Authentic Alice Springs Chicken Recipe: How to Make It Just Like Outback

If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, chances are you’ve come across their famous Alice Springs Chicken—a decadent dish that combines juicy grilled chicken with honey mustard, crispy bacon, and melty cheese. Now, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home with ease! This recipe not only captures the essence of the original but also allows you to customize it to your taste. Let’s dive in!

Why I Love This Recipe

Alice Springs Chicken holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I tasted it at Outback—the combination of savory chicken, smoky bacon, and gooey cheese was love at first bite! Over the years, I’ve perfected my version, and it has become a family favorite. Whether we’re hosting a casual dinner or just craving comfort food, this dish always delivers. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the flavors are just as indulgent as the restaurant version.

Key Highlights

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 600 per serving

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Substitution Tips:

• Cheese: Swap out Monterey Jack for mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
• Bacon: Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be used as alternatives.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).

2. Cook the Bacon

1. While the chicken marinates, cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease.

3. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish.

4. Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place 1 strip of cooked bacon on each chicken breast, then sprinkle a mix of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses over the top.
3. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Pro Tips & Tricks

• Marination Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavor. Overnight is best if you have time.
• Bacon Placement: Criss-cross the bacon strips for even coverage and better presentation.
• Cheese Melting: Cover the baking dish with foil for the first 10 minutes to ensure the cheese melts evenly without over-browning.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
• Save the Marinade: Simmer the leftover marinade for a few minutes and use it as a dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Variations and Customization Ideas

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace honey with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol and ensure your bacon and cheese are low-carb.
• Vegetarian Twist: Use plant-based chicken and bacon alternatives.
• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Low-Fat Option: Use turkey bacon and low-fat cheese to reduce the calorie count.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade for a fragrant twist.

Serving Suggestions

Alice Springs Chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a creamy, comforting side.
• Steamed Broccoli: Adds a fresh, healthy element to the meal.
• Buttery Rolls: Perfect for soaking up the extra honey mustard sauce.
• Garden Salad: A refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Roasted Asparagus: A crispy, savory addition to your plate.

Expanded FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and cook the bacon in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.

2. How do I store leftovers?

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

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes. Freeze the baked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

4. What other cheeses work well?

Colby, mozzarella, or provolone are great substitutes if you don’t have Monterey Jack or Cheddar.

5. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely! After marinating, grill the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked. Add the bacon and cheese in the last few minutes.

6. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain the texture and flavor.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Certainly! Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or caramelized onions on top of the chicken before baking for extra flavor.

Conclusion

With this Authentic Alice Springs Chicken recipe, you can enjoy all the flavors of the Outback classic from the comfort of your home. It’s an indulgent yet simple dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is a surefire hit. So, gather your ingredients, tie on your apron, and let’s bring the taste of Outback to your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Authentic Alice Springs Chicken Recipe: How to Make It Just Like Outback

Author: Sophie Grace Courses: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 40 mins

Cooking Temp: 375  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 600

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Alice Springs Chicken its rich, cheesy flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or casual weeknight meals!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ¹⁄₄ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 4 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

   1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).

   
   Mark as complete

1. Cook the Bacon

   While the chicken marinates, cook the bacon until crispy. Set aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease.

   Mark as complete

1. Sear the Chicken

   1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   2. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish.

   Mark as complete

1. Assemble and Bake

   1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. Place 1 strip of cooked bacon on each chicken breast, then sprinkle a mix of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses over the top.
   3. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

   
   Mark as complete

1. Garnish and Serve

   1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
   2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

   
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 ServingCalories:600kcalTotal Fat:38gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol:140mgSodium:1100mgPotassium:520mgTotal Carbohydrate:9gDietary Fiber: 0gSugars: 7gProtein:46g

Note

Additional Tips for Main Dishes:

• Pairing Ideas: Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
• Occasion Suitability: Perfect for family dinners, small gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the marinade and bacon ahead of time to save effort on busy days.