Alice Springs Chicken Recipe with cheese, bacon, and honey mustard sauce

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Recreate This Classic at Home

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Learn how to make the mouthwatering Alice Springs Chicken recipe at home. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to recreate this famous dish from Outback Steakhouse.

Alt Text: Alice Springs Chicken topped with bacon, mushrooms, melted cheese, and drizzled with honey mustard sauce.

Caption: The delicious Alice Springs Chicken ready to be enjoyed.

Table of Contents

What Is Alice Springs Chicken?

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a culinary tribute to Australia, named after a remote town in the Outback. It’s a combination of grilled chicken breast smothered in crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and topped with Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses. The final touch is a drizzling of honey mustard sauce, which gives it that perfect blend of sweet and savory.

It’s easy to see why people adore the Alice Springs Chicken recipe—it’s the ultimate comfort food that satisfies a wide range of palates. Whether you want to surprise your family with a hearty meal or replicate a popular restaurant dish, this recipe is for you.

Learn more about Alice Springs and its history to understand why this dish represents the rustic spirit of Australia.

For other Australian-inspired recipes, check out our Outback Favorites Collection.

Ingredients You Will Need

Here’s a detailed list of everything you need to create the perfect Alice Springs Chicken recipe:

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Make sure they are fresh and of high quality.
  • 8 slices of bacon: Thick-cut works best for a satisfying crunch.
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms: You can use white button or cremini mushrooms.
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Honey Mustard Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup honey: For authentic sweetness, opt for organic honey.
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps balance the mustard’s sharpness.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: A dash for added acidity.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to move on to the actual cooking process. Follow these steps to make the best Alice Springs Chicken recipe ever!

1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce

The sauce is a key component that brings all the flavors together.

  • Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
  • Chill the Sauce: Place the sauce in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend well.

2. Cook the Bacon

  • Preheat a Skillet: Set a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  • Cook the Bacon: Add bacon strips and cook until they are crisp. Remove and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

Alt Text: Bacon strips sizzling in a skillet.

Caption: Cooking bacon until crispy adds a satisfying crunch to the dish.

3. Sauté the Mushrooms

  • Use the Bacon Grease: Keep a small amount of bacon grease in the skillet.
  • Add Mushrooms: Toss the mushrooms in and sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften.

4. Grill the Chicken

  • Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
  • Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Grill Each Side: Place the chicken on the grill, cooking each side for 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Alt Text: Chicken breasts being grilled on a barbecue grill.

Caption: Grilling the seasoned chicken breasts to perfection.

5. Assemble and Bake

  • Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Layer the Ingredients: Place the grilled chicken in a baking dish. Top each chicken breast with two slices of crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and equal amounts of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese.
  • Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve with Honey Mustard Sauce

  • Drizzle the prepared honey mustard sauce generously over each piece of chicken before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Alice Springs Chicken

  • Marinate for Extra Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken breasts in a bit of honey mustard sauce for at least 2 hours to deepen the flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the chicken while grilling. Overcooking can result in a dry texture, which will detract from the overall enjoyment of the dish.
  • Cheese Options: If you prefer, you can switch up the cheese with other types like Colby Jack or even Gouda for a twist.
  • Bacon Crumbling Option: Crumble the cooked bacon over the chicken before baking for an even distribution in every bite.

For more cooking tips, visit our Ultimate Chicken Cooking Guide.

What to Serve with Alice Springs Chicken?

Alice Springs Chicken is delicious on its own, but pairing it with some classic sides can elevate your meal to the next level.

Suggested Side Dishes

  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the savory and cheesy notes of the chicken perfectly.
  • Steamed Broccoli: A light vegetable side helps balance out the richness.
  • Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is ideal for soaking up the extra honey mustard sauce.

For more serving ideas, you can visit our Best Side Dishes for Chicken guide to find the perfect accompaniment.

Health Benefits of Alice Springs Chicken

While this dish is undoubtedly indulgent, it does come with some benefits when prepared thoughtfully.

  • High Protein: Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, which helps support muscle growth and overall health (Healthline).
  • Good Fats: The dish contains healthy fats from cheese and bacon, which, when enjoyed in moderation, contribute to satiety.

If you’re concerned about calorie intake, consider using turkey bacon and reducing the cheese quantity slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Store Leftover Alice Springs Chicken?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through.

Can I Make Alice Springs Chicken in Advance?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and sauce ahead of time. Assemble the dish when you’re ready, and bake it before serving.

What Is a Good Substitute for Honey Mustard Sauce?

If you’re not a fan of honey mustard, you can try barbecue sauce for a smokier flavor profile.

Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?

Definitely. Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Swiss, or even blue cheese for different flavor combinations.

Cooking Variations and Adaptations

  • Air Fryer Version: For a healthier alternative, use an air fryer to cook the chicken breasts and crisp the bacon. This helps reduce the fat content while still giving you that desirable crispy texture.
  • Low-Carb Option: To make a low-carb version, simply omit the honey mustard sauce or replace the honey with a sugar-free alternative. You can also substitute regular cheese with a lower-fat version.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: If you’re cooking for vegetarians, substitute the chicken with thick slices of marinated tofu and skip the bacon. The honey mustard and cheese combination works just as well with tofu.

Explore more adaptations in our Healthy Recipe Alternatives.

Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

Calories and Macronutrients per Serving

  • Calories: Approximately 780 kcal
  • Protein: 60 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 18 grams
  • Fat: 48 grams
    • Saturated Fat: 18 grams
    • Monounsaturated Fat: 15 grams
    • Polyunsaturated Fat: 6 grams

Micronutrients and Vitamins

  • Vitamin B6: Chicken breasts are an excellent source, supporting brain health and mood regulation.
  • Vitamin C: From lemon juice, enhances iron absorption and immune support.
  • Calcium: Cheese provides calcium for bone health.
  • Zinc: Bacon contains zinc, important for immune function and healing processes.

The History of Alice Springs Chicken

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe has a history rooted in Australian-American fusion cuisine. Outback Steakhouse introduced this dish as a homage to the rugged yet welcoming nature of Australian cooking, making it one of their most beloved menu items. Alice Springs, located in the heart of the Australian outback, symbolizes simplicity, comfort, and a connection with nature. The recipe, with its savory ingredients and flavorful toppings, captures the essence of these values.

Read more about the history of Alice Springs Chicken.

Cooking Tips and Advanced Techniques

Perfecting the Chicken Breast

  • Pounding for Even Cooking: Before grilling, use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and prevents dryness.
  • Pre-Grill Marination: Marinating the chicken in a small portion of the honey mustard sauce for at least 1 hour enhances its tenderness and infuses more flavor.

Cheese Melting Techniques

  • Layering for Perfect Melt: Layer Monterey Jack first and then Cheddar on top to ensure a perfect melted crust.
  • Broil for Extra Bubbling: After baking, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese crust.

Serving Suggestions for Special Occasions

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe with cheese, bacon, and honey mustard sauce

A delicious serving of Alice Springs Chicken with melted cheese and crispy bacon.

Plated Dinner Party

  • Presentation: Serve with a sprig of fresh parsley on top and a lemon wedge on the side for a pop of color.
  • Side Pairing: Pair with roasted asparagus and creamy garlic mashed potatoes.

Family-Style Gathering

  • Serving Dish: Place Alice Springs Chicken on a large platter, with the honey mustard sauce in a small bowl for guests to drizzle as desired.
  • Accompaniments: Offer sides like buttered green beans, a garden salad, and cheesy garlic bread.

Wine Pairing Recommendations

  • Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay complements the richness of the cheese and bacon.
  • Pinot Noir: A light Pinot Noir pairs well without overpowering the chicken’s delicate flavors.

For more on wine pairings, visit Wine Enthusiast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping the Sauce Chill Time: Allowing the honey mustard sauce to chill is crucial for blending the flavors together.
  • Overcrowding the Baking Dish: Ensure that chicken breasts are evenly spaced in the baking dish for even cooking.
  • Using Too Much Bacon Grease: When sautéing mushrooms, retain just enough bacon grease to coat them lightly.

Advanced Cooking Techniques for Enthusiasts

Sous Vide Method

To ensure maximum juiciness, cook the chicken sous vide before searing it on the grill. Set the sous vide water bath to 145°F (63°C) and cook the chicken for 1.5 hours. Finish by grilling to develop a sear, then proceed with assembling the dish for baking.

Smoked Bacon Addition

For an extra layer of complexity, consider using smoked bacon or even smoking the chicken briefly before grilling. This adds depth of flavor, especially impressive during outdoor gatherings.

Reader Testimonials and Success Stories

Janet M. from Florida

“This Alice Springs Chicken recipe was an absolute hit at our family dinner last week! My husband said it tasted even better than Outback’s version. I followed the tip to marinate the chicken beforehand, and it really made a difference. Thanks for such a detailed and easy-to-follow guide!”

Michael R. from California

“As someone who’s been trying to recreate Outback Steakhouse dishes at home, I have to say, this recipe is spot on. I loved the air fryer adaptation, which made it so much healthier without losing the flavors.”

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