Introduction
Alice Springs Chicken is a mouthwatering dish popularized by the famous Outback Steakhouse restaurant chain. With its irresistible combination of grilled chicken, honey-mustard sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, it’s no wonder this savory dish has become a household favorite. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make Alice Springs Chicken, including key baking tips, ingredients, and techniques to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. Plus, we’ll share tips on how to make this meal even more flavorful while optimizing your recipe for search engines with relevant keywords.
Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken
To make this delicious chicken recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (or a combination)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Honey-Mustard Sauce
The heart of Alice Springs Chicken is its signature honey-mustard sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth. You’ll use this sauce in two ways—both as a marinade for the chicken and as a drizzle on top once the dish is assembled.
Tip: For an extra depth of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the honey-mustard mixture.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently to an even thickness. This ensures that they cook evenly. Generously sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning.
Transfer the chicken to a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour half of the honey-mustard sauce over the chicken and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
While the chicken is marinating, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once the bacon has cooled, crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Tip: Save the bacon grease for cooking the chicken later on. This adds an extra layer of flavor.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
In the same skillet (with bacon grease), add a tablespoon of vegetable oil or butter, and heat over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess sauce, and sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. You don’t need to cook the chicken through at this point; it will finish cooking in the oven.
After browning the chicken on both sides, carefully place it into a prepared baking dish to finish cooking.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now it’s time to assemble all the delicious layers of the Alice Springs Chicken.
Take the remaining honey-mustard sauce and spoon a generous amount over each chicken breast. Next, layer the crispy bacon pieces over the top of the chicken. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over each piece of chicken, covering it with a generous amount.
Tip: For an extra cheesy experience, you can mix Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for a richer flavor. You can also add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). The cheese should be fully melted, bubbling, and slightly golden.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Tip: For a restaurant-style presentation, slice the chicken breasts into strips and drizzle extra honey-mustard sauce on top.
Tips for the Perfect Alice Springs Chicken
- Use Fresh Chicken: For the best results, use fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Thicker cuts will retain more moisture, making the dish more succulent.
- Marinating is Key: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Ideally, aim for at least 2 hours of marination to allow the sauce to penetrate the chicken fully.
- Crispy Bacon Adds Texture: Make sure the bacon is cooked to a crispy texture before adding it to the chicken. This ensures a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Cheese Choice: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. While Monterey Jack and cheddar are traditional, Colby, Gouda, or even Swiss cheese can add unique flavors to the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Alice Springs Chicken pairs well with roasted potatoes, garlic bread, or even a side of grilled corn. It’s also excellent with a cold pasta salad during summer months.
Why You Should Make Alice Springs Chicken
Alice Springs Chicken isn’t just another chicken recipe—it’s a comfort dish that brings together savory and sweet flavors in perfect harmony. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, rich melted cheese, and tangy honey-mustard sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone craving more. Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it an ideal option for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to make Alice Springs Chicken at home, it’s time to gather your ingredients and give it a try. With its savory bacon, gooey cheese, and tangy honey-mustard sauce, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Alice Springs Chicken is a winner.
With our step-by-step guide, baking tips, and suggestions for enhancing the dish, you’re well on your way to mastering this iconic recipe. Give it a go, and don’t forget to share your results with us! We’d love to hear how it turns out!