Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner option or a hearty lunch, this Alice Springs Chicken recipe will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection. We’ve taken all the best elements from the Outback Steakhouse version and brought them to your home. Let’s dive into the process and show you how to perfect this dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we jump into the steps, here’s a detailed list of ingredients for preparing Alice Springs Chicken:
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup Dijon mustard – This brings a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- ½ cup honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the mustard.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise – Gives the marinade a creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds) – Ensure they’re fresh and trimmed for even cooking.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced – Adds an earthy, savory element to the dish.
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped into 2-inch pieces – Crisp, smoky bacon elevates the flavor profile.
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded – Creamy, melted cheese ties everything together.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Essential for sautéing the mushrooms.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps to sear the chicken for a golden, crispy crust.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Alice Springs Chicken
1. Prepare the Marinade
The secret to tender and flavorful Alice Springs Chicken lies in its marinade. To start:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce and set aside for serving later.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken and coat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or, for the best results, let it marinate overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken, making it extra juicy.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms
While your chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the mushrooms. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve released their liquid and are golden brown. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discarding any excess marinade) and place it in the skillet.
- Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on each side, allowing a nice golden crust to form. This step is crucial for locking in the juices and giving the chicken a beautiful color.
- Once both sides are browned, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Assemble the Chicken
Now that your chicken is seared to perfection, it’s time to add the toppings that make Alice Springs Chicken so special:
- Divide the sautéed mushrooms evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the bacon pieces over the mushrooms.
- Finally, top each chicken breast with a generous layer of shredded Colby Jack cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest part. This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked while staying juicy and tender.
6. Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce for dipping. The combination of crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tender chicken is absolutely irresistible.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken cutlets for a quicker cook time, or even use juicy chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Mushroom Alternatives: Not a fan of mushrooms? No problem! Simply leave them out, and the dish will still be full of flavor.
- Bacon Options: For a healthier twist, you can opt for turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon. You’ll still get that smoky flavor with fewer calories.
- Cheese Variety: While Colby Jack cheese is the recommended choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of your favorites.
What to Serve with Alice Springs Chicken
The richness of Alice Springs Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent side for soaking up the extra sauce and melted cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a lighter side.
- Rice Pilaf: A flavorful lemon rice pilaf offers a tangy contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Salad: A fresh Caesar salad or wedge salad with blue cheese dressing adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 1 day in advance, saving time when you’re ready to cook.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the fully cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 766 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 46g
- Fat: 48g
- Sodium: 1165mg
- Sugar: 37g
This recipe is indulgent and filling, perfect for satisfying your cravings while still delivering a wholesome meal.
Final Thoughts
This Alice Springs Chicken recipe brings the flavors of Outback Steakhouse to your dinner table. The combination of marinated chicken, savory mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates a dish that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to wow everyone at the table.
