Alice Springs Chicken Recipe: Alice Springs Chicken is a delicious, cheesy, and flavorful dish inspired by the popular menu item at Outback Steakhouse. This dish is a perfect combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a rich honey mustard sauce. Whether you’re recreating your favorite restaurant meal at home or looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner, this step-by-step guide will help you make the perfect Alice Springs Chicken.
Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients Needed
Before starting, gather all the necessary ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Toppings:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Equipment Required
To make this dish, you’ll need:
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
Preparing the Chicken
Clean and Trim the Chicken
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Trim off any excess fat.
Tenderizing the Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts using a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
- This also helps the chicken absorb flavors better.
Seasoning the Chicken
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare the honey mustard sauce.
Making the Honey Mustard Sauce
- Combine Ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
- Adjust to Taste
- Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or mustard.
- Set Aside
- Keep half of the sauce for marinating and reserve the other half for serving.
Cooking the Bacon
Heat a Skillet
- Place a skillet over medium heat and let it warm up.
Cook the Bacon
- Lay the bacon strips in the pan and cook until crispy, flipping occasionally.
Drain the Bacon
- Remove bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Assembling the Chicken
Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Coat the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and brush generously with the honey mustard sauce.
Add Bacon and Cheese
- Crumble or place whole bacon strips on top of each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the bacon.
Baking the Chicken
Bake the Chicken
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Check for Doneness
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest Before Serving
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Alice Springs Chicken pairs well with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
- Steamed rice
For a restaurant-style experience, serve it with a side of honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Alice Springs Chicken
- Marinate for Extra Flavor – Let the chicken sit in the honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Don’t Overcook – Use a meat thermometer to prevent dry chicken.
- Use Fresh Cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged cheese.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in short intervals.
Variations of Alice Springs Chicken
- Keto Version: Use sugar-free honey and serve with cauliflower rice.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
Health Benefits of Alice Springs Chicken
- High in protein
- Provides essential vitamins and minerals
- Can be modified for low-carb diets
FAQs about Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a popular dish inspired by Australian cuisine. It typically features a grilled chicken breast topped with honey mustard sauce, sautéed mushrooms, crisp bacon, and melted cheese. It’s known for its rich flavors and satisfying combination of textures.
What ingredients do I need for Alice Springs Chicken?
To make Alice Springs Chicken, you will need chicken breasts, bacon strips, mushrooms, honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, vegetable oil, shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack), and spices like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How do I make the honey mustard sauce for Alice Springs Chicken?
To create the honey mustard sauce, combine equal parts of honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise. Add a bit of lemon juice for acidity and whisk together until smooth. Adjust the proportions according to your taste preference.
Can I prepare Alice Springs Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare parts of the dish in advance. You can cook the bacon and sauté the mushrooms ahead of time. The chicken can also be marinated in some of the honey mustard sauce overnight to enhance its flavor. Assemble and bake when ready to serve to ensure the chicken is juicy and the cheese is perfectly melted.
What can I serve with Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed vegetables, a crisp salad, roasted potatoes, or garlic bread to complete your meal.
Is Alice Springs Chicken gluten-free?
Alice Springs Chicken can be made gluten-free by ensuring that all the ingredients, particularly the mustard and mayonnaise, are labeled as gluten-free. Be cautious about cross-contamination if you’re preparing this dish for someone with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
By answering these common questions, you can make this delicious dish confidently, enjoying a taste of Australian-inspired cuisine right in your own kitchen.
Conclusion
Alice Springs Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that’s easy to make at home. With a perfect balance of flavors from the honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is bound to be a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen!
