Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken Copycat: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe
Craving that iconic, flavor-packed dish from Outback Steakhouse? Look no further! Our **Alice Springs Chicken copycat recipe** brings the deliciousness of this restaurant favorite right to your kitchen. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, generously smothered in a rich, tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce, then topped with crisp bacon, a melty blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, and savory sautéed mushrooms (if you wish!). It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that promises to impress your taste buds and become a cherished addition to your weekly dinner rotation.
This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Recreating this beloved dish at home means you can enjoy that restaurant quality without the wait or the price tag. Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made it from scratch, exactly to your liking. Get ready to transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary delight!
If you love Outback Steakhouse, why not try some of our other favorite copycat recipes that you can easily make right at home? Pair your Alice Springs Chicken with a side of Outback Broccoli and Cheese or bake up a batch of their signature Outback Bread Rolls for the complete restaurant experience!
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a celebrated chicken dish from the popular Australian-themed casual dining chain, Outback Steakhouse. It’s renowned for its layers of rich flavor and satisfying ingredients. The dish typically features perfectly grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts, generously slathered with a signature honey mustard sauce. This sweet and savory base is then topped with a hearty combination of crisp bacon, melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses, and tender sautéed mushrooms. It’s often served with classic sides like Aussie fries or a baked potato, creating a fulfilling and utterly delicious meal.
A Glimpse into its Origin: The Australian Connection
The name “Alice Springs Chicken” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s inspired by the actual town of Alice Springs in Australia. The founders of Outback Steakhouse embraced an Australian theme for their restaurant, extending this concept to their menu item names. This explains why you might also find a “Joey Menu” (referring to a young kangaroo) for children’s meals. It’s all part of creating an immersive dining experience that transports you to the Australian Outback, even if you’re just enjoying a meal in your local restaurant or, now, in your own home!
The Components of This Iconic Dish
- Tender Chicken Breasts: The foundation of the dish, typically seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: A creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce that provides a distinctive flavor profile.
- Crisp Bacon: Adds a salty, smoky crunch that beautifully complements the chicken and sauce.
- Melted Cheese: A gooey, irresistible layer of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese binds everything together.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Offers an earthy depth and soft texture, though sometimes omitted for personal preference.
Why Make Outback’s Alice Springs Chicken at Home?
Recreating your favorite restaurant meals at home is more than just cooking; it’s an adventure in flavor and a rewarding experience. Here’s why making Alice Springs Chicken in your own kitchen is an excellent idea:
- Cost Savings: Enjoy a gourmet meal without the restaurant price tag. You can often make multiple servings for the cost of one or two entrees out.
- Quality Ingredients: You have complete control over the freshness and quality of every ingredient, from the chicken to the cheese and the honey.
- Customization: Adjust the flavors to your liking! Want more spice in your honey mustard? Extra bacon? No mushrooms? It’s all up to you.
- Dietary Control: Easily modify ingredients to suit dietary restrictions or preferences, whether it’s low-sodium bacon or a specific type of cheese.
- Comfort and Convenience: Enjoy a delicious meal in the comfort of your home, without needing reservations or waiting for a table. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a relaxed evening with friends.
- The Joy of Cooking: There’s immense satisfaction in preparing a dish that rivals restaurant quality, proving your culinary prowess.
The Star Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Achieving that authentic Alice Springs Chicken flavor comes down to selecting and preparing the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish truly special:
Tender Chicken Breasts: The Foundation
For the best results, start with high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts. The original Outback dish features exceptionally tender chicken, and we aim to replicate that. To ensure your chicken is moist and succulent, horizontally slice thicker chicken breasts in half (butterflying them) or pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.
Pro Tip for Ultra-Tender Chicken: Many restaurants inject chicken with solutions for tenderness. You can achieve a similar effect at home using a quick meat tenderizer method. Marinate chicken breasts with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour in just enough cold water to cover the chicken and let it sit for about 20 minutes. This simple trick yields remarkably moist and tender chicken!
The Signature Honey Mustard Sauce: A Deep Dive
The honey mustard sauce is arguably the most crucial component, defining the flavor of Alice Springs Chicken. It’s a creamy, perfectly balanced blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
A former Outback Steakhouse employee once shared a valuable clue: the sauce is primarily mayo-based, with honey added until it becomes “opaque,” and Dijon mustard to taste. This insight is key to our copycat version. We aim for a thick, rich sauce that clings to the chicken beautifully.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base and richness. Use a good quality full-fat mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and contributes to the sauce’s characteristic opaque quality. Adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
- Mustard: Dijon mustard is what Outback typically uses (like Grey Poupon). However, stone-ground mustard offers a slightly more rustic texture and fantastic flavor that works wonderfully in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with both to find your favorite!
Crispy Bacon & Melted Cheese: Irresistible Toppings
What’s chicken without bacon and cheese? These toppings add layers of texture and flavor that elevate the dish.
- Bacon: Choose good quality bacon and cook it until it’s perfectly crisp. Crumbled bacon adds a delightful salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft chicken and creamy sauce. For a huge shortcut, consider making and freezing oven-baked bacon in advance!
- Cheese: The classic combination is Monterey Jack and Cheddar. Monterey Jack melts beautifully and offers a mild, creamy flavor, while Cheddar adds a sharper, more distinct taste. For the best melt and to prevent the cheese from drying out too quickly, we recommend slicing the Monterey Jack cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
Sautéed Mushrooms (Optional, but Recommended)
Mushrooms add an earthy, umami depth to the dish. While optional, they truly complete the authentic Outback experience. You can use fresh white button mushrooms, sliced and sautéed until tender, or for convenience, a small can of drained, pre-sliced mushrooms works perfectly well.
Crafting Your Alice Springs Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, bringing that beloved restaurant taste into your home with minimal fuss.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. If they are thick, slice them horizontally in half to create thinner cutlets or pound them gently to an even thickness. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for a few minutes on each side until beautifully browned. This browning adds an incredible depth of flavor. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Whip Up the Honey Mustard Sauce
While your chicken is browning, quickly prepare the star of the show: the honey mustard sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, honey, and your chosen mustard (Dijon or stone-ground). Whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth. Taste and adjust the honey or mustard if needed to achieve your perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The sauce should be creamy and thick enough to spread easily.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Now comes the fun part! Evenly spread a generous layer of your homemade honey mustard sauce over each browned chicken breast in the baking dish. Next, sprinkle the cooked, crumbled bacon over the sauced chicken. Finally, top with the sliced Monterey Jack cheese (and Cheddar, if using). If adding mushrooms, scatter them over the cheese and bacon.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and melted. The top should be golden and irresistible.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Alice Springs Chicken Dinner
Achieve Outback-Level Perfection with These Tips:
- Streamline with Freezer Bacon: Save time by using my oven-baked freezer bacon recipe. Cook a large batch ahead of time, then simply crumble and add to your chicken when ready.
- Cheese Choice Matters: Opt for sliced Monterey Jack cheese over grated. Sliced cheese melts more evenly and retains moisture better, preventing it from drying out in the oven.
- Mushroom Shortcut: For ultimate convenience, use a small can of drained, pre-sliced mushrooms. Sauté them briefly in a little oil for added flavor, or simply add them straight from the can.
- Quick Side Dish: Serve your Alice Springs Chicken with a microwaved baked potato for a lightning-fast and satisfying side.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and then remove it from the oven promptly.
- Rest the Chicken: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.
- Serving Suggestion: Offer extra honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping! It’s always a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What makes Alice Springs Chicken so popular?
Its popularity stems from the harmonious blend of flavors and textures: tender, juicy chicken, a irresistibly creamy and tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce, savory crisp bacon, and a generous topping of gooey, melted cheese. It’s a comforting yet elevated dish that satisfies a wide range of palates.
Can I use other types of chicken?
While chicken breasts are traditional for Alice Springs Chicken, you can certainly adapt the recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work wonderfully, offering a richer flavor and often staying moister. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as thighs may require slightly longer to cook through.
How do I make the chicken extra juicy and tender?
Beyond seasoning and proper cooking, try the quick meat tenderizer method mentioned in our “Star Ingredients” section: marinating the chicken briefly in a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and salt. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness also helps ensure even cooking and prevents dryness.
What are good side dishes for Alice Springs Chicken?
Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, a baked potato, or Outback’s “Aussie Fries.” Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus also make excellent, lighter complements. A simple side salad can provide a refreshing contrast.
Can I prepare parts of this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The honey mustard sauce can also be made a day or two in advance and kept refrigerated. This makes assembly on the day of serving much quicker.
How long does leftover Alice Springs Chicken last?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, being careful not to overcook the chicken, which can dry it out.
Other Restaurant-Style Chicken Dinners To Try:
- Chicken Piccata Olive Garden Copycat Recipe
- Sizzling Chicken and Cheese (TGI Friday’s Copycat)
- Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Instant Pot Mississippi Chicken
The Ultimate Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat)
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Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat)
Alice Springs Chicken is a honey-mustard smothered chicken recipe from the Outback Steakhouse Restaurant! Make it from scratch! Seasoned chicken breasts are topped with a honey mustard sauce, bacon, cheese, and mushrooms if you wish! Simply divine!
Equipment
- Non-stick frying pan
- 9×13 baking dish
Ingredients
Alice Spring’s Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (horizontally sliced in half or pounded to 1/2-inch thickness)
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese (preferably sliced)
- Salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning
- 2-3 tbsp oil for browning chicken
Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 1 Tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp stone-ground mustard (or Dijon mustard)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup white button mushrooms, sautéed, or 1 small can of drained sliced mushrooms
Instructions
How To Make Alice Springs Chicken:
- Season both sides of the prepared chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Brown on both sides in a few tablespoons of oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Transfer the browned chicken to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, honey, and mustard to make the honey mustard sauce. Spread this sauce evenly over each chicken breast. Then, top with the sliced cheese and crumbled bacon. If desired, scatter the sautéed or drained mushrooms over the cheese. - Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately with additional honey mustard sauce on the side, if desired.
Notes
- Mushrooms: If you prefer to include mushrooms, sauté 1 cup of fresh white button mushrooms in 1 tablespoon of oil until tender, or simply use a small can of drained, pre-sliced mushrooms.
- Quick Meat Tenderizer: For incredibly tender chicken, marinate the chicken breasts beforehand. In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour in enough cold water to fully cover the chicken and let it sit for 20 minutes before seasoning and browning. This step is optional but highly recommended for moist results!
Nutrition per serving (Estimated)
There you have it – your very own homemade Alice Springs Chicken, ready to rival the restaurant classic! This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with a little love and a few clever techniques, can create something truly spectacular. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a weeknight treat, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and happy cooking!