Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat)

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If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you’ve likely fallen in love with their iconic Alice Springs Chicken. This dish is a flavor-packed masterpiece featuring juicy chicken breasts, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and a golden honey mustard sauce that ties everything together. It’s creamy, savory, and downright irresistible.

Step-by-step assembly of Alice Springs Chicken: seasoned chicken breasts topped with bacon, mushrooms, and shredded cheddar cheese in a baking dish.

But what if I told you that you can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen? Yes, you can! This Alice Springs Chicken copycat recipe is surprisingly easy to make and tastes just like the original—if not better.

Fun fact: The dish is named after Alice Springs, a charming town in Australia’s Northern Territory, even though it’s not actually an Australian recipe. It’s a testament to how food can transport us to far-off places, even if only in our imaginations.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive in and bring the flavors of Outback Steakhouse to your table!

Key Benefits

Why should you make Alice Springs Chicken at home? Here are the key benefits of this recipe:

Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home: Skip the trip to Outback Steakhouse and enjoy the same savory, smoky, and creamy flavors in the comfort of your kitchen.
Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Want extra cheese? Go for it! Prefer a spicier kick? Add some chili flakes to the sauce.
Budget-Friendly: Dining out can be expensive. This homemade version costs a fraction of the price and yields generous portions.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this dish. It’s a perfect way to bring everyone together for a hearty meal.
Meal Prep Friendly: The chicken can be marinated ahead of time, and leftovers reheat beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.
Impressive Yet Easy: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly.

By making Alice Springs Chicken at home, you’re not just saving money—you’re creating a memorable dining experience for your loved ones.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Alice Springs Chicken copycat recipe:

Alice Springs Chicken served with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, and a fresh garden salad on a cozy dining table.

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

½ cup Dijon mustard
½ cup honey
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Toppings:

8 slices bacon (cooked until crispy)
1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish)

Pro Tip: Use high-quality ingredients for the best results. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged, and thick-cut bacon adds a satisfying crunch.

Section 4: Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the perfect Alice Springs Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish.
Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
Assemble the Dish:
- Spread half of the honey mustard sauce over the chicken.
- Top each breast with crispy bacon, sliced mushrooms (if using), and shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve:
- Drizzle the remaining honey mustard sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips and Variations

Here are some expert tips and creative twists to elevate your Alice Springs Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for 1-2 hours before cooking.
Add Heat: Mix a teaspoon of sriracha or cayenne pepper into the sauce for a spicy kick.
Go Veggie: Skip the bacon and add grilled zucchini or roasted red peppers for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Crispy Bacon Hack: Bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes for perfectly crispy strips.

For more tips on cooking chicken perfectly, check out this guide to cooking chicken from Serious Eats.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Alice Springs Chicken with these delicious sides for a complete meal:

Loaded Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions.
Steamed Vegetables: A side of broccoli, asparagus, or green beans adds a healthy touch.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra honey mustard sauce.
Side Salad: A simple Caesar salad or garden salad balances the richness of the dish.

For a refreshing drink pairing, try a glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon.

Looking for more side dish ideas? Check out this list of perfect side dishes from Food Network.

Conclusion

There you have it—a foolproof recipe for Alice Springs Chicken that rivals the Outback Steakhouse original. With its juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and creamy honey mustard sauce, this dish is a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

Making this recipe at home allows you to customize it to your taste and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen. Plus, it’s a fun way to bring a little bit of Outback magic to your dinner table.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start cooking! Your family and friends will thank you.

For more copycat recipes, explore this collection of restaurant-inspired dishes from Allrecipes.

FAQs

1. Can I make Alice Springs Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the honey mustard sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are a great alternative and stay extra juicy. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Dijon mustard and check other labels for hidden gluten.

5. Can I freeze Alice Springs Chicken?

Yes, but freeze it before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.