How to Make Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse at Home

Introduction: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Alice Springs Chicken at Home

Have you ever sat down at Outback Steakhouse and ordered the famous Alice Springs Chicken? The combination of tender chicken breast, savoury bacon, melted cheese, and earthy mushrooms, all smothered in sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, is truly a flavour explosion. It’s the kind of dish that leaves you craving more, and if you’re anything like most people, you’ve probably wondered how you can recreate it at home.

Good news: You can! With a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can make this signature Outback dish in your kitchen from the comfort of your home. Whether trying to save money, impress your friends, or satisfy a craving, making Alice Springs Chicken yourself is a rewarding experience.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare Alice Springs Chicken. I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the perfect ingredients to tips for perfecting the dish. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to serve up a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and guests asking for seconds.

What Is Alice Springs Chicken?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s discuss what makes Alice Springs Chicken unique. If you’ve ever eaten at Outback Steakhouse, you already know the magic of this dish. It’s a juicy, boneless, skinless chicken breast that’s marinated in a flavorful honey mustard sauce, grilled or seared, then topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and two kinds of melted cheese—cheddar and Monterey Jack.

This dish is often described as having a perfect balance of savoury, sweet, and tangy flavours. The chicken is moist and tender, the bacon adds a crispy texture, the mushrooms contribute earthiness, and the cheese adds richness. The honey mustard sauce pulls it together, giving you an irresistibly good flavour profile.

What makes Alice Springs Chicken even more appealing is its versatility. You can adjust the recipe to fit your preferences, whether you want to spice things up with some hot sauce or make it healthier by swapping out a few ingredients. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, from casual family dinners to impressing guests at a dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Alice Springs Chicken

You’ll need to gather the right ingredients to recreate Alice Springs Chicken at home. Don’t worry—these are all readily available at most grocery stores, and you may even have some already in your pantry.

Core Ingredients Overview

1. Chicken Breast: The base of the dish, boneless and skinless chicken breasts, are ideal because they cook evenly and retain moisture. If you prefer dark meat, you can swap the chicken breast for thighs, but the texture will differ slightly.
2. Honey Mustard Sauce: This sauce is a key element of the dish. It combines honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise to create a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet base for marinating the chicken.
3. Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a savoury crunch that perfectly complements the chicken’s tenderness and the cheese’s richness.
4. Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms bring an earthy, savoury flavour that balances the honey mustard sauce’s sweetness and the cheese’s richness.
5. Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese: These cheeses are the perfect blend for melting over the chicken, creating a gooey, creamy topping that elevates the dish.
6. Olive Oil: For searing or grilling the chicken, olive oil adds flavour and moisture.
7. Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning enhances the chicken’s natural flavours and other ingredients.

Ingredients Table

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Chicken breasts	4 pieces	Boneless, skinless, about 6 oz each
Honey	2 tbsp	For the honey mustard sauce
Dijon mustard	2 tbsp	Adds tanginess
Mayonnaise	1/4 cup	Creamy texture for the sauce
Mushrooms	1 cup	Sliced and sautéed
Bacon	4-6 strips	Crispy-cooked
Cheddar cheese	1 cup	Shredded
Monterey Jack cheese	1 cup	Shredded
Olive oil	2 tbsp	For searing or grilling
Salt and pepper	To taste	For seasoning

How to Make Alice Springs Chicken at Home: Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that your ingredients are ready, it’s time to start cooking! The good news is this dish is surprisingly simple to make. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be serving up Alice Springs Chicken in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce

The first step in making Alice Springs Chicken is preparing the honey mustard sauce, which will be used to marinate the chicken and serve as a topping. In a small mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise

Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This sauce is the heart of the flavour profile, so ensure the proportions are just right. If you want a sweeter sauce, add more honey, or increase the mustard if you prefer more tang.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Once the honey mustard sauce is ready, it’s time to marinate the chicken. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag, then pour half of the honey mustard sauce over them. Make sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

For best results, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. If you have the time, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavours to soak in and tenderize the meat.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

You can cook the chicken by grilling or searing it on the stovetop. Both methods yield excellent results, so choose based on your preference.

• For grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking, then place the marinated chicken on the grill. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for stovetop searing. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help the chicken cook faster and retain moisture.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

While the chicken is cooking, take a separate skillet and heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender and browned—season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavour. Once done, set the mushrooms aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Once your chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble the Alice Springs Chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Here’s how to layer the ingredients:

1. Place one cooked chicken breast on the baking sheet.
2. Add a generous spoonful of sautéed mushrooms on top of the chicken.
3. Break 2-3 pieces of crispy bacon and sprinkle them over the mushrooms.
4. Top the chicken with shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.

Step 6: Bake Until Cheese is Melted

Now that the chicken is assembled with its toppings, it’s time to bake it. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. If you like your cheese slightly browned, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the baking sheet from the oven once the cheese is melted and bubbly. Drizzle the remaining honey mustard sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Serve your Alice Springs Chicken with your favourite sides—perhaps some loaded mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad—and enjoy the delicious flavours you’ve created!

Tips for Perfect Alice Springs Chicken

To help you achieve restaurant-quality results, here are a few tips for making the perfect Alice Springs Chicken:

• Use a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
• Crisp the bacon: Cook until it’s crispy, adding a nice crunch. If the bacon is soft, it won’t provide the same texture contrast.
• Customize the sauce: If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce. Adjusting the sauce to your taste is a great way to make the dish your own.
• Let the chicken rest: After grilling or searing it, rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

What to Serve with Alice Springs Chicken

Alice Springs Chicken is a hearty and flavorful dish on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make your meal even better. Here are a few ideas for sides that will complement the dish perfectly:

• Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with cheese, sour cream, and green onions are a perfect pairing with Alice Springs Chicken. They help balance the richness of the cheese and bacon.
• Steamed Vegetables: Add some colour and nutrition with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. These light sides contrast nicely with the heaviness of the chicken.
• Side Salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette or a Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Recipe

Making Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse at home is a fun and rewarding experience. By following these simple steps, you can recreate a delicious restaurant dish that will impress anyone at your dinner table. With the right ingredients, a little patience, and a few tips, you can enjoy this favourite dish whenever the craving strikes.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your grill or skillet, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to an unforgettable meal. Once you taste the homemade version of Alice Springs Chicken, you may never want to go back to the restaurant again!

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs. Thighs are a bit more flavorful and juicy, but they do have a slightly different texture. They may also take a little longer to cook.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Alice Springs Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the cheese’s texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken, sauté the mushrooms, and cook the bacon ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

How can I make the dish healthier?

To make a lighter version, use turkey bacon, low-fat cheese, and a lighter version of the mayo in the honey mustard sauce. You can also serve it with a healthier side, like roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad.