Name: Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled); 1 cup sliced mushrooms; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish); 1/3 cup Dijon mustard; 1/3 cup honey; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon lemon juice

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If you’re a fan of restaurant comfort food made easily at home, Alice Springs Chicken is about to become your new obsession. This iconic dish combines juicy marinated chicken breasts, smoky bacon, earthy mushrooms, and gooey Colby Jack cheese, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce that ties it all together. Whether you’re serving a weeknight family dinner or impressing friends over the weekend, Alice Springs Chicken delivers irresistible flavor and that craveworthy, homestyle experience everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, everyday ingredients miracle into something truly magical when combined in this recipe. Each component brings its own personality to the dish—whether that’s texture, richness, or a pop of vivid color on the plate.

Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the perfect blank canvas for all the flavors in Alice Springs Chicken!
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a golden crust when you sear the chicken.
Salt: Enhances every single layer, so don’t skip it!
Black pepper: A little bit of bite to balance the sweetness in the honey mustard sauce.
Bacon: Cooked until crisp, then crumbled—the smoky crunch takes this recipe to the next level.
Mushrooms: Give a savory, umami depth that mingles beautifully with the cheese and chicken.
Butter: Sautéing mushrooms in butter unlocks unbeatable flavor.
Colby Jack cheese: Melts like a dream for that glorious cheesy finish—feel free to substitute cheddar or mozzarella if you prefer.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle of green adds freshness and a pop of color just before serving.
Dijon mustard: Forms the backbone of the luscious honey mustard sauce.
Honey: Its sweetness perfectly balances the tang of the mustard.
Mayonnaise: Makes the sauce rich and silky-smooth.
Lemon juice: Brightens things up to keep each bite lively and fresh.

How to Make Alice Springs Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up the Honey Mustard Sauce

Start with a small bowl and whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until super smooth and golden. This sauce is the heart of Alice Springs Chicken—it’s sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible. Once it’s well mixed, divide the sauce in half: one part will serve as your marinade, and the other is saved for drizzling at the end.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour half the honey mustard sauce over them. Let the flavors sink in by marinating in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—if you can wait up to 4 hours, even better! This step makes the chicken incredibly juicy and absolutely bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Sear Your Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Preheat your oven to 400°F while you heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discard the used sauce), and sear each breast for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, just until they’re golden and fragrant. Searing locks in moisture and gives you that tempting, delicious outer crust.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same skillet, melt butter and toss in your sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re soft and smell fantastic. Cooking them in butter brings out their earthy flavor—a simple but crucial step for Alice Springs Chicken’s signature taste.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the seared chicken breasts into a baking dish. Now the fun part: top each piece with a generous layer of sautéed mushrooms, sprinkle over the crumbled bacon, and shower with shredded Colby Jack cheese. Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internally) and the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

When it comes out of the oven, drizzle each chicken breast with the remaining honey mustard sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a beautiful, professional flourish. That’s it—your spectacular Alice Springs Chicken is ready to serve!

How to Serve Alice Springs Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and a whisper of herbal brightness that balances the richness of the dish. If you have chives or even a little extra crispy bacon, sprinkle those over just before serving for extra panache.

Side Dishes

Alice Springs Chicken shines brightest alongside simple sides that let its robust flavors lead the way. Think steamed vegetables, garlicky mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. If you’re feeling indulgent, a warm, fluffy baked potato or buttery corn on the cob is equally divine.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it a true restaurant experience by slicing each chicken breast and arranging the slices over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. You can also serve it open-faced on a slice of toasted sourdough for a Texas-sized sandwich, drizzled generously with extra sauce. However you plate it, a little garnish goes a long way to making your Alice Springs Chicken look as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Alice Springs Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply store it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep the extra sauce separate (if you have any left!) to drizzle just before reheating or serving.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, Alice Springs Chicken can be frozen—just skip the garnish until you reheat. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. It’s best enjoyed within a month for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until hot, or microwave in short bursts with a little extra sauce to keep things moist. The cheese will melt all over again, and your kitchen will be filled with those inviting aromas!

FAQs

What can I use instead of Colby Jack cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar and mozzarella are perfect swaps if Colby Jack isn’t available. Even a blend of your favorite melting cheeses (like Monterey Jack or Gouda) will work, just be sure to use a cheese that melts beautifully to keep the spirit of Alice Springs Chicken alive.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative! They’re juicy and flavorful, but you may need to adjust cooking time slightly. Check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally.

Is Alice Springs Chicken gluten-free?

The basic recipe for Alice Springs Chicken is gluten-free as written, provided all processed ingredients (like mustard and mayonnaise) are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you’re cooking for someone with a gluten sensitivity.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and cook the bacon and mushrooms up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to serve, assemble everything in your baking dish, top with cheese, and bake. It’s a great dinner party trick!

What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?

To lighten up Alice Springs Chicken, try using turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese, and a light mayonnaise in the honey mustard sauce. Serve it with a big salad for a fresher, lower-calorie meal that still feels special.

Final Thoughts

Whether you grew up ordering Alice Springs Chicken at your favorite steakhouse or are discovering it for the first time, this homemade version is pure comfort food bliss. It’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds—so go ahead, give it a try tonight!

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Alice Springs Chicken is a delicious main course featuring tender chicken breasts topped with bacon, mushrooms, and melted cheese, all drizzled with a flavorful honey mustard sauce. This Outback Steakhouse copycat recipe is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Toppings:

6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

1/3 cup Dijon mustard
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice

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Instructions

Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Set aside half of the sauce for serving and use the rest for marinating.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour half of the honey mustard sauce over them. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade (discard marinade) and sear the breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer chicken to a baking dish.
Prepare the Toppings: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms for 3–4 minutes until tender. Top each chicken breast with sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese.
Bake the Chicken: Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and Serve: Drizzle with reserved honey mustard sauce and garnish with parsley if desired.