lock in the moisture and gives the chicken a richer flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and pour a thin layer of honey mustard sauce on the bottom. Then, place the seared chicken breasts on top. Add a generous layer of crispy bacon to each chicken breast, followed by a healthy serving of sliced mushrooms and a sprinkling of Colby-Monterey Jack cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the remaining honey mustard sauce over the chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is finished cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The Alice Springs Chicken is best enjoyed with some hearty sides to balance the richness of the dish.
What to Serve with Alice Springs Chicken
Just like in the restaurant, Alice Springs Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re looking for a light vegetable or a more indulgent starch, here are some of our favorite side dishes to complement this flavorful dish:
- Baked Broccoli: Roasted to perfection, with a touch of olive oil and garlic.
- Hasselback Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
- Parmesan Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with Parmesan cheese.
- Creamy Parmesan Risotto: A rich, comforting dish to add extra indulgence.
- Oven-Roasted Carrots: Sweet and caramelized, these carrots add a vibrant touch.
- Baked Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and the perfect comfort food.
- Classic Potato Salad: A cold and creamy side dish that balances the warm richness of the chicken.
Storing Leftovers
Though it’s unlikely you’ll have any leftovers with a meal this delicious, in case you do, store the Alice Springs Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, we recommend slicing the chicken into smaller pieces to avoid drying it out. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for the best results, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Leftovers also work wonderfully when added to salads or wraps.
Versatile Honey Mustard Sauce
The honey mustard sauce is a star on its own, and it doesn’t have to be limited to this recipe. We suggest making extra sauce to keep on hand for other meals. It’s fantastic as a dip for chicken nuggets, a dressing for chicken salads, or even as a spread for wraps and sandwiches. The kids will love it, and it adds a flavorful punch to otherwise simple dishes.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition breakdown for each serving of this indulgent Alice Springs Chicken:
- Calories: 753 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 58g
- Fat: 37g
- Cholesterol: 188mg
- Sodium: 4404mg
- Sugar: 47g
This dish is rich in protein and satisfying flavors, making it a fantastic option for a weekend dinner with the family.
