Why is it called Alice Springs Chicken?

The dish is named after Alice Springs, a famous town in the Northern Territory of Australia. Outback Steakhouse often draws inspiration from Australian names and locations, even for dishes that don’t have a direct connection to Australian cuisine. Alice Springs Chicken reflects the restaurant's theme while offering a universally appealing flavor profile.

Is Alice Springs Chicken healthy?

Alice Springs Chicken can be part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with healthy sides like roasted vegetables or a side salad. It’s protein-packed thanks to the chicken and features fresh ingredients like mushrooms. However, the cheese, bacon, and honey mustard sauce contribute to higher fat and calorie counts. For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon, a reduced-fat cheese, and a sugar-free honey mustard sauce.

What is Chicken Mary?

Chicken Mary, often referred to in Southern-style cooking, is a fried chicken dish known for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. It typically involves marinating chicken pieces in buttermilk before coating them in seasoned flour and frying. While distinct from Alice Springs Chicken, Chicken Mary shares its comfort food appeal and ability to satisfy cravings for a hearty chicken dish.

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

Q: What is the Alice Springs Chicken at Outback?

Alice Springs Chicken is a signature dish from Outback Steakhouse. It features grilled chicken breasts smothered in a rich honey mustard sauce, topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted Colby Jack cheese. This hearty, flavorful meal is a popular comfort food choice that combines savory, cheesy, and smoky elements into a single dish.

Description

Recreate the famous Alice Springs Chicken Recipe from Outback Steakhouse! Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a creamy honey mustard sauce, topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese. This smothered chicken dish is the perfect family-friendly dinner idea, packed with flavor and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

⅓ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1½ cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and minced garlic.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and coat with half of the honey mustard sauce. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms: Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside. In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms in olive oil until tender.
Pan-Sear the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Sear in the skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
Assemble the Dish: Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Top each breast with mushrooms, bacon, and shredded cheese.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Drizzle the reserved honey mustard sauce over the chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Substitute Colby Jack cheese with Monterey Jack or a cheddar blend for a flavor variation.
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure all ingredients, including Dijon mustard and honey, are certified gluten-free.
For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne or use hot honey in the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Australian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 470
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 980mg
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 41g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Alice Springs Chicken Recipe, Outback Steakhouse Chicken, Honey Mustard Chicken, Smothered Chicken