Alice Springs Chicken is a signature dish made famous by Outback Steakhouse, known for its rich, savory flavor and comforting, indulgent ingredients. Named after the town of Alice Springs in Australia, this dish isn’t exactly traditional Australian fare, but it captures the heartiness and fusion style that appeals globally.
What makes it special? Juicy grilled chicken breasts are layered with a creamy honey mustard sauce, topped with crispy bacon and sautéed mushrooms, and finished with a blanket of melted cheese. It’s a mouthwatering combo of smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup Dijon mustard
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¼ cup honey
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1 tbsp lemon juice
Toppings:
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8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
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1 cup sliced mushrooms
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1 tbsp butter (for sautéing mushrooms)
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1½ cups shredded Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Substitutions:
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For a lighter sauce: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
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Dairy-free: Use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese.
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Vegetarian: Use grilled tofu or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken:
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Flatten chicken breasts to even thickness (about ¾ inch).
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Season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Grill or sear chicken in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through (5–6 minutes per side). Set aside.
2. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
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In a bowl, whisk together mayo, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth.
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Reserve ⅓ of the sauce for serving.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms:
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Melt butter in a skillet and sauté mushrooms for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and tender. Set aside.
4. Assemble the Chicken:
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Place cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
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Spread a generous layer of honey mustard sauce over each piece.
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Top with sautéed mushrooms and crispy bacon.
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Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
5. Bake or Broil:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or use a broiler setting.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes or broil for 3–5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.
6. Garnish and Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Marinate for more flavor: Marinate chicken in some of the honey mustard sauce for 2–4 hours for deeper flavor.
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Don’t overcook chicken: Use a thermometer—internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Use cast iron: For a nice sear and oven-safe transition when cooking the chicken.
Variations and Customizations
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Vegetarian Version: Use thick slices of grilled tofu or roasted portobello mushrooms.
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Gluten-Free: Ensure your mustard and mayo are certified gluten-free.
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Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the honey or use sugar-free maple syrup alternative.
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Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle to the sauce for heat.
Serving Suggestions
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Side Dishes:
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Garlic mashed potatoes
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Steamed broccoli or asparagus
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Dinner rolls or cornbread
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Side salad with ranch or vinaigrette
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Beverages:
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Iced tea
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Chardonnay or a light beer
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Sparkling water with lemon
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Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
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Calories: 580
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Protein: 43g
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Carbohydrates: 12g
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Fat: 38g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 8g
(Note: Values vary based on ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the chicken and toppings in a dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Q: Can I grill the whole dish instead of baking it?
Yes—use a grill-safe pan or foil tray, and close the lid to melt the cheese.
Q: Can I skip the mushrooms?
Absolutely. The recipe is flexible and still delicious without them.
Closing Thoughts
Alice Springs Chicken is the perfect comfort meal to bring restaurant-style flavor to your own kitchen. With its savory-sweet honey mustard, crisp bacon, and melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it for your next dinner, and don’t forget to experiment with your own twists!
Tried the recipe? Share your results or questions in the comments—we’d love to hear how it turned out!
