Ever wanted to make the famous Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse at home? Now you can! This simple recipe lets you enjoy the restaurant’s flavors in your kitchen. Get ready to taste the Australian Outback with every bite.
I’ve always loved the bold flavors of Australian food. Trying this Outback classic was a dream come true. The chicken, mushrooms, bacon, and cheese were perfect together. And the homemade honey mustard sauce? It’s amazing!
Table of Contents
What Makes Alice Springs Chicken Special
Alice Springs Chicken is a favorite at Outback Steakhouse. It’s known for its mix of savory and sweet flavors. The dish is special because of its honey mustard sauce, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted cheese.
Origin of the Iconic Outback Dish
The Alice Springs Chicken was introduced in the 1990s at Outback Steakhouse. It quickly became a hit. The dish is named after Alice Springs in Australia, but was created by Outback’s culinary team.
Its unique mix of grilled chicken, honey mustard sauce, and toppings made it a signature dish.
Key Flavor Components
The honey mustard sauce is the main attraction. It combines honey’s sweetness with Dijon mustard’s tanginess. Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor, while crispy bacon brings a salty, smoky taste.
Melted cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, brings everything together. This creates a dish that’s both harmonious and indulgent.
Why This Recipe Works
The Alice Springs Chicken’s success comes from its balanced flavors and textures. The grilled chicken is the base for the rich sauce and toppings. This mix of savory and sweet flavors is key.
The dish’s variety of textures, from chicken to bacon, makes each bite interesting. You can also customize it with Cajun seasoning or hot honey for more flavor.
Essential Ingredients for Recipe for Alice Springs Chicken
To make the famous Alice Springs Chicken at home, you need a few key ingredients. At the heart of this dish are boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer.
The dish’s signature flavor comes from a tasty honey mustard sauce. This sauce is made with mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and a bit of lemon juice. It marinates the chicken and adds a tangy topping.
The dish also includes mushrooms, such as button, baby bella, or cremini. These sautéed mushrooms add a savory, earthy flavor. And, of course, no Alice Springs Chicken is complete without crispy bacon and melted Colby jack cheese on top.
Other ingredients that can make the recipe even better include a diced yellow onion, a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning, and fresh green onions for garnish. With these ingredients, you can make a delicious chicken breast recipes or mushroom stuffed chicken dish that’s just like the Outback version.
Creating the Perfect Honey Mustard Sauce
The honey mustard sauce is key to the famous Alice Springs Chicken. It’s used as a tasty marinade and dipping sauce. To make it, mix mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and a bit of lemon juice.
Sauce Ingredients and Ratios
For the best honey mustard sauce, use ¾ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, and a bit of lemon juice. Adding hot honey gives it a spicy twist. Whisk until it’s smooth and creamy.
Marinade Tips and Techniques
To add honey mustard flavor to the chicken, use half the sauce as a marinade. Put the chicken in a bag and add the marinade. Refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours to soak up the flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
Save the rest of the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It’s great for making the Alice Springs Chicken ahead of time. Just drizzle it over the chicken or use it for dipping.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Get ready to make your grilled chicken recipes, one-skillet meals, and easy chicken dinners. Follow these easy steps for the tasty Alice Springs Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Cook 8 slices of bacon in the oven until crispy, about 15-20 minutes. Let it cool, then crumble and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté 1 (8 oz) container of sliced baby bella mushrooms and 2 tablespoons of butter for about 5 minutes. Don’t stir until the mushrooms are lightly browned.
- Season 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds) with Cajun seasoning. Cook them in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
- Top the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and a mix of 1 cup each of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
- Bake the chicken in the oven for 10 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
For grilling, preheat your grill to 350°F (177°C). Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side. Add toppings during the last few minutes to melt the cheese.
Enjoy your tasty grilled chicken recipes, one-skillet meals, and easy chicken dinners with this Alice Springs Chicken recipe.
Mastering the Mushroom and Bacon Topping
The sautéed mushrooms and crispy bacon topping are key to the Alice Springs Chicken’s flavor. They make the dish stand out. To make a copycat recipe that wows your guests, focus on these toppings.
Mushroom Sautéing Technique
Start by cleaning the mushrooms with a damp paper towel and slicing them evenly. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re lightly browned and tender.
To deepen the flavor, deglaze the pan with white wine. This will scrape up browned bits from the bottom.
Bacon Preparation Methods
- Cook the crispy bacon in the same skillet as the mushrooms, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Alternatively, you can bake the bacon in the oven for a hassle-free method. Arrange the bacon slices on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp.
Use one to two pieces of sautéed mushrooms and crispy bacon per chicken breast, depending on your preference. Once the bacon is cooked, crumble it into bite-sized pieces before topping the chicken.
Mastering mushroom sautéing and bacon preparation will help you make a top-notch Alice Springs Chicken. It will surely impress your taste buds.
Cheese Selection and Melting Tips
Choosing the right cheese and how to melt it are key to making perfect Alice Springs Chicken. The classic recipe uses a mix of melted cheese, like Colby jack cheese and cheddar cheese.
For the best cheese topping, use about 1 cup of shredded cheese for every 4 chicken breasts. Add the cheese just before baking or in the last few minutes of grilling. This way, the cheese melts perfectly and becomes a delicious, gooey topping.
Feel free to try different cheeses to find new flavors. Cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or provolone can add unique tastes. The important thing is to melt the cheese well by closing the grill lid or oven door during the final cooking stage.
| Cheese Type | Melting Characteristics | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Colby Jack Cheese | Melts smoothly and evenly | Mild, slightly sweet |
| Cheddar Cheese | Melts into a creamy, gooey texture | Sharp, tangy |
| Monterey Jack | Melts into a smooth, creamy consistency | Mild, slightly buttery |
| Swiss Cheese | Melts evenly with a slight stretch | Nutty, slightly sweet |
| Provolone Cheese | Melts into a stringy, gooey texture | Mild, slightly smoky |
By picking the right cheese and melting it well, you can make your homemade Alice Springs Chicken even better. It will taste just like the Outback Steakhouse classic.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
Make your homemade Alice Springs Chicken stand out with great serving ideas and a restaurant look. This dish goes well with many side dishes. It helps you make a meal that looks good and tastes great.
Side Dish Pairings
- Fresh green beans or oven-roasted asparagus add color and crunch.
- Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy baked potatoes soak up the honey mustard sauce.
- A side salad with crisp greens and a zesty vinaigrette balances the dish’s richness.
Plating Techniques
Focus on the toppings when plating your Alice Springs Chicken. Put the chicken in the middle of the plate. Make sure the cheese, mushrooms, and bacon are seen. Drizzle the honey mustard sauce over or serve it on the side for dipping.
Add a sprinkle of parsley for color and a fresh taste. Serving on a warm plate keeps it hot and appealing. This restaurant-style presentation makes your homemade dish look impressive and delicious.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying the Alice Springs Chicken doesn’t have to end when the meal is over. You can enjoy it as leftovers for days with the right storage and reheating.
To store your leftover Alice Springs Chicken, place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To keep the dish’s texture, use an oven or air fryer for reheating. This method keeps the bacon crispy and the cheese from getting rubbery. Make sure the chicken heats up to 165°F (74°C) for safety.
| Storage Method | Maximum Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Freezer | 3 months |
Follow these simple food storage and reheating tips to enjoy Alice Springs Chicken long after the first meal. Savor every bite, even as leftovers.
Conclusion
The homemade Alice Springs Chicken is a true culinary delight. It takes you straight to the heart of the Outback. This Outback copycat recipe lets you enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
It’s filled with juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce. This dish is a well-balanced and satisfying masterpiece.
By following the detailed instructions and tips provided, you can easily master the art of creating this iconic dish. The key components, from the perfect marinade to the mouthwatering toppings, come together seamlessly. This delivers a flavor-packed experience that will impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this homemade Alice Springs Chicken is sure to become a new favorite. It’s a dish that will impress everyone.
So, don’t hesitate to try your hand at this delectable Outback copycat recipe. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of the Outback’s signature dish. Savor every bite and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.