There’s something truly special about the Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe—it’s a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and smoky flavors that will have you swooning over every bite. Inspired by the famous Aussie Outback Steakhouse dish, this homemade version is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly comforting. It’s a fantastic way to wow your family or friends without spending all day in the kitchen!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Unforgettable flavor combo: The honey mustard sauce, smoky bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and gooey cheese deliver a mouthwatering medley that’s hard to beat.
Simple ingredients, big impact: You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find items—just everyday pantry staples coming together beautifully.
Family-friendly crowd-pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone loves this hearty chicken dish that tastes like it’s from a restaurant.
Quick weeknight option: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for busy evenings without skimping on taste or presentation.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Each ingredient in this Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe plays a critical role, from adding creaminess and sweetness to contributing savory depth and texture. Simple yet essential, these ingredients come together to create that iconic burst of flavor and luscious mouthfeel.
- Chicken breasts: Pounding them to an even thickness ensures juicy, evenly cooked meat every time.
- Mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice: The creamy, tangy honey mustard marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing bright, layered flavors.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds smoky crunch and richness on top of the chicken.
- Mushrooms and yellow onion: Sautéed together, they bring an earthy sweetness that perfectly complements the bacon and sauces.
- Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese: Melty, flavorful cheese blankets the dish, making every bite indulgent.
- Butter and smoked paprika: These elevate the savory profile and give a subtle warmth to the chicken.
- Fresh parsley: Used as a garnish, it adds a lovely hint of herbaceous freshness.
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ¾-inch, which helps them cook uniformly and stay juicy. Then whisk together the mayo, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to create that signature tangy-sweet marinade. Coat the chicken well, pop it in a zip-top bag, and let it soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes—or overnight if you plan ahead. This simple step really makes the chicken tender and bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Cook Bacon, Mushrooms & Onions
While your chicken soaks up the marinade, crisp up your bacon in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it’s perfectly crunchy. Set it aside to drain, leaving about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan. This flavor-packed fat is the base for sautéing the sliced mushrooms and onions, which should be cooked until golden and tender—about 5 to 7 minutes. This trio of bacon, mushrooms, and onions forms the heart of the savory topping that makes this dish unforgettable.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Add a bit of butter to your skillet with the reserved bacon grease and bring it to a melt. Remove chicken from the marinade and generously season each piece with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for a gentle smoky kick. Place the chicken into the hot pan and let it develop a golden crust on the bottom without moving it for about 5 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes. The chicken isn’t fully cooked yet, but this sear locks in the juices and builds flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Toppings & Bake
Remove your skillet from heat and layer the crispy bacon halves evenly on top of each chicken breast. Next, pile on the sautéed mushrooms and onions, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over everything. Slide the skillet into your preheated 400°F oven and bake uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes—just long enough for the cheese to melt beautifully and for the chicken to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This final step melds all those glorious flavors together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it up with the reserved honey mustard sauce on the side to drench your chicken in even more delightful flavor where every forkful is a celebration.
How to Serve Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the chopped parsley, consider adding a light drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a vibrant finish. Fresh herbs like chives or thyme can also bring an elegant touch and a refreshing note to each serving.
Side Dishes
This Alice Springs Chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides—think creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of buttery rice or creamy polenta. You can also turn it into a hearty sandwich by layering the chicken and toppings on toasted buns, adding some fresh lettuce and tomato for crunch and brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Alice Springs Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the chicken juicy, reheat covered in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or pop it in the air fryer for a few minutes to refresh the crisp bacon and melted cheese.
Freezing
You can also freeze this dish if you want to enjoy it later! Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to retain that perfect flavor and texture.
Reheating
Whether you’re reheating from chilled or thawed, the oven or air fryer are your best bets to retain the crispy bacon and gooey cheese quality. A quick zap in the microwave works, too—just be mindful of overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make a delicious alternative and tend to be juicier. Just adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the marinade?
If you prefer, you can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to keep it creamy yet slightly lighter, or try sour cream for a tangy depth—both will still help tenderize the chicken and complement the honey mustard flavors.
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Is there a way to make the Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe healthier?
Definitely! Use turkey bacon or omit the bacon for fewer calories, and opt for reduced-fat cheese. Pairing the dish with a generous side of steamed or roasted vegetables also adds nutrients while balancing the richness.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Marinate the chicken the night before and have your sautéed mushrooms, onions, and cooked bacon ready to go. Then assemble and bake right before serving so it’s fresh, hot, and impressively flavorful for your guests.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to dishes for family dinners and special occasions alike. It’s a delightful combination of comforting flavors that’s both easy to make and thoroughly satisfying. So grab your skillet and get ready to treat yourself—you deserve this delicious experience!
Print
Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a delicious Outback Steakhouse copycat, featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a honey mustard sauce, topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfectly seared on the stovetop and finished in the oven, this flavorful dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ to 2 pounds)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Toppings and Seasonings
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ¾ inch, then place in a large resealable bag.
- Make and apply marinade: Whisk mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Pour half the sauce into the bag with chicken and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Reserve the other half for serving.
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Cook bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
- Sauté mushrooms and onions: Add sliced mushrooms and onions to the bacon grease. Cook 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned, then transfer to a plate.
- Sear chicken: Add butter to the skillet. Remove chicken from marinade, season with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides. Once butter melts, place chicken breasts in pan and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook 3 more minutes. Chicken will be partially cooked.
- Add toppings: Remove pan from heat. Arrange bacon slices over each chicken breast, top with sautéed mushrooms and onions, then sprinkle with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Bake: Transfer pan to preheated oven and bake uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce on the side.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 7-9 minutes. Microwave reheating for 1-2 minutes is also an option.
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Substitutions: Substitute Colby Jack cheese for the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses or use other melty cheeses like Swiss, Provolone, or Mozzarella.
