Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat) Recipe

Looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make chicken dinner? Try this Alice Springs Chicken recipe—a perfect copycat of the famous Outback Steakhouse dish! Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted Colby Jack cheese. Baked to perfection, this dish is a family favorite that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp butter
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined. Set aside ¼ cup of this sauce to use as a dipping sauce after the chicken is cooked.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the remaining sauce over them. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly browned. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
5. Wipe the skillet with a paper towel to remove any excess butter. Add the olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat.
6. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and cook them in the skillet for about 5 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.
7. Once both sides are browned, turn off the heat and layer the cooked mushrooms over the chicken breasts. Top each chicken breast with bacon pieces and a generous amount of shredded Colby Jack cheese.
8. Cover the skillet with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, confirming it is fully cooked.
9. Remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately with the reserved honey mustard sauce.

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Tips

• Marinate the chicken longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
• Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Searing the chicken: Make sure to get a nice sear on the chicken by cooking it in the skillet for about 5 minutes per side, but don’t worry about cooking it all the way through at this stage, as it will finish baking in the oven.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese: If you don’t have Colby Jack cheese, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Bacon: For a smoky flavor, try using thick-cut bacon, or substitute with turkey bacon if you want a lighter version.
• Mushrooms: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can leave them out or replace them with sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Honey mustard sauce: For a tangier sauce, increase the lemon juice slightly or add a small amount of Dijon mustard to the reserved sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. However, it’s best to cook and assemble the dish fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs for breasts. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Can I make this in a skillet without an oven?
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can cook the chicken in the skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish to melt the cheese. Alternatively, you can finish the dish by covering the skillet with a lid and simmering it on low heat until the cheese melts.

Serving Suggestions

• Side dishes: Serve Alice Springs Chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Bread: Pair with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread to soak up the delicious honey mustard sauce.
• Drinks: This dish pairs wonderfully with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a crisp iced tea for a refreshing touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Alice Springs Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness. The tender chicken is marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melty Colby Jack cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a special gathering, this copycat Outback recipe will impress your family and guests. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a new favorite!