Our rendition of Outback Steakhouse's Alice Springs Chicken recipe transforms your kitchen into the restaurant itself. Featuring boneless chicken breasts marinated in a rich honey mustard sauce, crisped with bacon, and smothered in melted cheese, this dish encapsulates the quintessential flavors of the beloved steakhouse. It's an ideal choice for any mealtime celebration.
Prepare to delight in every bite as you replicate this culinary masterpiece. Whether it's a special occasion or a quest for a flavorful dinner, our copycat recipe promises a taste that's reminiscent of Outback's signature dish. Marinate the chicken overnight, grill it to perfection, and savor the burst of flavors.
Elevate your cooking game with this guide, designed to bring an Outback Steakhouse staple into your home. From birthdays to casual weekend feasts, this Alice Springs Chicken pays homage to the restaurant's classic, ensuring your dining experience is both memorable and scrumptious. Join us on this flavor-filled journey, where every step is as rewarding as the last.
Equipment/ Utensils
- Cast iron skillet or grill pan
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Prep Time
Preparation for this delectable dish is straightforward. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Actual hands-on prep time is approximately 15 minutes, with an additional 7-10 minutes to cook the bacon and 20 minutes to grill the chicken and finish in the oven.
Recipe Requirement
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup honey mustard marinade
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice in a small bowl
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 slices bacon cooked
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Proceed
- Marinate the chicken by combining honey mustard marinade with lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken breasts and ensure they're well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and reserve ¼ cup of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any remaining marinade, and season the chicken with salt.
- Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Top the chicken with slices of cooked bacon and shredded cheese. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Additional Choices
- Substitute honey mustard marinade with a homemade version using honey, Dijon mustard, and spices.
- For a healthier option, use turkey bacon and low-fat cheese.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or onions on top of the chicken before adding cheese for extra flavor.
Nutritional information
- Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
- Total Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
- Sodium: 990mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 18g (mostly from honey mustard)
- Protein: 63g
Pro Tips to Follow
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees for safe consumption.
- For a golden brown finish on the cheese, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms in the skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon fat for extra umami flavor.
- When searing the chicken, do not overcrowd the skillet. Cook in a single layer and avoid moving the chicken to achieve a good sear.
- Before adding the marinated chicken to the skillet, pat it dry with paper towels for a better sear.
- If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400 degrees and cook the chicken for about 10 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees, adding bacon and cheese during the last few minutes.
Preparing the Perfect Dish
Serve this delicious Alice Springs Chicken with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a complete Outback Steakhouse experience. A crisp Caesar salad also makes an excellent starter. Pair this hearty meal with a glass of chilled Chardonnay or a refreshing Australian lager to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
For a full-on Aussie feast, consider adding a loaf of warm, buttery bread or a side of seasoned rice. These sides not only round out the meal but also help to soak up the delicious honey mustard sauce that makes this chicken so irresistible.
Recipe Note
Personalize this Alice Springs Chicken recipe to your taste with various customizations. Swap out the Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend for other cheese varieties like mozzarella or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
For a lighter version, use a low-fat honey mustard dressing and opt for skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. Additionally, Portobello or Bella mushrooms can be used in place of traditional mushrooms for a more robust taste.
Dietary adjustments are simple with this versatile dish. For a gluten-free option, ensure that your honey mustard marinade is gluten-free. If you're looking to cut down on carbs, skip the honey mustard and season the chicken with a blend of mustard powder, sweetener, and spices to taste.
A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add a nice kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
How To Store
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to maintain the texture of the chicken and crispiness of the bacon. Avoid the microwave as it can make the chicken rubbery and the bacon soggy.
This Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken copycat recipe brings the taste of the Australian outback right into your home. Remember to gather all your recipe ingredients and follow the step-by-step instructions for the best results. Whether it's for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.
How do you keep chicken breasts from drying out?
The key is to prevent moisture loss during cooking to keep chicken breasts from drying out. Start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Brining the chicken in a saltwater solution for 30 to 60 minutes before cooking can also help retain moisture.
When cooking, use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F but doesn't go much higher, as overcooking can lead to dryness. Letting the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking before cutting into it will help retain the juices.
How do you make a honey mustard sauce like Outback?
To make Honey Mustard Sauce like Outback, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and a dash of lemon juice in a bowl. This combination creates a balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors reminiscent of the sauce served on the side for dipping at Outback Steakhouse.
Adjust the proportions to taste, and for an authentic Outback copycat experience, serve the sauce with grilled chicken breast or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a popular menu item at Outback Steakhouse, known for its rich combination of flavors. It features grilled chicken breast topped with sautéed mushrooms, crisp strips of bacon, and a generous amount of melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese.
The dish is typically served with honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping, embodying a perfect blend of textures and tastes that make it a favorite recipe among Outback Steakhouse's offerings.
Why is it called Alice Springs Chicken?
The name "Alice Springs Chicken" is inspired by Alice Springs, a town in the Northern Territory of Australia. With its Australian theme, Outback Steakhouse names many of its dishes after Australian locales, and this smothered chicken recipe is no exception.
The dish's name evokes the adventurous spirit and unique flavors of the Australian outback, contributing to its exotic appeal and popularity as one of the latest in themed dinner recipes.
Copycat Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or grill pan
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup honey mustard marinade
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice in a small bowl
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 slices bacon cooked
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by combining honey mustard marinade with lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Add the chicken breasts and ensure they're well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and reserve ¼ cup of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding any remaining marinade, and season the chicken with salt.
- Sear the chicken in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Top the chicken with slices of cooked bacon and shredded cheese. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Personalize this Alice Springs Chicken recipe to your taste with various customizations. Swap out the Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend for other cheese varieties like mozzarella or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, use a low-fat honey mustard dressing and opt for skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. Additionally, Portobello or Bella mushrooms can be used in place of traditional mushrooms for a more robust taste.
- Dietary adjustments are simple with this versatile dish. For a gluten-free option, ensure that your honey mustard marinade is gluten-free. If you're looking to cut down on carbs, skip the honey mustard and season the chicken with a blend of mustard powder, sweetener, and spices to taste.
- A sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can add a nice kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
More Outback Steakhouse Copycat Recipes
Outback Steakhouse Mac and Cheese Recipe
Outback Steakhouse Steak Seasoning Recipe
Outback Steakhouse Baked Potato Soup Recipe
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