Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
Alice Springs Chicken is a famous dish from Outback Steakhouse, known for its juicy chicken breast smothered in honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese. This copycat recipe brings the restaurant favorite into your kitchen with easy-to-follow steps and flavorful results.
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and lemon juice to create the honey mustard sauce.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour half of the honey mustard sauce over the chicken. Reserve the remaining sauce for later. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best results.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, drain on a paper towel, and set aside. Keep a tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet for sautéing the mushrooms.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms:
- Add butter to the skillet along with the reserved bacon grease. Once the butter melts, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
5. Cook the Chicken:
- In the same skillet, heat a little more olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the bag, shake off any excess marinade, and season them with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until it is browned. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage as it will finish cooking in the oven.
6. Assemble the Dish:
- Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Top each piece of chicken with two slices of crispy bacon and a generous spoonful of sautéed mushrooms.
- Pour the reserved honey mustard sauce over the chicken, and then sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese evenly over each chicken breast.
7. Bake the Chicken:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve the Alice Springs Chicken with additional honey mustard sauce on the side.
Tips for the Best Alice Springs Chicken:
1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor:
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the honey mustard flavors to penetrate the meat. For even better results, marinate for up to 2 hours.
2. Use Thick-Cut Bacon:
- Thick-cut bacon will hold its crispiness better and provide a more satisfying texture in each bite.
3. Sear the Chicken:
- Searing the chicken in the skillet before baking ensures a beautiful golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Variations:
1. Grilled Alice Springs Chicken:
- Instead of searing the chicken in a skillet, grill it over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, then top with bacon, mushrooms, and cheese before finishing it off in the oven.
2. Low-Carb Version:
- For a low-carb variation, you can omit the honey and make a mustard-based sauce with added seasonings like garlic and paprika.
3. Spicy Honey Mustard:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce for a spicy twist.
Serving Suggestions:
Alice Springs Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the richness of the chicken.
- Steamed Vegetables: Lighten the meal with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
- Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf adds texture and makes the meal more filling.
- Salad: Serve with a fresh garden salad to balance out the indulgent chicken.
Storing and Reheating:
Storing:
- Store leftover Alice Springs Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the chicken is warmed through and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, though the bacon may lose some of its crispiness.
Conclusion:
This Alice Springs Chicken Recipe is a delicious way to bring the taste of Outback Steakhouse into your home. With the perfect blend of honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy!
Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
Alice Springs Chicken is a famous dish from Outback Steakhouse, known for its juicy chicken breast smothered in honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese. This copycat recipe brings the restaurant favorite into your kitchen with easy-to-follow steps and flavorful results.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder on both sides.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Remove and set aside.
4. Assemble the Chicken:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Brush each chicken breast generously with the honey mustard sauce.
Top the chicken with the cooked mushrooms (optional), crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese.
5. Bake the Chicken:
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve the Alice Springs Chicken with extra honey mustard sauce on the side, and enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Options: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby for added flavor.
- Honey Mustard: You can reserve a small portion of the honey mustard sauce for dipping if you love extra sauce.
- Sides: Serve this dish with roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, or a side salad for a complete meal.