Have you ever taken a bite of something so delicious that you immediately thought, “How do they do it?” That’s exactly how I felt the first time I tried the Alice Springs Chicken at Outback Steakhouse. Between the tender chicken, the crispy turkey bacon, and that gooey Colby Jack cheese, I knew I had to figure out how to recreate this magic at home. And guess what? It’s easier than you think to bring this restaurant favorite to your kitchen!
This Alice Springs Chicken recipe has everything you love about the Outback original. Juicy, marinated chicken breasts are topped with earthy sautéed mushrooms, crispy turkey bacon, and a layer of melty cheese. The star of the show? A tangy, sweet honey mustard sauce that ties everything together perfectly. If you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts comforting and impressive, you’ve just found it.
Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleaser, starting with the essential marinade and sauce. Trust me—this is what makes the chicken so mouthwatering!
Step 1: Preparing the Marinade and Sauce
The secret to nailing this recipe is the marinade. Not only does it infuse the chicken with flavor, but it also doubles as a dipping sauce that’s almost impossible to resist. Here’s how to whip it up:
- Ingredients for the Marinade and Sauce:
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth. It’s that simple! The balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy makes this sauce unforgettable. Once it’s mixed, set aside ¼ cup of the sauce in the fridge for serving later. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to dip that perfectly cooked chicken!
Step 2: Marinating the Chicken
Now that your sauce is ready, let’s get those chicken breasts soaking up all that goodness.
- Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds total) into a large resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, seal the bag, and give it a little shake to ensure the chicken is well-coated.
- Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, let it sit overnight—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
While the chicken is marinating, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step sets you up for that final, cheesy finish in the oven later. Pro tip: Make sure you have an oven-proof skillet handy for seamless cooking from stovetop to oven.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
No Alice Springs Chicken is complete without a layer of mushrooms. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in your oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once it begins to foam, toss in 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
- Sauté the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and take on a nice golden-brown color. Once they’re ready, transfer the mushrooms to a plate and set them aside.
Cooking the mushrooms separately ensures they stay tender and flavorful, ready to shine on top of your chicken.
Bringing It All Together – Cooking and Assembling Alice Springs Chicken
Welcome back! If you’ve been following along, you’ve already prepared the flavorful honey mustard sauce, marinated the chicken, and sautéed those golden mushrooms. Now it’s time to take things to the next level by cooking the chicken, layering the toppings, and finishing everything in the oven for that signature Outback Steakhouse touch.
Step 5: Cooking the Chicken
Cooking the chicken to golden perfection is key for achieving the ideal texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the Skillet: Using the same skillet where you cooked the mushrooms, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (discard the used marinade). Season both sides of the chicken with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes on each side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. This step locks in all the juices and creates a flavorful base for the toppings.
Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked at this stage—it will finish in the oven. Once the chicken is seared, turn off the heat and keep it in the skillet. This oven-proof pan will save you from transferring everything to a baking dish later.
Step 6: Assembling the Toppings
This is where the magic happens—time to layer all those delicious toppings!
- Mushrooms and Turkey Bacon: Start by evenly distributing the sautéed mushrooms over the top of each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle on 4 slices of chopped, crispy turkey bacon. (Tip: Cut the turkey bacon into 2-inch pieces before adding for easy eating!)
- Cheese: Generously sprinkle 2 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the mushrooms and turkey bacon. Don’t skimp here—the cheese is what ties all the flavors together. As it melts in the oven, it forms a gooey, irresistible layer that’s hard to beat.
Step 7: Baking the Chicken
Now that your chicken is dressed to impress, it’s time to bake it to juicy, cheesy perfection.
- Cover the Skillet: Cover the skillet with a lid or a piece of foil to trap the heat and ensure the chicken stays moist.
- Bake: Place the covered skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
As the chicken bakes, the flavors meld together beautifully. The marinade’s sweetness, the savory turkey bacon, and the earthy mushrooms create a restaurant-quality dish that’s just begging to be served.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches and dig in!
- Garnish: Once the chicken is out of the oven, sprinkle it with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This step is optional but adds a nice visual appeal.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the chicken hot, with the reserved honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping. The sauce adds an extra burst of flavor to every bite, making it truly irresistible.
For sides, I love pairing this dish with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. You could even go classic steakhouse style with a loaded baked potato!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Rush the Marinade: If you can, let the chicken marinate overnight. The longer it soaks, the deeper the flavor.
- Cheese Melting Tip: If you want extra gooey cheese, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
- Use an Oven Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, invest in a meat thermometer. It’s the best way to ensure the chicken reaches that safe internal temperature without overcooking.
FAQ Section and Conclusion
You’ve made it through the recipe, and your kitchen is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of Alice Springs Chicken. Before we wrap up, let’s address some common questions to ensure you nail this dish every single time. Plus, I’ll leave you with some final thoughts to inspire you to make this recipe your own.
FAQ Section: Your Alice Springs Chicken Questions Answered
1. Can I use a different cheese instead of Colby Jack?
Absolutely! While Colby Jack gives a classic flavor and melts beautifully, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even mozzarella. Want to mix things up? Try a blend of cheeses for an extra layer of flavor.
2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken breast—it should be white and opaque, with no pink.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and even sauté the mushrooms and cook the turkey bacon the day before. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble the toppings and bake as directed.
4. What if I don’t have an oven-proof skillet?
No problem! After searing the chicken, transfer it to a baking dish, assemble the toppings, and bake in the oven. Be sure to cover the dish with foil to retain moisture.
5. Can I make this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely. This recipe is easy to scale. Just multiply the ingredients as needed and use a large baking dish to accommodate more chicken breasts. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
6. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
7. Can I make a lighter version of this dish?
To make it lighter, use reduced-fat cheese, turkey bacon, and swap mayonnaise in the sauce for Greek yogurt. You can also opt for chicken thighs if you prefer a leaner cut.
Conclusion: A Dish Worth Repeating
And there you have it—a foolproof way to recreate Outback Steakhouse’s famous Alice Springs Chicken right in your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or even impressing your guests at a small gathering. The combination of flavors and textures—the tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, savory mushrooms, and gooey cheese—is simply irresistible.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. You can customize it with different cheeses, add more vegetables like bell peppers or onions, or even swap chicken for pork chops. The honey mustard sauce is a star in its own right—don’t be surprised if you find yourself using it for other dishes, from dipping fries to drizzling over roasted veggies.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add your own twist? Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations on social media. You’ve officially unlocked a restaurant-quality meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Happy cooking!
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Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes (excluding marinating time)
Description
This copycat recipe recreates the magic of Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken: tender marinated chicken breasts, smothered in sautéed mushrooms, crispy turkey bacon, and melty Colby Jack cheese. Serve it with a side of honey mustard sauce for the ultimate restaurant-style meal at home!
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Sauce:
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 slices cooked turkey bacon, chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Marinade and Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth.
Set aside ¼ cup of the sauce in the refrigerator for serving.
Place chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
2️⃣ Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3️⃣ Sauté the Mushrooms
In a large oven-proof skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat until it begins to foam.
Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until they release their moisture and brown slightly. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.
4️⃣ Cook the Chicken
In the same skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering.
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off, and place them in the skillet in a single layer. Discard the marinade.
Cook the chicken without moving it for about 5 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
5️⃣ Assemble the Toppings
Evenly distribute the sautéed mushrooms and chopped turkey bacon over the chicken breasts.
Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese generously on top.
6️⃣ Bake the Chicken
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is fully melted.
7️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley if desired.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with the reserved honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Make It Ahead: The marinade can be prepared a day in advance, making this dish even easier to assemble.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try Monterey Jack or a sharp cheddar if you don’t have Colby Jack on hand.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
