Alice Springs Chicken Recipe – Outback Steakhouse Copycat

What is Alice Springs Chicken?

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe is one of the most iconic dishes from Outback Steakhouse, a popular Australian-themed restaurant chain. This mouthwatering entrée features grilled chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich layer of melted cheese. But what truly sets this dish apart is the signature honey mustard sauce that infuses every bite with a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors.

Loved for its comforting flavors and easy-to-make nature, Alice Springs Chicken has become a fan-favorite for those who enjoy a balance between indulgent and wholesome meals. The name “Alice Springs” pays homage to the famous town in Australia, adding an exotic flair to a simple, hearty dish.

For anyone craving a restaurant-quality chicken dish at home, Alice Springs Chicken Recipe is a perfect choice. Its combination of flavors makes it suitable for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prepping.

History and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The inspiration behind Alice Springs Chicken comes from the rustic flavors of Australian cuisine and Outback Steakhouse’s mission to deliver bold, hearty dishes. While this dish isn’t a traditional Australian recipe, the idea of layering grilled meat with rich toppings is reminiscent of bush tucker – a term for the natural food of the Outback.

Outback Steakhouse introduced this recipe as part of its goal to bring a taste of Australia to its international audience. The honey mustard sauce, often linked to American barbecue cuisine, provides a familiar yet exciting twist. This combination of Australian-themed branding with classic grilled chicken and American flavors helped Alice Springs Chicken quickly rise in popularity.

Today, the recipe remains a menu staple at Outback Steakhouse and has inspired countless copycat recipes online. Food enthusiasts and home cooks enjoy recreating this dish due to its simple ingredient list and impressive presentation.

Why It’s a Crowd Favorite

Alice Springs Chicken has remained a crowd favorite because of its unique flavor profile. The juicy grilled chicken acts as a base for a perfect combination of salty, sweet, and savory toppings. This balance of flavors makes the dish appealing to all ages, including picky eaters who appreciate the indulgence of melted cheese and crispy bacon.

Key reasons for its popularity include:

Comfort food qualities – cheese, bacon, and chicken are universally loved.
Customizable – easy to adjust with extra spice, vegetables, or even different types of cheese.
Protein-packed – suitable for low-carb diets with the right ingredient tweaks.
Visually appealing – the golden cheese and crispy bacon add mouthwatering presentation value.

Key Ingredients Overview

To recreate the perfect Alice Springs Chicken, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless, these provide the perfect canvas for toppings.
Honey mustard – The star of the marinade and sauce, providing that sweet-tangy flavor.
Bacon – Adds a crispy, smoky texture that complements the creamy cheese.
Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms provide an earthy flavor that balances the richness.
Cheese – Colby Jack or Cheddar works best, delivering a gooey, melty finish.

These ingredients work together to create a layered flavor experience. The honey mustard not only enhances the chicken but also acts as a dipping sauce, adding versatility to the meal.

Equipment Needed

Before you start, gather a few essential tools to ensure smooth cooking:

Grill pan or skillet – Ideal for searing the chicken before baking.
Baking dish – For finishing the chicken in the oven with melted cheese.
Tongs – Helps with flipping and handling the chicken and bacon.
Mixing bowl – This is used to prepare the honey mustard marinade.
Oven – Essential for that final bubbling cheese finish.

These basic kitchen tools make preparing Alice Springs Chicken simple and fuss-free.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Recreating Alice Springs Chicken at home is easier than you might think. This step-by-step recipe will guide you through each stage, from marinating the chicken to the final golden bake. The key is to layer flavors carefully to replicate the rich, savory taste that makes this dish so popular.

Ingredients List

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make four servings of Alice Springs Chicken:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil (for grilling or pan-searing)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Honey Mustard Marinade and Sauce:

½ cup Dijon mustard
½ cup honey
1 ½ tsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ cup mayonnaise (for creaminess)

Toppings:

8 slices of bacon (cooked until crispy)
1 cup sliced mushrooms (sautéed)
1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Preparing the Marinade

The honey mustard marinade is the heart of this recipe, giving the chicken its signature flavor.

Combine the Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Add the mayonnaise to thicken the sauce slightly. This combination creates a sweet, tangy base.
Marinate the Chicken – Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken, reserving the rest for dipping and topping. Ensure each piece is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Cooking the Chicken

Once the chicken is marinated, the next step is to cook it to perfection.

Heat the Pan – Add olive oil to a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during this time.
Sear the Chicken – Remove the chicken from the marinade (shake off excess). Sear each breast for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. The goal here is to lock in the juices without fully cooking the chicken.
Transfer to Baking Dish – Once seared, place the chicken in a baking dish, ready for the next layer of toppings.

Adding Toppings

The secret to Alice Springs Chicken’s indulgence lies in the toppings.

Layer the Bacon – Place two strips of crispy bacon across each piece of chicken. The bacon adds a smoky crunch that balances the sweetness of the honey mustard.
Sauté the Mushrooms – In the same pan, sauté the sliced mushrooms in leftover bacon grease or a bit of butter until they are tender and lightly browned. Spoon the mushrooms over the chicken.
Top with Cheese – Sprinkle generous amounts of shredded cheese over the mushrooms and bacon. Use Colby Jack or a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best melt.

Baking to Perfection

Baking is the final step that brings everything together.

Bake the Chicken – Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). The cheese should be melted and slightly bubbly.
Broil for a Finish – For an extra golden top, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Serving the Chicken

Once out of the oven, drizzle the reserved honey mustard sauce over the top of the chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve hot, with sides that enhance the richness of the dish.

How to Serve Alice Springs Chicken

Serving Alice Springs Chicken is all about complementing its rich, indulgent flavors with the right sides and presentation. This dish, with its layers of melted cheese, crispy bacon, and juicy grilled chicken, pairs best with simple yet hearty sides.

Presentation Tips:

Slice the chicken breast diagonally to reveal the melted cheese and bacon inside.
Drizzle extra honey mustard sauce lightly across the plate for decoration and added flavor.
Serve on a rustic wooden platter for a restaurant-style feel.
Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika to add a burst of color.

Best Side Dishes to Pair With

The richness of Alice Springs Chicken Recipe calls for balanced sides that can offset its heaviness while enhancing the overall dining experience.

Top Side Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide a smooth texture that pairs well with the crispy chicken. The hint of garlic in the potatoes amplifies the flavors.
Roasted Vegetables – Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini, offering a light yet savory complement.
Steamed Asparagus – The slight bitterness of asparagus balances the sweet honey mustard glaze. Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Buttery Garlic Bread – Perfect for sopping up the leftover honey mustard sauce on the plate.
Sweet Potato Fries – The sweetness of the fries mirrors the honey mustard sauce while adding a crispy element to the dish.

Lighter Options:

Mixed Greens Salad – Tossed with a light vinaigrette, this adds a refreshing contrast.
Quinoa or Rice Pilaf – A lighter carb option that doesn’t overpower the dish.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe is versatile, and you can easily adjust the recipe to suit different dietary needs or preferences.

1. Spicy Variation:

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the honey mustard sauce for a spicy kick.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of Colby Jack to increase the heat.

2. Low-Carb/Keto Option:

Replace the honey in the marinade with a sugar-free substitute or monk fruit sweetener.
Skip the breadcrumbs and pair them with cauliflower mash.

3. Dairy-Free Adaptation:

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives (such as cashew cheese or almond cheese).
Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan or egg-free mayo.

4. Mushroom-Free Version:

Not a fan of mushrooms? Replace them with sautéed bell peppers or caramelized onions for added sweetness.

5. Extra-Crispy Version:

After marinating, lightly dredge the chicken breasts in seasoned flour before grilling for an added crispy crust.

Making It Healthier

For a healthier take on Alice Springs Chicken Recipe without sacrificing flavor, make a few strategic swaps.

Healthier Ingredient Substitutions:

Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce fat.
Opt for reduced-fat cheese or a smaller amount to cut calories.
Bake the chicken without searing to minimize the use of oil.
Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier marinade.

Calorie Reduction Tips:

Use a thin chicken breast to ensure smaller portions.
Double the amount of sautéed vegetables to increase the serving size without adding excess calories.
Serve with a side salad instead of potatoes or bread.

Kid-Friendly Adjustments

Kids love the cheesy, bacon-covered goodness of Alice Springs Chicken, but you can make a few tweaks to make it more appealing to younger palates.

Mild Flavors:

Reduce the Dijon mustard and add a bit more honey to create a sweeter, less tangy sauce.
Use mild cheddar or mozzarella for a softer flavor.

Cheese Alternatives:

Some kids might prefer a simple American cheese topping, which melts easily and has a mild taste.

Bite-Sized Option:

Slice the chicken into strips before cooking, turning it into a fun finger food option for kids.

Leftover Ideas

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe tastes just as delicious the next day. Here are some creative ways to repurpose leftovers:

1. Sandwiches:

Slice the chicken thinly and layer it onto a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and extra honey mustard.
Add a fried egg for a breakfast twist.

2. Salads:

Chop the chicken into cubes and toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and croutons for a quick and hearty salad.

3. Wraps:

Place the chicken in a tortilla wrap with avocado, spinach, and extra cheese.

4. Pasta Topping:

Dice the leftover chicken and toss it into a creamy alfredo or garlic butter pasta.

5. Breakfast Skillet:

Dice the chicken and cook it with scrambled eggs and potatoes for a hearty breakfast skillet.

More FAQs About Alice Springs Chicken

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and add even more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs take slightly longer.

2. Can I make Alice Springs Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also pre-cook the bacon and mushrooms to save time.

3. How long does the honey mustard sauce last?
The sauce can last up to one week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

4. What’s the best cheese to use?
Colby Jack is the most popular choice, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella work just as well.

5. Can I grill Alice Springs Chicken outdoors?
Yes! Grilling outdoors adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish.

6. Can I freeze Alice Springs Chicken?
It’s best to freeze the chicken before adding cheese and bacon. Add the toppings after reheating for the freshest taste.

7. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Ensure you don’t overcook it. Searing the chicken briefly and finishing it in the oven at a moderate temperature keeps it juicy.

8. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes. Ensure your honey mustard and bacon are certified gluten-free.

9. Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can easily add spice with a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes in the marinade.

10. What wine pairs well with Alice Springs Chicken?
A chardonnay or pinot noir complements the rich flavors perfectly.