I remember the first time I tried Alice Springs Chicken at Outback Steakhouse—it was a special treat on a family night out. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese was nothing short of heavenly. The honey mustard sauce added a sweet and tangy kick that perfectly complemented the dish. It quickly became a family favorite, and I set out to recreate it at home so we could enjoy it anytime we wanted.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its rich flavors but also in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can transform ordinary chicken breasts into a dish that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts
½ cup mustard
6 slices of bacon
½ cup honey
2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cups grated Colby/Jack cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Prepare the Chicken: Begin by sprinkling the 4 boneless chicken breasts with seasoning salt. Rub the salt into the chicken breasts to ensure they are evenly coated.
Refrigerate: Cover the seasoned chicken breasts with plastic wrap or foil and place them in the refrigerator. Let them chill for 30 minutes. This step helps the seasoning penetrate the meat, enhancing its flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Heat the Skillet: While the chicken is chilling, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 6 slices of bacon to the skillet.
Cook Until Crispy: Fry the bacon until it is crispy and golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon.
Set Aside: Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Do not scrape the grease from the skillet; you’ll use it to cook the chicken.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat the Bacon Grease: With the skillet still over medium heat, the residual bacon grease will be used to fry the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Place the chilled chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook each side for 3-5 minutes or until they are golden brown. The bacon grease adds a delicious flavor to the chicken.
Prepare for Baking: Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. The baking dish will hold the chicken while it bakes with the toppings.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the ½ cup mustard, ½ cup honey, and 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
Adjust Flavor: Taste the honey mustard sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess according to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey. For extra tang, add a bit more mustard.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Apply Honey Mustard: Spread a generous layer of the prepared honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast.
Add Toppings: Top each piece of chicken with a layer of sliced mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and 2 cups of grated Colby/Jack cheese. The cheese will melt into a gooey, flavorful topping that ties the dish together.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.
Check Doneness: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken breast.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish and Serve: Once the dish is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the chicken.
Add Extra Sauce: Serve the chicken with the remaining honey mustard sauce on the side, if desired. This adds an extra layer of flavor and allows everyone to add more sauce to their taste.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Options: If you prefer a different cheese, you can substitute the Colby/Jack cheese with Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella. Each cheese will add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or onions to the dish. Simply sauté them along with the mushrooms before adding them to the chicken.
Dietary Adjustments: For a lower-fat version, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. You can also use reduced-fat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese substitute to accommodate dietary preferences.
Honey Mustard Alternatives: If you don’t have dried onion flakes, you can use fresh chopped onions or onion powder instead. You can also experiment with different types of mustard, such as Dijon or spicy brown, to alter the flavor profile of the sauce.
Conclusion
Alice Springs Outback Steakhouse Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the taste of a beloved restaurant favorite right to your kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The honey mustard sauce adds a delightful sweet and tangy note that elevates the dish and makes it even more irresistible.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, Alice Springs Chicken is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious dish and savor the delicious flavors with every bite.
