If you’re looking to recreate a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen, the Alice Springs Chicken Recipe is your perfect choice. This Outback Steakhouse classic features juicy, seasoned chicken breasts, smothered in a creamy honey mustard sauce, topped with crispy bacon, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and optional sautéed mushrooms. The combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness makes this dish a crowd-pleaser.
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a savory honey-mustard smothered chicken dish made famous by Outback Steakhouse, an American chain inspired by Australian cuisine. Despite its name, the recipe isn’t from Australia but pays homage to Alice Springs, a town in the heart of Australia. The dish is beloved for its juicy chicken topped with bacon, cheese, and mushrooms, creating a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
For more details on the origins of this dish, check out What is Alice Springs Chicken at Outback Steakhouse? to learn about its restaurant roots.
Why is it Called Alice Springs Chicken?
You might be wondering, why is it called Alice Springs Chicken if it’s not Australian? The name comes from Alice Springs, a remote town in the Northern Territory of Australia, aligning with Outback Steakhouse’s Australian-themed branding. However, the dish itself is a purely American creation designed to evoke the spirit of the Outback.
Curious about the naming of the dish? Visit Why is it called Alice Springs Chicken Outback? for more insight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating Alice Springs Chicken at home is easier than you think! Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful dish:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts (horizontally sliced in half)
- 6 slices of cooked bacon
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese (sliced or shredded)
- 1 cup mushrooms (optional, sautéed or canned)
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons stone-ground mustard
Tip: Using high-quality honey enhances the flavor of your sauce. For more reasons to include honey in your recipes, explore the health benefits of cooking with honey.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a non-stick frying pan, heat a few tablespoons of oil and brown the chicken on both sides until golden.
2. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, honey, and mustard until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the ingredients to your preference for sweetness or tanginess.
3. Assemble the Dish
- Place the browned chicken breasts in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread the honey mustard sauce generously over each piece of chicken.
- Top with sliced or shredded Monterey Jack cheese and crispy bacon.
- Add sautéed mushrooms if desired for extra flavor.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the assembled chicken for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
For another version of this delicious dish, check out the Alice Springs Chicken Recipe: A Copycat Delight.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Keep the Chicken Juicy: Use a quick marinade with baking soda, vinegar, and salt to tenderize the chicken before cooking.
- Cheese Choices: While Monterey Jack is traditional, you can experiment with cheddar or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- Crispy Bacon: Pre-bake your bacon in the oven for a crispier texture that holds up well under the cheese.
Want to explore another savory chicken dish from Outback? Learn more about Outback Chicken on the Barbie and its unique flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Alice Springs Chicken is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some of the best options:
- Baked Potatoes: Classic and simple, baked potatoes complement the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a healthy touch to balance the meal.
- Rice or Quinoa: These grains absorb the honey mustard sauce perfectly, adding a satisfying texture.
Recipe Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Grilled Alice Springs Chicken: Instead of baking, try grilling the chicken for a smoky flavor.
- Low-Carb/Keto Version: Swap the honey for a low-carb sweetener and use turkey bacon.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based chicken substitutes and vegetarian bacon for a meat-free option.
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard for a fiery kick.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 44g
- Fat: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
Tip: To reduce calories, opt for low-fat cheese and turkey bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a honey mustard-smothered chicken breast topped with bacon, cheese, and mushrooms, originally from Outback Steakhouse.
2. Why is it called Alice Springs Chicken?
Though it’s an American dish, it’s named after Alice Springs, a town in Australia, to align with Outback Steakhouse’s Australian-themed menu.
3. How does Outback Steakhouse marinate their chicken?
While the exact marinade is a secret, recreating a honey mustard base with spices like paprika and garlic powder gets you close.
4. Can I make honey mustard sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! Just combine mayonnaise, honey, and mustard to create a fresh, tangy sauce.
5. What kind of mustard should I use?
Stone-ground mustard is recommended for its texture and rich flavor, but Dijon mustard works as a great alternative.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.
For more comforting chicken recipes, check out this Mississippi Chicken Recipe: A Comfort Food Classic.
With its irresistible blend of flavors and easy preparation, Alice Springs Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Enjoy! 🍽️
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