Alice Springs Chicken Recipe takes me back to our favorite steakhouse where this honey mustard chicken was always the main event.
I remember the first time I tried to make it at home – it was a hit! This is a weekend comfort food or when you want to impress without too much work.
Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in tangy honey mustard sauce, topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon and loads of melted cheese. It’s rich, hearty and full of big, bold flavors everyone will love.
How To Make Alice Springs Chicken Recipe?
Recipe Overview
This Alice Springs Chicken Recipe features juicy chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, two kinds of cheese, and a tangy honey mustard sauce. It’s an easy yet indulgent recipe that’s sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main dish
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: 450 (approx.)
Ready to make this delicious dish at home? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Equipment Needed
- Skillet or Cast Iron Pan
- Baking Dish
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Tongs or Spatula
Ingredients
For the Alice Springs Chicken, here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of bacon (crispy cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (sliced)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Sauté the Mushrooms
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain the excess fat, then crumble it into small pieces.
In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and onions. Sauté them in the leftover bacon fat for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and develop some color. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice to create a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Alice Springs Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Drizzle each breast with a generous amount of the honey mustard sauce. Top with sautéed mushrooms and onions, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the chicken.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. During the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal!
What Kind of Cheese Is on Alice Springs Chicken?
The classic Alice Springs Chicken Recipe uses a mix of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. This combo gives you a sharp, creamy melt that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and bacon.
What Is Alice Springs Chicken Seasoned With?
The chicken is seasoned with smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and marinated in a honey mustard sauce made from honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. This blend gives the chicken a sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.
Can I Make This Recipe Using Chicken Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re a bit more forgiving than breasts and stay juicy even if you cook them a little longer. Just adjust the cook time as needed.
My Secret Tips for Perfect Alice Springs Chicken
- Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of Monterey Jack, feel free to swap it out for mozzarella or provolone. The key is to have a good mix of sharp and mild cheeses.
- Make it Ahead: If you’re prepping for a busy day, you can assemble the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day in advance. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake it.
- Healthy Twist: Want a healthier version of this recipe? You can make it low-carb by swapping the honey mustard sauce for a sugar-free version and serving it alongside a salad or roasted veggies.
Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve got the classic Alice Springs Chicken Recipe, here are some variations and side dish ideas to take it to the next level:
- What to Serve with Alice Springs Chicken: This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted potatoes, or steamed vegetables. If you’re craving something a bit heartier, serve it with mashed potatoes or rice pilaf.
- Alice Springs Chicken Casserole: For a cozy casserole version of this recipe, chop the chicken into smaller pieces, layer it with the sauce, bacon, cheese, and veggies, and bake in a casserole dish. It’s great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Low Carb Alice Springs Chicken Recipe: Skip the honey and swap the regular mustard sauce for a sugar-free alternative. Serve it with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- What Kind of Cheese is on Alice Springs Chicken?: The classic Alice Springs Chicken is topped with a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. This combo gives the dish both creamy and tangy flavors.
Tips for Success
- Use Bone-In, Skinless Chicken Breasts for Extra Juiciness
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to choice, you can also use bone-in for even juicier meat. Just be sure to adjust cooking time to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Crisp the Bacon Just Right
For the perfect bacon topping, cook your bacon until it’s super crispy. This adds the ideal texture contrast to the tender chicken and melted cheese. Don’t rush this step!
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Onions Beforehand
Sautéing the mushrooms and onions before layering them on the chicken helps intensify their flavors and ensures they cook evenly in the oven. Plus, it prevents any sogginess from raw veggies!
- Don’t Skip the Smoked Paprika
The smoky, slightly spicy flavor of smoked paprika elevates the dish. It’s one of those secret ingredients that’ll take your Alice Springs Chicken from good to amazing.
- Let the Cheese Melt and Bubble
For that perfect gooey texture, make sure to bake the chicken long enough for the cheese to fully melt and become bubbly. It’s the key to achieving that delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience!
These tips will help ensure your Alice Springs Chicken turns out as tasty and satisfying as you expect! Enjoy!
FAQ
Why is it called Alice Springs Chicken?
The dish is named after Alice Springs, a town in the Northern Territory of Australia. While the recipe itself isn’t Australian, the name aligns with the Outback Steakhouse’s Australian-themed branding.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What kind of cheese is used in Alice Springs Chicken?
The traditional recipe uses a blend of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This combination melts well and complements the other flavors in the dish.
Can I make Alice Springs Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the toppings in advance. Assemble the dish and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Video Tutorial
Conclusion
So if you’re looking for a meal that’s big, tasty, and easy to make, then you have to try this Alice Springs Chicken Recipe. With juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese all brought together with a tangy honey mustard sauce, it’s a comfort food in every bite.
Try it, customize it, and maybe even create a new family tradition!Happy cooking!
Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet or Cast Iron Pan
- Baking Dish
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or Spatula
Ingredients
- 4 skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of bacon crispy cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion sliced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Sauté the Mushrooms
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Once done, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain the excess fat, then crumble it into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and onions. Sauté them in the leftover bacon fat for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and develop some color. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice to create a smooth sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Alice Springs Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish. Drizzle each breast with a generous amount of the honey mustard sauce. Top with sautéed mushrooms and onions, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the chicken.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. During the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal!
Notes
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Cheese Choices: Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or cheddar cheese all melt well and add great flavor. Mix and match based on what you have.
- Bacon Options: Use regular, turkey, or even plant-based bacon to suit your dietary needs.
- Mushroom Tips: Sauté mushrooms until golden and their liquid has evaporated for the best texture and taste.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the marinade, sauce, and toppings in advance and assemble just before baking.
- Sauce Shortcuts: Store-bought honey mustard works if you’re short on time, but homemade gives a fresher flavor.
- Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat; just adjust the cooking time.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Low Carb/Healthy Swaps: Use light mayo, low-fat cheese, or a sugar-free honey substitute for a lighter version.
- Serving Ideas: Great with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
