Description
This recipe brings the iconic flavors of Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken right to your kitchen. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a creamy honey-mustard sauce, topped with smoky bacon, savory mushrooms, and a generous blanket of melted cheese. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven is fully heated for even cooking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Set aside the honey-mustard sauce.
Step 3: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The goal is to create a flavorful crust without fully cooking the chicken.
Step 5: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish.
Step 6: Spoon the honey-mustard sauce evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 7: Add the sliced mushrooms on top of the sauce, followed by a slice of cooked bacon on each breast.
Step 8: Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese blend over the bacon and mushrooms, covering each chicken breast completely.
Step 9: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 10: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser because it combines a symphony of flavors and textures. The honey-mustard sauce perfectly complements the savory bacon and mushrooms, while the melted cheese adds a comforting richness. It’s a satisfying and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or baked potato for a classic pairing.
- Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add a healthy and colorful touch.
- A fresh garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- For a more substantial meal, serve with a side of rice pilaf or quinoa.
Tips:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before searing to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the bacon ahead of time to save time during preparation.
- For an extra golden and bubbly cheese topping, broil the chicken for 1 minute at the end of the baking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- If you don’t have Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend, you can use any shredded cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or provolone.
- Adjust the amount of honey and mustard in the sauce to your taste preferences.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 40-50g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion
Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, creamy sauce, smoky bacon, and melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed hit. This recipe makes it easy to recreate this restaurant favorite in your own kitchen. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, provolone, or even a Colby Jack blend.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Can I grill the chicken instead of searing it in a skillet?
- Yes, grilling the chicken will add a smoky flavor to the dish. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding the toppings and baking.
- What can I substitute for the honey-mustard sauce?
- If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard with a touch of horseradish for a similar flavor. Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
- Yes, this recipe is great for meal prepping. You can portion out the cooked chicken with sides into individual containers for easy and convenient lunches or dinners.
