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How to Make Perfect Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat Recipe)
Do you love dining at Outback Steakhouse but wish you could recreate their iconic Alice Springs Chicken at home? Here’s your chance! This savory dish is a fan favorite, known for its perfect combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and a rich honey mustard sauce.
Our step-by-step guide breaks down everything you need to know to recreate this restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting friends, treating yourself, or simply trying something new, this recipe will wow both your taste buds and your dining companions.
Read on to learn about the history of Alice Springs Chicken, what makes it so special, and how you can prepare it with ease. Plus, we’ve included tips, serving suggestions, and dietary adaptations to make this dish fit any occasion or preference.
What Is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is one of Outback Steakhouse’s most celebrated menu items. This hearty dish, named after the picturesque town of Alice Springs, Australia, combines ingredients that are deeply satisfying and loaded with flavor.
At its core, this dish features:
- Juicy chicken breasts as a base,
- Sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce with rich, infused flavors.
- Crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and
- A generous layer of melted cheese.
The distinctive feature of Alice Springs Chicken is its harmonious blend of bold flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food, blending saltiness, creaminess, and a hit of sweetness all in one bite.
This recipe is a copycat version of the original, allowing you to capture that Outback magic in your own kitchen. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and delivers the same delicious results.
Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken
Gather these simple ingredients to recreate the magic of Alice Springs Chicken at home.
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 4 slices crispy cooked bacon
- 1 cup honey mustard sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar works best)
Optional Add-ons:
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Paprika for added flavor
- Sugar-free honey mustard (for low-carb diets)
These ingredients are pantry staples for most home cooks, yet they come together to create a gourmet-level dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Alice Springs Chicken
Follow these simple steps to master Alice Springs Chicken in your kitchen:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. For maximum flavor, give them a quick pat dry with a paper towel before seasoning.
- Pro Tip: Tenderize your chicken breasts to achieve even cooking by lightly pounding them with a mallet.
For an extra flavor boost, marinate the chicken in honey mustard sauce for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This will infuse the meat with a sweet, tangy layer of flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Warm olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden brown color.
- Take the seared chicken out of the pan and set it aside.
Alternative Methods:
- Grilling: Adds a smoky flavor.
- Baking: Great for a hands-off, healthier option.
3. Prepare the Toppings
- Crispy Bacon: Cook bacon slices in a skillet or oven until crispy. Afterward, place it on a paper towel to soak up any excess grease.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Use the same pan as the bacon to sauté sliced mushrooms in leftover oil for about 5 minutes or until tender.
4. Layer and Bake
- Put your seared chicken breasts into a baking dish.
- Generously brush or spoon honey mustard sauce over each piece of chicken.
- Layer crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and shredded cheese on top of the chicken breasts.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and everything is fully warmed.
- Optionally, broil the dish for 2 minutes to achieve a caramelized finish.
5. Final Touches
- Top with freshly chopped parsley or an additional drizzle of honey mustard sauce.
- Serve right away while the cheese is still melted and gooey.
Pro Tip: Timing is everything. Serve this dish right out of the oven for maximum texture and flavor.
Tips to Enhance the Recipe
Getting the restaurant-quality flavor at home comes down to the details:
- Marinade Magic: Marinate your chicken overnight to lock in extra flavor.
- Fresh Cheese Matters: Shredding your cheese directly from the block ensures a smoother melt compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Use a Broiler: A quick broil at the end adds that golden, bubbly finish to your cheese layer.
Want to elevate the presentation? Serve your Alice Springs Chicken in cast-iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-like feel.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings
Alice Springs Chicken goes wonderfully with hearty sides and fresh vegetables. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and indulgent, these complement the richness of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of carrots, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts adds freshness.
- Buttered Corn on the Cob: Sweet and buttery, this side is a crowd-pleaser.
- Garden Salad: Drizzle ranch or honey mustard dressing for a tangy balance.
These sides make any meal feel complete while letting the chicken remain the star of the show.
Recipe Adaptations for Dietary Preferences
This recipe is adaptable to suit a variety of dietary needs:
- Low-Carb: Substitute the honey mustard sauce with a sugar-free alternative and pair with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower mash.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken breasts with Portobello mushroom caps or baked cauliflower steaks.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese and olive oil-based honey mustard sauce.
Additionally, if you don’t have an oven, this recipe can be completed on the stovetop by covering the pan with a lid to melt the cheese.
Recreate Outback Magic in Your Kitchen
Homemade Alice Springs Chicken is a rewarding way to enjoy an Outback Steakhouse classic—without leaving your home. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and a few expert tips, you can bring restaurant-quality cooking right to your table.
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Storing and Reheating Alice Springs Chicken
Leftovers of Alice Springs Chicken can be just as delicious as the original dish, provided they are stored and reheated properly. Here’s how to ensure your meal remains as flavourful as the day it was made:
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Place leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for a maximum of 2 months.
- Pro Tip: Freeze individual portions for easy reheating and serving.
Reheating Techniques:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: For quicker reheating, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Use a covered skillet on low heat to gently warm the chicken, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
Pro Tip: Reheat leftovers with fresh cheese and an extra drizzle of honey mustard sauce for a flavour boost that feels freshly made.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of Alice Springs Chicken any time—even as a quick lunch or an easy weeknight dinner.