If you’ve ever been to Outback Steakhouse, then you know their Alice Springs Chicken is an absolute winner — hearty, chunky, and bursting with flavor. Today, I’m so excited to share my homemade version, the Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe, that perfectly recreates the tangy honey mustard goodness paired with crispy bacon, mushrooms, and melty cheese right in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a family favorite too!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Comfort food at its finest: This dish combines creamy honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, and melty cheese for a rich, satisfying meal.
Simple ingredients, impressive flavors: With pantry staples and straightforward steps, you get restaurant-quality results.
Versatile and crowd-pleasing: It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
Make ahead friendly: Marinate in advance to deepen flavors, and leftovers reheat beautifully!
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic behind this Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a role — from the tangy honey mustard marinade to the smoky bacon and the blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese that gives the dish its irresistible melt and color.
- Chicken breasts: Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Honey mustard sauce: A creamy, tangy sauce made with mayo, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice that flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky crunch that balances out the creamy cheese and tangy sauce.
- Mushrooms and onions: Sautéed to soft, caramelized perfection, these bring earthiness and sweetness.
- Cheese blend: Cheddar and Monterey Jack give a gooey, flavorful topping with a nice, melty texture. Colby Jack or Swiss are good substitutes.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika highlight the savory depth and add a hint of warmth.
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by pounding your chicken breasts until they’re about ¾-inch thick to make sure they cook evenly and stay juicy. Whisk together the mayo, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to create the perfect honey mustard marinade. Pour half this sauce over the chicken in a resealable bag and pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes — or even better, overnight for the deepest flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Sauté Veggies
While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F and cook the bacon in a large oven-proof skillet until crispy. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels and pour off most of the bacon grease, leaving just a tablespoon. Use that flavorful fat to sauté the mushrooms and onions until they’re golden and tender—it’s where so much of this dish’s savory goodness comes from.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In the same pan, add butter and remove the chicken breasts from the marinade. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes over medium-high heat until they develop a gorgeous golden crust, then flip and cook an additional 3 minutes. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet, but this step locks in flavor beautifully.
Step 4: Layer on Bacon, Veggies, and Cheese
Now the fun part — pile the crispy bacon slices evenly over each chicken breast, then spoon on the sautéed mushrooms and onions. Finally, sprinkle on the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese so it melts perfectly over all the toppings.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 8-10 minutes. You want to reach an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley and serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping — a delicious finishing touch!
How to Serve Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is an easy way to add a burst of color and subtle herbaceous flavor to this dish. For extra flair, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a few sliced green onions can brighten things up and give that lovely aromatic lift that complements the smoky bacon and tangy sauce.
Side Dishes
This chicken is rich and flavorful, so pairing it with simple sides works best. Try a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, garlic roasted potatoes, or creamy mashed cauliflower. Even a light coleslaw or steamed broccoli adds fresh crunch and balance to the plate for a complete comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the finished chicken breasts and fan them out on the plate to show off the melty cheesy topping. Serve on a bed of fluffy rice or creamy polenta and drizzle additional honey mustard sauce over everything. Garnish with colorful microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can safely store leftover Alice Springs Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it moist and flavorful when reheating, cover the chicken with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or heat it in an air fryer for 7-9 minutes for deliciously crispy edges.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Place cooled chicken portions in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as directed to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover Alice Springs Chicken in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave to maintain that crispy bacon texture and gooey cheese. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking time since thighs may take a bit longer and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
-
What can I substitute if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
If Dijon mustard isn’t on hand, you can use yellow mustard as a milder substitute or even a bit of whole-grain mustard for texture. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
-
Is it okay to skip the bacon?
You can skip the bacon if you prefer a lighter option or need a vegetarian adaptation—just note that bacon contributes a smoky richness that is signature to this dish. You might try adding smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke for similar flavor.
-
Can I prepare this recipe without an oven-safe skillet?
Definitely! You can sear the chicken and sauté the veggies in any skillet, then transfer the chicken to a baking dish to finish in the oven. Just layer everything carefully before baking.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe inspires you to bring a little Aussie flair to your dinner table anytime. With its balance of tangy, smoky, and cheesy flavors, it’s sure to delight everyone lucky enough to dig in. So go ahead, grab those simple ingredients, and make this your new weeknight showstopper—you won’t regret it!
Print
Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Alice Springs Chicken is a delicious Outback Steakhouse copycat recipe featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy honey mustard sauce, topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and melted cheese. This flavorful baked chicken dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ to 2 pounds)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Toppings and Seasoning
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pound and Marinate Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾-inch. Place them in a large resealable zip-tight bag. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Pour half of the honey mustard sauce into the bag with the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to marinate, reserving the remaining sauce for later.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Cook Bacon: In a large cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Drain the bacon grease in the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add sliced mushrooms and onions to the pan and sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until they soften and become lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Chicken on Stovetop: Add butter to the same pan. Remove chicken breasts from marinade and season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Once the butter is melted, add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook without moving for 5 minutes to develop a golden brown crust on one side. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes. The chicken will not be fully cooked at this stage.
- Add Toppings: Remove the pan from heat. Evenly arrange the cooked bacon slices on top of the chicken breasts. Then top with the sautéed mushrooms and onions. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chicken.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven. Garnish the chicken with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with the reserved honey mustard sauce on the side.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover Alice Springs chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in an air fryer for 7-9 minutes until heated through. Microwave reheating for 1-2 minutes is also possible.
- Freezing: Freeze leftover chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Substitutions: Substitute Colby Jack cheese for Monterey Jack and cheddar if desired. Other melting cheeses such as Swiss, Provolone, or mozzarella can also be used.