How to Make Outback’s Alice Springs Chicken at Home (Step-by-Step)

juicy, tender chicken breasts smothered in a tangy honey mustard sauce, topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a gooey layer of melted cheese. Sounds like a meal straight from Outback Steakhouse, right? Well, what if I told you that you could recreate their iconic Alice Springs Chicken right in your own kitchen?

Whether you’re a fan of Outback’s Aussie-inspired menu or just love a hearty, flavor-packed chicken dish, this step-by-step guide will help you nail every detail. From the perfect honey mustard sauce to the art of melting cheese just right, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll throw in some unique tips, personal anecdotes, and even a few healthier twists to make this recipe your own. Ready to embark on your own Alice Springs adventure? Let’s dive in!

Introduction: The Allure of Alice Springs Chicken

There’s something magical about Alice Springs Chicken. Maybe it’s the way the sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce dances on your taste buds, or how the crispy bacon and melty cheese create a symphony of textures. For years, Outback Steakhouse has been serving up this dish as one of their most beloved menu items, and it’s easy to see why. It’s comfort food at its finest, yet it feels indulgent enough for a special occasion.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of recreating this Outback copycat recipe at home. But we’re not just giving you a recipe—we’re diving deep into the history, the secrets behind each component, and even some creative twists to make it your own. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a kitchen newbie, you’ll find actionable tips, expert insights, and plenty of inspiration to make this dish a hit at your dinner table.

A Trip Down Under: The History of Alice Springs Chicken

Before we get our hands messy in the kitchen, let’s take a quick trip to understand where Alice Springs Chicken came from. Outback Steakhouse, despite its name, isn’t actually Australian—it’s an American chain founded in 1988, inspired by the rugged, adventurous spirit of the Australian Outback. The menu is packed with dishes that nod to Aussie culture, and Alice Springs Chicken is no exception.

Named after Alice Springs, a remote town in Australia’s Northern Territory, this dish captures the bold flavors and hearty portions that Outback is known for. While it’s not a traditional Australian recipe, it’s become a staple of the chain’s menu, loved for its unique combination of honey mustard sauce, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese. Think of it as a culinary tribute to the Outback’s adventurous vibe, even if it was born in a Tampa, Florida, test kitchen!

“Outback’s menu is all about bold flavors and generous portions, and Alice Springs Chicken is the perfect example of that philosophy.”
Culinary Hill

The Secret Ingredient: Honey Mustard Sauce

Let’s be real: the honey mustard sauce is the star of Alice Springs Chicken. It’s the sweet, tangy glue that ties all the flavors together, and getting it right is key to an authentic Outback copycat experience. The good news? It’s super easy to make at home with just a handful of ingredients.

Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need:

• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (for creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a zesty kick)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust—add more honey for sweetness or more mustard for tanginess.
3. Set aside half for marinating the chicken and the other half for drizzling over the finished dish.

Tips for the Perfect Sauce

• Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for a brighter flavor.
• Balance is Key: If the sauce feels too sweet, add a touch more Dijon mustard. Too tangy? A little extra honey will do the trick.

“The key to a great honey mustard sauce is balancing the sweetness of the honey with the bite of the mustard. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to your taste!”
Budget Bytes

Want to explore more ways to use this delicious sauce? Check out our upcoming article on “5 Creative Uses for Honey Mustard Sauce Beyond Chicken” for inspiration!

Choosing and Preparing the Chicken

Now, let’s talk about the heart of the dish: the chicken. For Alice Springs Chicken, you want chicken breasts that are juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked. Here’s how to choose and prepare them like a pro.

Choosing the Best Chicken

• Cut: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean, easy to work with, and cook evenly.
• Size: Look for medium-sized breasts (about 6-8 ounces each) to ensure they cook through without drying out.

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

Marinating is crucial for juicy, flavorful chicken. Use half of your honey mustard sauce as a marinade. Here’s how:

1. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This ensures even cooking.
2. Marinate: Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour in half of the honey mustard sauce. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Pat Dry: Before cooking, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it brown beautifully.

Cooking Methods

You have two great options for cooking the chicken:

• Pan-Searing: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Love juicy chicken dishes? Try our Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole for another delicious option!

Perfecting the Toppings

What sets Alice Springs Chicken apart are its toppings: crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melty cheese. Let’s break down how to nail each one.

Crispy Bacon

• Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for a hearty crunch.
• Cooking: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Sautéed Mushrooms

• Selection: Use cremini or button mushrooms for their earthy flavor.
• Cooking: Slice the mushrooms thinly. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, add the mushrooms, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until golden and tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Melty Cheese

• Selection: Outback uses a blend of Colby Jack and Monterey Jack for their perfect melt and mild flavor.
• Tip: Shred your own cheese for better melting—pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture.

“Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded, giving you that gooey, restaurant-quality finish.”
Melissa Jo Real Recipes

Curious about other cheesy chicken dishes? Check out our Chicken Parm Sandwich for inspiration!

Step-by-Step Recipe: Bringing It All Together

Now it’s time to put it all together. Here’s your detailed step-by-step recipe for Alice Springs Chicken:

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
• ½ cup honey mustard sauce (see recipe above)
• 8 slices thick-cut bacon
• 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, marinate in half of the honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes, then pat dry.
2. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble into pieces.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms: In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the mushrooms until golden. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook the Chicken: Pan-sear or bake the chicken until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
5. Assemble: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the cooked chicken on a baking sheet. Top each breast with sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and a generous handful of Colby Jack and Monterey Jack cheese.
6. Broil: Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning!
7. Serve: Drizzle with the reserved honey mustard sauce and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Visual Description

Imagine golden-brown chicken glistening under a blanket of melted cheese, with crispy bacon peeking through and tender mushrooms adding an earthy touch. The honey mustard sauce drizzled on top ties it all together, creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Want a visual guide to perfecting this dish? Stay tuned for our upcoming article, “Visual Guide to Perfecting Alice Springs Chicken at Home”!

Variations and Substitutions

Not everyone’s tastes or dietary needs are the same, so here are some ways to customize Alice Springs Chicken:

• Healthier Option: Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon and use low-fat cheese to cut calories.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your Dijon mustard and mayonnaise are gluten-free—most are, but always check labels.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the mayonnaise in the sauce with a vegan alternative.
• Mushroom-Free: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, simply omit them—the dish will still be delicious!

For more healthy chicken ideas, check out our Southwest Chicken Salad recipe!

Serving Suggestions

Alice Springs Chicken is a hearty dish, so it pairs beautifully with simple, flavorful sides. Here are some ideas:

• Sides: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad.
• Drinks: Pair with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing iced tea.

Looking for more side dish inspiration? Stay tuned for our upcoming article, “Best Sides to Complement Savory Chicken Dishes”!

FAQ: Answering Your Burning Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Alice Springs Chicken, based on insights from top recipe sites:

For more troubleshooting tips, watch for our upcoming article, “Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Alice Springs Chicken”!

Conclusion: Your Own Alice Springs Adventure

There you have it—your complete guide to making Outback’s Alice Springs Chicken at home! From the tangy honey mustard sauce to the crispy bacon and melty cheese, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of our variations, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those chicken breasts, whip up some honey mustard sauce, and get cooking! And hey, if you loved this recipe, why not sign up for our newsletter for more restaurant copycat recipes? We’d also love to hear about your experience—drop a comment below and share your tips or twists!

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