Alice Springs Chicken: A Flavorful Classic You Can Make at Home

If you’ve ever been to Outback Steakhouse, chances are you’ve encountered Alice Springs Chicken—juicy, cheesy, bacon-topped perfection with a tangy honey mustard kick. It’s one of those dishes that feels like pure comfort, the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something special.

Good news: you don’t have to go out to enjoy it. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, you can recreate this restaurant favorite right in your kitchen.


What is Alice Springs Chicken?

At its heart, Alice Springs Chicken is a layered, flavor-packed dish featuring:

  • Chicken breasts – the juicy foundation
  • Crispy bacon – for a smoky crunch
  • Melted cheese – a gooey blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar
  • Honey mustard sauce – the sweet and tangy star
  • Mushrooms and herbs – optional, but highly recommended

Though named after a remote Australian town, this dish has become a household favorite far beyond the Outback Steakhouse menu. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort, making it a go-to for family dinners and special occasions alike.


Essential Ingredients & Pro Tips

Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken including mustard, honey, chicken, bacon, and cheese.
All the simple ingredients needed to make homemade Alice Springs Chicken.

The beauty of Alice Springs Chicken lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you need:

Chicken Breasts

  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to make cooking easier.
  • Choose evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
  • If they’re thick, pound them to an even thickness—this helps prevent dryness.

Honey Mustard Sauce (The Secret to Flavor!)

A homemade honey mustard sauce makes all the difference. You’ll need:

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise (for creaminess)
  • A dash of lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Pro Tip: Store-bought honey mustard works in a pinch, but making your own lets you control the sweetness and tang.

Bacon & Cheese

  • Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor. Cook until crispy!
  • A Monterey Jack and cheddar mix melts beautifully.

Mushrooms & Garnishes (Optional but Recommended)

  • Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy balance to the richness.
  • Chopped parsley or chives provide a fresh finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Marinate the Chicken (for Maximum Juiciness!)

Before you even think about turning on the stove, give your chicken some love.

Marinade Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Whisk everything together in a bowl.
  2. Coat the chicken evenly and marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best!).

Why marinate? It infuses the chicken with deep flavor while keeping it moist.


2. Cook the Bacon (Crispy is Key!)

Chicken breasts cooking in a skillet, seared to golden brown perfection.
The secret to juicy Alice Springs Chicken is searing it before baking.
  • Start with a cold skillet (this helps render the fat).
  • Cook on medium heat, flipping occasionally.
  • Drain on paper towels to keep it crispy.

Pro Tip: Save a little bacon grease for searing the chicken—it adds extra flavor!


3. Sear the Chicken (for a Golden Crust)

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil (or that reserved bacon fat!).
  • Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Set aside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).

This step locks in moisture and creates a delicious base for all the toppings.


4. Assemble & Bake

Now for the fun part!

Assembly Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
  3. Brush a generous layer of honey mustard sauce over each piece.
  4. Add crispy bacon strips on top.
  5. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  6. (Optional) Add sautéed mushrooms.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.


Serving & Side Dish Ideas

Alice Springs Chicken is rich and flavorful, so pairing it with the right sides balances the meal:

Mashed Potatoes – Creamy goodness that soaks up the honey mustard sauce.
Rice Pilaf – Light and fluffy, it complements the dish’s richness.
Steamed Broccoli – A fresh contrast to the cheesy chicken.
Grilled Veggies – Zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers add color and crunch.

Pro Tip: Drizzle any leftover honey mustard sauce over the side dishes for extra flavor!


Recipe Variations & Customizations

Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly

  • Replace honey with a keto-friendly sweetener.
  • Serve with cauliflower rice or zoodles instead of potatoes or regular rice.

Vegetarian Twist

  • Swap chicken for portobello mushrooms or tofu.
  • Use plant-based bacon for a smoky bite.

Spicy Version

  • Add a pinch of cayenne or a teaspoon of sriracha to the honey mustard sauce.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Overcooking the Chicken

  • Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temp.
  • If unsure, pull it out at 160°F—it will continue cooking as it rests.

Too Much Salt

  • Remember, bacon and cheese are already salty—go easy on extra salt!

Skipping the Marinade

  • Trust us, don’t skip this step! Even 2 hours makes a big difference.

FAQs

Can I Make Alice Springs Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and pre-cook the bacon in advance. Assemble when ready to bake.

How Do I Store & Reheat Leftovers?

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat at 350°F (175°C) in the oven to maintain texture.

Can I Freeze It?
Yes! Freeze before baking, then thaw overnight and cook as directed.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! They’re juicier than breasts, but adjust cooking time as needed.

What’s the Best Cheese Combo?
A mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar gives the best flavor and melt.


Final Thoughts

Alice Springs Chicken is more than just a dish—it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort, flavor, and a little restaurant magic to your table. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe guarantees satisfaction.

So go ahead—give it a try, customize it to your liking, and enjoy every cheesy, bacon-y, honey-mustard-coated bite. And if you do, let us know how it turns out! Happy cooking!

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