Alice Springs Chicken is more than just a tasty dish; it’s a beloved recipe that combines savory, smoky, and sweet flavors into one irresistible meal. This guide will take you through the origin of Alice Springs Chicken, step-by-step cooking instructions, creative variations, and even tips to avoid common mistakes. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to whip up this crowd-pleasing dish and bring smiles to your dinner table.
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a hearty, flavorful dish made famous by the Outback Steakhouse restaurant chain. It features marinated grilled chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, and a rich honey mustard sauce. This combination creates a unique balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors that makes the dish irresistible.
The name “Alice Springs” comes from a town in the heart of Australia, symbolizing the rustic, hearty nature of the dish. It reflects a sense of adventure and comfort that resonates with anyone who tries it. Over the years, this recipe has become a staple for those looking to recreate a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Why is it Called Alice Springs Chicken?
The dish is named after the town of Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory. Outback Steakhouse, known for its Australian-themed menu, created this dish as a nod to Australia’s rugged Outback and its simple yet flavorful cuisine.
Alice Springs is a remote town that represents the heart and soul of Australia’s adventurous spirit. Naming the dish after this iconic location evokes a sense of warmth, comfort, and a little bit of Aussie charm. Just like the town itself, the dish is both hearty and welcoming, making it a favorite among families and friends.
Interestingly, the dish doesn’t have any specific connection to Alice Springs beyond its name. However, the combination of ingredients and the bold flavors are reminiscent of the kind of hearty, comforting meals you’d enjoy after a long day exploring the Outback.
What Makes Alice Springs Chicken So Irresistible?
Alice Springs Chicken stands out from the crowd because it strikes the perfect balance between savory, smoky, and sweet. Here’s why it has become a household favorite:
A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
The combination of flavors in Alice Springs Chicken is a crowd-pleaser. The rich, tangy honey mustard sauce complements the salty crunch of bacon and the creamy texture of melted cheese. Together, these elements create a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting.
Versatile for Any Occasion
Whether you’re serving it as a comforting weeknight dinner or a showstopper for guests, Alice Springs Chicken fits the bill. Pair it with hearty sides for a winter meal or fresh salads for a summer feast — it’s adaptable all year round.
Easy to Customize
If you have dietary preferences or ingredient availability concerns, fear not! This dish is easy to modify. You can swap ingredients to make it healthier or tailor it to fit your taste preferences.
Alice Springs Chicken Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Alice Springs Chicken:
For the Chicken Marinade:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless Chicken Breasts | 4 |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Yellow Mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
For the Toppings:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Bacon | 6 strips |
| Sliced Mushrooms | 1 cup |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | 1 cup |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh Parsley (optional) | For garnish |
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken
Cooking Alice Springs Chicken at home is easier than you think. With just a few simple procedures, you’ll be able to make this delicious restaurant-style dish in the kitchen. From cooking the chicken in marinade to adding the tasty toppings, each step adds to the delicious, flavorful, satisfying taste that makes this dish a popular choice. Let’s go over the steps to ensure that you get succulent, delicious chicken and the perfect cheese-y topping.
1. Prepare the Marinade
Making a delicious marinade is crucial to ensure succulent and tender chicken. Mix in a bowl mix together honey, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, juice of a lemon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The mixture should be smooth and a little heavy. Place the breasts of chicken in an open-top bag or a shallow dish, and pour half the marinade over the chicken breasts. Make sure that each piece is coated evenly. Close the bag or cover the dish and let it sit for a minimum of 30 minutes or, for the most flavorful taste, allow it to sit overnight in the marinade.
2. Cook the Bacon
A large skillet is heated to medium-high temperature. Add bacon strips and cook them until crunchy and brown. After that, move the bacon onto an unlined plate with paper towels to let the grease drain off. Bacon provides a smokey, crunchy crunch, enhancing the flavor.
3. Saute the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add the mushrooms sliced in the bacon grease leftover. Sauté the mushrooms for five to seven minutes or until they are tender and golden. These mushrooms absorb some of the bacon fat and give them an umami and rich flavor that is a perfect match for any other ingredient.
4. Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375degF (190degC). Take the meat out of the marinade, removing the marinade to prevent cross-contamination. Put the breasts of chicken into a baking dish, then apply the rest of the fresh marinade over them so that the meat remains moist and delicious. The chicken breasts are layered with bacon bits, crispy sauteed mushrooms, and an abundance of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
5. Bake the Chicken
Put the baking dish in the oven that is preheated. Roast the chicken between 25 and 30 minutes or until its internal temperature is the temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees C). This means that the chicken is cooked to perfection and safe for eating. While it bakes, the cheese will melt and then become bubbly, making an amazing, gooey, and delicious topping.
6. Garnish and Serve
When the chicken has finished baking, take the chicken off the baking sheet and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. The juices will disperse, keeping the meat soft and moist. Sprinkle with fresh parsley to add a splash of color and freshness. Make sure to serve Alice Springs Chicken hot with the side dishes you love to create a delicious and satisfying dish.
Tips for Success: Kitchen Secrets for Alice Springs Chicken
Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Dry Chicken: Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer.
- Overpowering Sauce: Balance the honey mustard sauce to avoid overwhelming the dish.
- Skipping Steps: Each step is important for achieving that restaurant-quality result.
Save Time with These Shortcuts
- Pre-Make the Sauce: Store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Batch Cooking: Cook extra chicken and frozen portions for easy meals.
Nutrition Information for Alice Springs Chicken
Before you dive into making this delicious dish, it’s helpful to know its nutritional profile. Alice Springs Chicken offers a balance of protein, fats, and carbs to keep you satisfied. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 610 |
| Protein | 48g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Fat | 39g |
| Saturated Fat | 17g |
| Cholesterol | 150mg |
| Sodium | 1100mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 12g |
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Calories in Alice Springs Chicken?
A typical serving of Alice Springs Chicken contains around 600-700 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used. This includes chicken breast, bacon, cheese, mushrooms, and honey mustard sauce.
How Many Carbs in Alice Springs Chicken?
The carb count in Alice Springs Chicken is approximately 10-12g per serving, mainly from the honey mustard sauce. You can reduce the carbs by using a low-carb sauce alternative.
Is Alice Springs Chicken Keto?
Yes, can be keto-friendly if you use a low-carb honey mustard sauce and keep the portion size of mushrooms and cheese in check. It’s a high-fat, high-protein dish that fits well into a keto diet when modified slightly.
Is Alice Springs Chicken Gluten-Free?
Yes, is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free honey mustard sauce and ensure your bacon and cheese are free of gluten-containing additives. Always double-check ingredient labels to be safe.
What Is Alice Springs Chicken at Outback Steakhouse?
Is a popular dish at Outback Steakhouse featuring grilled chicken breast topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, and a honey mustard sauce. It’s one of their signature menu items known for its rich and savory flavors.
Is Alice Springs Chicken Healthy?
Can be a healthy option if prepared at home with lighter ingredients. It’s high in protein, but also contains saturated fats and sodium from bacon, cheese, and sauce. For a healthier version, reduce the bacon and cheese or serve with a fresh veggie side.
What to Eat with Alice Springs Chicken?
Pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, garlic butter rice, sweet potato fries, or a Caesar salad. For a low-carb option, serve it with a side of broccoli or a simple green salad.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Sharing
Alice Springs Chicken is more than just a meal — it’s a way to bring the taste of a beloved restaurant dish into your home. With simple steps and versatile options, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your family and friends, and enjoy a meal that’s bound to create lasting memories!
Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
A succulent grilled chicken breast topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese, and a honey mustard sauce. This Outback Steakhouse-inspired dish is a perfect combination of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Honey Mustard Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reserve half the sauce for serving and use the other half for marinating.
Main Dish
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
- Place chicken in a shallow dish and coat with half of the honey mustard sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Remove to paper towels to drain, then crumble into pieces.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced mushrooms. Sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade, discarding used marinade.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Top each chicken breast with:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Crumbled bacon
- Equal portions of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese
- Cover grill or place under broiler until cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve immediately with remaining honey mustard sauce.
Notes
- For best results, marinate chicken overnight
- Can be baked in oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes if grilling isn’t an option
- Use pre-cooked bacon to save time
- Can substitute different cheese varieties based on preference
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 720
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 62g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
