Make the Outback Steakhouse’s magic at home with this Alice Springs Chicken recipe. It’s a tasty dish with marinated chicken, honey mustard sauce, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and Colby Jack cheese. Chef Meggan Hill created it, making it easy to prepare in just over an hour.

This recipe is great for those who love chicken breast or want to try Australian flavors. It’s a mix of American and Australian cooking, offering a unique taste experience.

Key Takeaways

• Total preparation and cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes.
• Serves: 4 servings with 766 calories per serving.
• The dish combines American and Australian culinary styles.
• Primary ingredients include marinated chicken breasts, mushrooms, bacon, and Colby Jack cheese.
• Perfect for fans of grilled chicken recipes looking for an Outback Steakhouse favorite.

What Makes Alice Springs Chicken Special?

Alice Springs Chicken is a favorite on the Outback Steakhouse menu. It’s only 1% of their dishes, but it’s very popular. So, what makes it stand out from other recipes?

The History Behind the Dish

This dish comes from Australia, named after Alice Springs. It’s loved by Americans, thanks to Outback Steakhouse. They mixed Australian flavors with American tastes.

The result is a dish with honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese.

Popular Variations of the Recipe

The Alice Springs Chicken is loved for its flexibility. You can use chicken breasts or thighs, or even grilled veggies for a veggie option. Chefs like Alyona Demyanchuk and Meggan Hill have shown many ways to make it.

By adding spices, changing the cheese, or adjusting the marinade, you can make it your own. This makes it a hit with many people.

Ingredients for the Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe uses key ingredients for a tasty dish. This section will list the main and optional ingredients needed to make this Outback Steakhouse-inspired classic at home.

Main Ingredients

The main parts of the Alice Springs Chicken recipe give it a rich flavor.

• Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the main protein.
• Honey Mustard Sauce: This sauce is made from 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup honey, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, and fresh lemon juice. It’s crucial to the recipe.
• Mushrooms: 8 oz of mushrooms, cleaned and sliced, are sautéed in 1 tbsp of butter for 7-10 minutes until tender.
• Cooked Bacon: 4 slices of bacon, one for each chicken piece, are cooked for easy addition. Cooking bacon in the oven is a convenient option.
• Cheese: 6 oz of shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese add creaminess and depth.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley is used for garnishing.
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings.

Optional Ingredients

These ingredients can be added or left out based on personal taste or dietary needs. They allow for customization of the Alice Springs Chicken recipe.

• Mushrooms: Mushrooms are a key part of the mushroom chicken recipe, but they can be skipped if you don’t like them.
• Cheese Variety: You can use other cheeses like Mozzarella or Provolone for a different taste.
• Meat Tenderizer: Some recipes suggest using a quick meat tenderizer for extra tender chicken.
• Additional Bacon: For a richer bacon chicken recipe, you can add two slices of bacon per chicken piece instead of one.

Whether you stick to the original recipe or try variations, these ingredients will help you make a delicious homemade Alice Springs Chicken.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Making Alice Springs Chicken is fun and easy. It involves marinating, sautéing, and baking. This easy chicken recipe will guide you through each step. You’ll learn how to make this traditional chicken recipe in your kitchen.

Preparing the Marinade

First, mix the marinade ingredients. You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Whisk these together until smooth. This honey mustard marinade adds rich flavors to the chicken.

Marinating the Chicken

Now, take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. For the best taste, marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Marinating makes the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Cooking Instructions

After marinating, it’s time to cook the chicken. Follow these cooking instructions traditional chicken recipe for perfect Alice Springs Chicken:

1. Preheat: Preheat your grill to medium heat or 350°F.
2. Grill the Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Saute the Mushrooms: While the chicken is grilling, sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms in a pan for approximately 8 minutes until tender.
4. Prepare Bacon: Cook 8 slices of bacon till crispy, then chop into 2-inch pieces.
5. Assembly: Transfer the grilled chicken to a baking dish. Top with sautéed mushrooms, chopped bacon, and 2 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese.
6. Bake: Bake the assembled dish covered for 20 minutes at 375°F.

Your Alice Springs Chicken is now ready to serve! The tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese make a delicious dish. It’s sure to be a hit at any meal.

Tips for Perfecting Your Alice Springs Chicken

To make the best Alice Springs Chicken, follow these expert tips. They cover marination and cooking methods for tender and flavorful results.

Marination Time

The marination time is crucial for a great chicken recipe. Experts say to marinate for at least two hours. But, marinating overnight is even better.

The marinade has ⅔ cup of mustard, ⅔ cup of honey, 1 tbsp of onion flakes, 1 tsp of lemon juice, and 3 tbsp of mayonnaise. This mix makes the chicken taste amazing.

Cooking Techniques

Learning the right cooking techniques is key. Start by searing the chicken breasts in hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side. This creates a golden crust.

Then, bake the chicken at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Make sure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside. This keeps it juicy and cooked right.

Adding sautéed mushrooms makes the dish richer. Sauté 2 cups of sliced white mushrooms in butter. Top the chicken with bacon and a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and bubbles.

The table below shows what you need for a tasty dish:

By using these marination and cooking tips, making the perfect Alice Springs Chicken is easy. You’ll get a dish that’s both tasty and satisfying.

Cooking Equipment You Will Need

To make the Alice Springs Chicken recipe, you need the right tools. Here’s a guide on what kitchen equipment you’ll need. It will help you cook smoothly and efficiently.

First, you’ll need an oven-proof or large skillet. It’s great for moving from stove to oven. This ensures your chicken cooks evenly. A plastic zipper-top bag is also key for marinating the chicken. It lets the flavors mix well over time.

Use a whisk to mix the marinade for a smooth blend. Have a separate bowl for the mushrooms. This helps them cook right and keeps their texture. An internal thermometer is crucial to check the chicken’s internal temperature of 165ºF.

• Oven-proof or large skillet
• Plastic zipper-top bag
• Whisk
• Bowl for mushrooms
• Internal thermometer
• Sharp knife

A sharp knife is also important. It’s great for slicing ingredients precisely. This is especially useful for cutting chicken breasts evenly. Even thickness is key for uniform cooking.

The table below lists the essential kitchen equipment for this recipe:

Using this equipment makes cooking easier. It also improves your Alice Springs Chicken. You’ll feel like you’re dining at Outback Steakhouse right in your kitchen.

How to Serve Alice Springs Chicken

Serving Alice Springs Chicken right makes the dish shine. It also makes your meal feel like a fancy restaurant at home. Pair it with sides that complement its flavors.

• Steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli
• Twice-baked or mashed potatoes for a filling choice
• Rice to soak up the honey mustard sauce
• A fresh green salad with ranch dressing for balance

Having extra honey mustard sauce on the side lets everyone adjust the flavor. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.

To get the true taste of Australia, grill the chicken well. Make sure the cheese is melted and the bacon is crispy. This mix will make your meal feel like a fancy restaurant.

For a great look, try this:

1. Put the chicken in the middle and arrange sides around it.
2. Drizzle extra honey mustard sauce over the top.
3. Add chopped parsley for a pop of color.

By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a complete and tasty meal. It will feel like dining at a top restaurant.

Nutrition Information

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a tasty mix of flavors and nutrients. It’s inspired by Outback Steakhouse’s dish and is full of calories and protein. For example, Meggan Hill’s version has about 766 calories per serving. Let’s explore the nutrition facts of this popular dish.

Calories and Macros

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe has the following nutrients per serving:

• Calories: 766
• Carbohydrates: 41 grams
• Protein: 46 grams
• Fat: 48 grams
• Saturated Fat: 21 grams

This recipe is a great choice for a balanced diet. It gives you lots of energy and helps with muscle growth and repair.

Health Benefits

The Alice Springs Chicken is not just tasty, but also good for you:

• High Protein Content: With 46 grams of protein, it helps repair and grow muscles.
• Rich in Essential Vitamins and Minerals: It has calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C, which are good for your body.
• Low-Carb Option: It has 41 grams of carbs, making it good for low-carb diets.
• Energy Boost: Its balanced calories give you enough energy for the day.

The honey mustard sauce in this recipe adds flavor and keeps it healthy. Here are its nutritional details:

These nutrition facts show that Alice Springs Chicken is both delicious and healthy. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner or a special weekend meal. This beloved recipe satisfies your taste buds and nourishes your body.

Alice Springs Chicken in an Oven vs. Skillet

Choosing how to cook Alice Springs Chicken can be a bit tricky. Both oven and skillet methods have their good and bad sides. The outcome and your kitchen tools play a big role in the final dish.

Pros and Cons of Each Method

Oven cooking spreads heat evenly, which is key for melted cheese and cooked chicken. Preheat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. This method is great with an oven-proof skillet for easy transition from stovetop to oven. However, it takes longer and might need more appliances.

Skillet cooking, on the other hand, lets you control the searing. This creates a crispy crust and richer flavors. Cooking bacon for 5-7 minutes and searing chicken can improve its texture. But, getting the cheese melted might need extra steps or constant attention to avoid burning.

Recommended Kitchen Equipment

For oven cooking, a good 9×13 baking dish is best for even cooking and easy cleaning. Skillet cooking benefits from a non-stick frying pan for a perfect sear. Using both with an oven-proof skillet can make cooking Alice Springs Chicken a breeze and fun.

Knowing the pros and cons of oven and skillet cooking can help make your Alice Springs Chicken more delicious and satisfying.