Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Steakhouse Copycat)

 If you're a fan of Outback Steakhouse, you've probably had or at least heard of their juicy, cheesy, and downright delicious Alice Springs Chicken. This crowd-pleasing dish has everything you could want in a dinner—tender chicken breasts, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and a flavorful honey mustard sauce. The best part? You don’t have to dine out to enjoy it. With this Alice Springs Chicken recipe, you can recreate the magic at home! It's an easy chicken dinner recipe that’s perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will show you how to make an Outback Steakhouse copycat recipe that tastes just like the original.

Why You’ll Love This Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

• Restaurant-quality at home: No need for reservations—this recipe nails the Outback flavors you love.
• Budget-friendly and customizable: Make it your own by tweaking ingredients or adding your favorite toppings.
• Family-approved dinner: It's satisfying, kid-friendly, and goes well with a variety of side dishes.

Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken

To make this flavorful dish, you’ll need simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, but highly recommended)

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Toppings:

• 8 slices cooked bacon
• 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking!

How to Make Alice Springs Chicken (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through—it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Set the chicken aside.

2. Whip Up the Honey Mustard Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth. Set half the sauce aside for serving and use the other half for basting the chicken.

3. Sauté the Mushrooms (if using)

Using the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them in the leftover juices for about 5 minutes, or until tender. This step is optional but adds an earthy depth of flavor.

4. Assemble the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Generously brush the chicken with the honey mustard sauce. Top each breast with a layer of sautéed mushrooms (if using), two slices of cooked bacon, and a heaping pile of shredded cheese.

5. Bake It to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for the Best Alice Springs Chicken

• Marinate for extra flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of honey mustard sauce for 2-3 hours before cooking.
• Don’t skip the sauce: The honey mustard sauce is a game-changer and really ties all the flavors together.
• Make it ahead: You can assemble the chicken in the baking dish a few hours ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

Serving Suggestions

Alice Springs Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with many sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, they’re the perfect companion.
• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a nice balance.
• Rice pilaf or cauliflower rice: A hearty yet simple side dish.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
• Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked Alice Springs Chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Customizations and Variations

• Healthier version: Use turkey bacon and low-fat cheese to cut down on calories.
• Grill it: During summer months, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing for a smoky twist.
• Spicy kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Alice Springs Chicken recipe is proof that you don’t have to leave home to enjoy an exceptional meal. With its juicy chicken breasts, gooey cheese, and the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite at Outback Steakhouse. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy chicken dinner recipe is sure to impress.

Now, it's your turn to recreate this Outback Steakhouse copycat recipe in your own kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share with family and friends—they’ll love it just as much as you do!