Outback’s Alice Springs Chicken Recipe for Perfect Results
Table of Contents
Being a busy parent can make cooking meals a challenge. But, making Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken is easy and loved by all. It’s a journey to the Australian Outback through your taste buds.
Key Takeaways
- Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken is a beloved dish featuring honey-mustard smothered chicken.
- This recipe serves 4 and takes about 40 minutes to prepare and cook.
- The dish is named after Alice Springs, a town in the Australian Outback, reflecting bold flavors associated with Australian cuisine.
- The recipe includes seasoned chicken breasts topped with a homemade honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheese.
- Customizable with optional mushrooms, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and indulgent flavors.
The Story Behind Outback’s Famous Alice Springs Chicken
The aussie chicken dish, australian grilled chicken, known as Alice Springs Chicken, is a star at outback steakhouse. It was made to give chicken lovers a choice in a steak-heavy menu. The dish mixes Australian and American tastes with a special honey mustard sauce.
Many people try to make this aussie chicken dish at home. It’s a favorite among fans of outback steakhouse. Its lasting popularity shows its great taste and the creativity of Outback’s chefs.
“The Alice Springs Chicken is a perfect example of how Outback Steakhouse blends Australian flair with American comfort food favorites.”
If you love Outback Steakhouse or just want a tasty australian grilled chicken dish, try making Alice Springs Chicken. Its mix of flavors and textures has won the hearts of many. It’s a classic among Outback fans and home cooks.
Essential Ingredients for alice springs chicken recipe
To make the famous Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken at home, you need a few key ingredients. The dish includes boneless, skinless chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. It also has sautéed mushrooms. The special honey mustard sauce brings it all together, made from Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
Main Components
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked until almost crisp
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese
Special Seasonings
For extra flavor, the recipe includes some essential seasonings:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Smoked paprika, for a touch of smoky depth
- Optional: Sautéed onions for added flavor (about 1/2 cup)
The honey mustard sauce is a simple mix of Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. It adds a tangy-sweet flavor that complements the chicken, bacon, and cheese perfectly.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 4 (about 1.5 pounds) |
| Sliced Mushrooms | 8 ounces |
| Bacon, Cooked Until Almost Crisp | 4 slices |
| Shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack Cheese | 1 cup |
| Salt | To Taste |
| Black Pepper | To Taste |
| Smoked Paprika | As Needed |
| Sautéed Onions (Optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Dijon Mustard | 1/3 cup |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon Juice | As Needed |
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken at home, you’ll need some key tools. First, a non-stick frying pan or a large oven-proof skillet is crucial. These are for searing the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms. You’ll also need a 9×13 baking dish for baking the chicken.
Other tools are handy too. A whisk is great for the honey mustard sauce. A meat mallet helps flatten the chicken breasts. And, an instant-read digital meat thermometer checks if the chicken is cooked to 165°F.
| Kitchen Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Non-stick frying pan or oven-proof skillet | Searing the chicken and sautéing the mushrooms |
| 9×13 baking dish | Baking the chicken in the oven |
| Whisk | Preparing the honey mustard sauce |
| Meat mallet | Flattening the chicken breasts |
| Digital meat thermometer | Ensuring the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature |
With these tools, you’re ready to make the famous Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken at home.
Preparing the Signature Honey Mustard Sauce
The Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse is famous for its honey mustard sauce. This sauce is used to marinate the chicken and adds a tasty finish when drizzled on top. To make this Australian dish, you just need a few ingredients and some time to let the flavors mix.
Sauce Base Ingredients
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons stone-ground mustard
For a richer sauce, some recipes mix 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Whisk until smooth, then save some for serving with the Alice Springs Chicken. The rest can marinate the chicken, giving it the sauce’s unique taste.
“The honey mustard sauce is the secret to the perfectly balanced flavors of the Outback’s Alice Springs Chicken.”
Now that you have the honey mustard sauce ready, you’re almost there. Next, we’ll show you how to marinate and cook the Alice Springs Chicken in your kitchen.
Marinating Techniques for Tender Chicken
To get perfectly tender and flavorful grilled chicken breast, start with the right marinating. Follow these key steps for delicious tender chicken:
- Marinate the chicken breasts in honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes. Or, marinate up to 24 hours in the fridge. This lets the flavors soak deep into the meat.
- For extra tenderness, try a quick marinade. Mix 1.5 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of salt in cold water. Cover and marinate for 20 minutes before cooking.
- Before marinating, flatten the chicken breasts to ¾-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.
By using these marinating techniques, you’ll get juicy, tender grilled chicken breast. It will be full of the tasty flavors of Outback’s Alice Springs Chicken.
“The secret to the perfect Alice Springs Chicken is all in the marinade. Take the time to let those flavors really soak in for maximum tenderness and taste.”
For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. But for the most tender and flavorful tender chicken, marinate up to 24 hours.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Ready to make Outback’s Alice Springs Chicken at home? The cooking process is easy and fun. You’ll end up with a dish that’s full of flavor.
Preparation Steps
First, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Next, sauté the mushrooms and onions in the bacon grease or butter for 5-7 minutes. They should be soft.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, sear them in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes on each side. This will give them a golden-brown crust.
- Cook the bacon until crispy.
- Sauté the mushrooms and onions in the bacon grease or butter for 5-7 minutes.
- Season the marinated chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side.
After searing the chicken, put it in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Spread homemade honey mustard sauce on top of each chicken breast. Add the sautéed mushrooms and onions, crispy bacon, and shredded Colby jack cheese.
Now, the dish is ready for the oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The chicken should reach 165°F. This restaurant copycat recipe will make your taste buds happy.
Perfecting the Mushroom and Bacon Topping
To make your mushroom chicken skewers even better, focus on sautéing the mushrooms and crisping the bacon topping. Begin by cooking 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms, like baby bella or white button, in melted butter. They should cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to brown.
While the mushrooms cook, prepare 6-8 slices of bacon until they’re crispy. Then, chop the bacon into 2-inch pieces. Some recipes recommend using half strips for a nice texture.
After the mushrooms and bacon are ready, place them on top of the chicken breasts. Add cheese and bake. This mix of mushrooms and bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to your mushroom chicken skewers.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sliced Mushrooms | 8 ounces |
| Bacon, Cooked and Chopped | 6-8 slices |
Make sure to sauté the mushrooms until they release their liquid and start to brown. Also, cook the bacon until it’s crispy for the best taste and texture. This topping will make your mushroom chicken skewers a hit with your guests.
Cheese Selection and Melting Tips
The melted cheese topping on the Outback Alice Springs Chicken is a highlight. The recipe uses Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. But, you can try other cheeses to find your favorite.
Cheese Options
You can swap the cheese for Colby Jack, Muenster, mozzarella, or Swiss. Use about 2 cups of shredded cheese for the best results. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded, which can have additives that slow down melting.
To get a gooey cheese topping, spread the cheese evenly over the mushrooms, bacon, and australian grilled chicken. This step makes a delicious cheese layer that enhances the dish’s flavors.
| Cheese Option | Flavor Profile | Melting Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Monterey Jack | Mild, slightly nutty | Melts smoothly |
| Cheddar | Tangy, sharp | Melts well, creates a creamy texture |
| Colby Jack | Mild, slightly sweet | Melts easily, creating a gooey consistency |
| Muenster | Soft, creamy, slightly tangy | Melts beautifully, creating a luxurious texture |
| Mozzarella | Mild, slightly sweet | Melts smoothly, creates a stretchy, stringy effect |
| Swiss | Nutty, slightly buttery | Melts well, produces a creamy, smooth result |
Trying different cheeses can make the Outback Alice Springs Chicken your own. The goal is to mix flavors and textures that match the grilled chicken, mushrooms, and bacon.
Baking and Final Assembly Instructions
First, preheat your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. Place the Alice Springs chicken on a baking sheet or dish. Bake it for 15 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken is 165°F inside.
Some recipes tell you to cover the dish with foil to stop the cheese from burning. After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This makes the chicken moist and full of flavor.
Your Outback-inspired Alice Springs chicken is now ready. Add some fresh parsley on top, if you like. Enjoy the tender chicken, savory bacon, and melted cheese in every bite.
FAQ
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a favorite dish from Outback Steakhouse. It features honey-mustard smothered chicken. The dish includes seasoned chicken breasts, honey mustard sauce, bacon, cheese, and optional mushrooms.
Where does the name “Alice Springs Chicken” come from?
The name comes from Alice Springs, a town in the Australian Outback. It reflects the bold flavors of Australian cuisine.
What makes Alice Springs Chicken a signature dish at Outback Steakhouse?
It’s a chicken option in Outback Steakhouse’s mainly steak menu. The dish combines Australian flavors with American tastes. Its unique honey mustard sauce makes it stand out.
What are the main ingredients in Alice Springs Chicken?
The main ingredients are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, bacon, cheese, and mushrooms. The honey mustard sauce is made of Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
What kitchen tools are needed to make Alice Springs Chicken?
You’ll need a non-stick frying pan or large oven-proof skillet, a 9×13 baking dish, and a whisk. Also, a meat mallet, and an instant-read digital meat thermometer.
How do you make the signature honey mustard sauce?
Mix mayonnaise, honey, and stone-ground or Dijon mustard for the sauce. Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice if you like.
How should you marinate the chicken for Alice Springs Chicken?
Marinate the chicken breasts in the honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes. Or up to 24 hours in the fridge. You can also use a quick tenderizing mix of baking soda, vinegar, and salt.
How do you assemble and bake the Alice Springs Chicken?
Sear the chicken breasts, then top each with honey mustard sauce, sautéed mushrooms and onions, crispy bacon, and shredded cheese. Bake at 350°F-400°F for 15-25 minutes. The cheese should melt and the chicken should reach 165°F internally.
What types of cheese work best for Alice Springs Chicken?
Use a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, or substitute with Colby Jack, Muenster, mozzarella, or Swiss. About 2 cups of freshly grated cheese is best for melting.
How do you get the perfect mushroom and bacon topping?
Sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms in butter until browned. Layer them over the chicken with crispy bacon before adding the cheese.