Alice Springs Chicken is a rich, honey-mustard–topped chicken dish inspired by Outback Steakhouse. This copycat version is made from scratch: seasoned chicken breasts are browned, smothered with a simple honey mustard sauce, and finished with bacon and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Optional sautéed mushrooms add extra depth. It’s comforting, simple, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special family meal.
Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
This easy Alice Springs Chicken recipe recreates the flavors of the restaurant classic at home. The dish combines juicy, seasoned chicken with a creamy honey mustard sauce, smoky bacon, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a straightforward recipe that yields a satisfying, restaurant-style result without complicated steps. If you enjoy honey-mustard flavors and cheesy baked chicken, this will likely become a favorite.
FAQ
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a popular entrée that features grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts topped with sautéed mushrooms (optional), crisp bacon, melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese, and a creamy honey mustard sauce. Traditionally served with fries or mashed potatoes, this version focuses on the classic combination of tangy-sweet sauce, savory bacon, and melted cheese.
Why is it called Alice Springs Chicken?
The name evokes an Australian theme tied to Outback Steakhouse’s branding. Alice Springs is a town in central Australia, and the dish name fits the restaurant’s overall Australian-inspired menu naming.
How is the chicken prepared for this dish?
At restaurants, the chicken is typically seasoned and cooked quickly for service, then layered with toppings. For home cooking, searing the seasoned chicken in a bit of oil before baking locks in flavor and color. If you prefer extra-tender chicken, a brief quick-tenderizer technique with baking soda and a short soak can help—see the Notes section for details.
How do you make the honey mustard sauce?
This copycat sauce is simple: start with a creamy base of mayonnaise, add honey to taste, and blend in Dijon or stone-ground mustard until balanced. Adjust proportions for sweetness and tang until the sauce reaches a smooth, slightly opaque texture and a pleasant honey-mustard flavor.
What kind of mustard works best?
Dijon mustard gives a smooth, sharp flavor similar to the restaurant version, while stone-ground mustard adds texture and a more robust mustard character. Both work well; choose based on your preference.
Tips for Alice Springs Chicken Dinner:
- Cook and freeze bacon ahead of time for a big shortcut when assembling the dish.
- Slice Monterey Jack instead of shredding it to keep the cheese moist and melty during baking.
- If you want mushrooms, use pre-sliced canned mushrooms (drained) or quickly sauté fresh button mushrooms in a little oil.
- Make dinner faster by pairing the chicken with a microwaved baked potato or quick mashed potatoes.
Other Chicken Dinners To Try:
- Chicken Piccata (Olive Garden–style)
- Sizzling Chicken and Cheese (TGI Friday’s–style)
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Instant Pot Mississippi Chicken
How To Make Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat):
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Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat)
Alice Springs Chicken is a creamy, honey-mustard–topped chicken bake featuring seasoned chicken breasts, bacon, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Optional mushrooms can be added for extra flavor. This copycat recipe is simple to prepare and ideal for weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 30 mins Total Time: 40 mins
Servings: 6 Course: Main Dish Cuisine: American
Equipment
- Non-stick frying pan
- 9×13 baking dish
Ingredients
Alice Springs Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, horizontally sliced in half
- 6 slices cooked bacon
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, sliced or shredded
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 2 tsp stone-ground mustard (or Dijon to taste)
Instructions
How To Make Alice Springs Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan and brown the chicken on both sides until golden. Transfer the browned chicken to a 9×13 baking dish.
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and mustard to make the honey mustard sauce. Spread a layer of the sauce over each chicken piece, then top with sliced or shredded Monterey Jack cheese and crumbled or chopped bacon. If using mushrooms, add cooked mushrooms on top before the cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot with extra honey mustard sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Mushrooms: Omit or include according to preference. For fresh mushrooms, sauté 1 cup of sliced white button mushrooms in 1 tablespoon oil until golden. Canned mushrooms can be used drained for a convenient shortcut.
- Quick Meat Tenderizer: For extra-tender chicken, mix 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 2 tbsp vinegar, and 1 tsp salt into enough cold water to cover the chicken. Soak the chicken for 20 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before seasoning and cooking. This technique helps produce very tender results.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 500 kcal | Carbs: 4 g | Protein: 44 g | Fat: 33 g
Additional approximate values: Saturated Fat 12 g, Cholesterol 150 mg, Sodium 620 mg, Potassium 632 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 3 g, Calcium 289 mg, Iron 1 mg.
Percent daily values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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