A restaurant-quality copycat of the famous Aussie-inspired chicken dish with honey mustard, mushrooms, bacon, and melted cheese.
Introduction
Craving the iconic Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse? This beloved dish features juicy chicken breasts smothered in honey mustard, topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese. Our copycat recipe delivers the same irresistible flavors with easy-to-follow steps for home cooks.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish combines sweet, smoky, and savory elements in every bite. The secret lies in marinating the chicken, layering flavors, and broiling for the perfect melt – we’ll guide you through each step!
The Science Behind the Flavor
Why does this dish work so well?
- Marinating the chicken in honey mustard tenderizes and infuses flavor.
- Searing first locks in juices before baking.
- Broiling at the end ensures bubbly, golden cheese without overcooking.
- Umami boost from mushrooms and bacon enhances richness.
Ingredients & Substitutions
(Serves 4)
Main Components:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked crispy
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Honey Mustard Marinade/Sauce:
- ½ cup Dijon mustard (or whole-grain mustard for texture)
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (adds creaminess)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (balances sweetness)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Substitutions:
- Chicken → Turkey cutlets or pork chops (adjust cooking time).
- Bacon → Turkey bacon or prosciutto for a lighter option.
- Mushrooms → Sautéed onions or bell peppers.
- Cheese → Swiss, cheddar, or pepper jack for variation.
- Honey Mustard → Store-bought (½ cup) if short on time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Whisk together honey mustard ingredients in a bowl.
- Reserve ¼ cup for serving.
- Coat chicken in remaining marinade; refrigerate 30+ minutes (or up to 4 hours).
2. Sear & Prep Toppings
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high.
- Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden (it will finish baking).
- Remove chicken; in the same pan, sauté mushrooms 2–3 minutes.
3. Assemble & Bake
- Place chicken in skillet (or transfer to baking dish).
- Top each breast with:
- 2 tbsp honey mustard
- Sautéed mushrooms
- 2 bacon slices (crumbled or whole)
- Shredded cheese
- Bake 15–18 minutes, then broil 1–2 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Pro Tips:
✔ Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking.
✔ Don’t skip the marinade – it’s key for flavor and moisture.
✔ Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid extra dishes.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dry chicken | Avoid overcooking; bake just until 165°F (74°C). |
| Soggy bacon | Pat bacon dry before adding, or broil longer. |
| Bland flavor | Add a pinch of salt to marinade or extra smoked paprika. |
Creative Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or cayenne to the marinade.
- BBQ Twist: Swap honey mustard for BBQ sauce + cheddar.
- Keto-Friendly: Use sugar-free honey substitute and extra bacon.
- Mushroom-Free: Try spinach or sun-dried tomatoes instead.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pairings: Garlic mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or Aussie fries.
- Lighter Option: Serve over a salad with balsamic drizzle.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Double the recipe for potlucks!
Final Thoughts
This Alice Springs Chicken recipe brings the Outback Steakhouse experience to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a weekend treat, this dish guarantees juicy, cheesy, smoky-sweet perfection every time.
Fire up the skillet and taste the magic – no plane ticket to Australia needed!
Hungry for more? Try pairing it with a Bloomin’ Onion-inspired dip or a cold beer for the full Outback vibe!
