Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of juicy chicken, sizzling bacon, and melted cheese in your kitchen. This is what you get with the Alice Springs Chicken recipe, a favorite from Outback Steakhouse. As a home cook, I love how this dish combines flavors in a unique way. I’m delighted to guide you through making this dish at home.
The Alice Springs Chicken is made with simple yet flavorful ingredients, including a honey mustard marinade, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. This guide will show you how to recreate this delicious dish and bring a taste of Outback Steakhouse to your own table. Your family and friends will love the taste of the Aussie outback.
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Understanding the Classic Outback Steakhouse Favorite
Although Outback Steakhouse is best known for its steaks, the Alice Springs Chicken remains a popular favorite. It’s a mix of grilled chicken, mushrooms, bacon, and cheese, all smothered in a tangy honey mustard sauce.
Origin and Popularity
The Alice Springs Chicken made its debut on Outback Steakhouse menus in the 1990s. It quickly became a favorite. Its unique blend of flavors, paired with the honey mustard sauce, makes it a favorite among chicken lovers.
What Makes It Special
The standout feature of Alice Springs Chicken is its incredible flavor. The grilled chicken is juicy, and the mushrooms, bacon, and cheese add a nice crunch. The honey mustard sauce steals the show, delivering a tangy sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
“Alice Springs Chicken is a perfect blend of flavor and texture, making it a must-try for any Outback Steakhouse guest.”
If you’re a fan of Outback Steakhouse or simply craving a delicious chicken dish, give the Alice Springs Chicken a try. Its distinctive blend of flavors and the delicious honey mustard sauce have made it a timeless favorite.
Essential Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
The Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a delight, thanks to its essential ingredients. Gather boneless, skinless chicken breasts, mushrooms, bacon, and a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. To make the honey mustard sauce, combine Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
You’ll also need butter for sautéing mushrooms, cooking oil, and parsley for garnish. Some recipes might use Colby Jack cheese instead of the usual mix.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 4 (about 2 pounds total) | 264 calories, 9g fat, 3g sat. fat, 63mg chol, 29g prot, 20g carbs, 1g fiber, 666mg sod, 18g sugar |
| Cremini Mushrooms | 1 (8-ounce) package | – |
| Thick-Cut Applewood-Smoked Bacon | 4 slices | 70 calories, 4.5g fat per 3 slices (Applegate Farms Natural Sunday Bacon: a healthier alternative) |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | 1/2 cup, shredded | 135 calories, 2g sat. fat, 4g protein, 17g sugar (WW Freestyle SmartPoints: 6-Blue, 8-Green) |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1/2 cup, shredded | 135 calories, 2g sat. fat, 4g protein, 17g sugar (WW Freestyle SmartPoints: 6-Blue, 8-Green) |
With these ingredients, you can recreate the iconic Outback Steakhouse dish, Alice Springs Chicken, right at home.
The Perfect Honey Mustard Marinade
The honey mustard marinade is the key to Outback Steakhouse’s signature flavor. It combines tangy Dijon mustard, sweet honey, creamy mayonnaise, and fresh lemon juice. This mixture is the essence of the beloved Alice Springs Chicken.
Marinade Components
Here’s what you’ll need to craft the perfect honey mustard marinade:
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
Marinating Techniques and Tips
Begin by combining all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Whisk until they’re well combined. Next, pour the marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Then, cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but avoid marinating for more than 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.
Making Extra Sauce for Dipping
Reserve half of the honey mustard marinade to use as a dipping sauce. This adds a tangy-sweet flavor to each bite. For added depth, you can also include dried onion flakes and yellow mustard in the dipping sauce.
Keep the dipping sauce in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This allows your guests to fully savor the flavors of the Alice Springs Chicken.
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Making the iconic Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse is simple. Just follow a few easy steps to enjoy this tasty grilled chicken at home. Here’s how to prepare this simple chicken dinner and restaurant-style copycat recipe.
- Start by marinating the grilled chicken in honey mustard sauce. This combination of sweet and tangy flavors will enhance the meat’s taste.
- Then, cook the mushrooms in butter until they’re soft and golden. This adds a rich, earthy taste to the dish.
- Next, sear the marinated chicken in a skillet or grill pan for 4 minutes on each side. This step gives the chicken a nice char and keeps it juicy.
- Put the seared chicken in a baking dish. Add the sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and lots of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese on top.
- Finally, bake the dish in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes. Cook the chicken until it hits 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
For a different way to cook, bake the chicken at 350°F (177°C) for 20-25 minutes. This lets the flavors blend seamlessly and the cheese melt to perfection.
By following these steps, you can recreate the iconic Alice Springs Chicken right in your own kitchen. It’s a tasty and satisfying easy chicken dinner that will impress your family and friends.
Mastering the Mushroom and Bacon Toppings
To elevate your Alice Springs Chicken, pay special attention to the sautéed mushrooms and crispy bacon. These toppings bring an extra layer of flavor to your delicious chicken dish.
Sautéing Mushrooms to Perfection
Start by wiping the sautéed mushrooms clean with a damp paper towel. This removes dirt and debris. Cut the mushrooms into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
In a skillet with butter, cook the mushrooms for 7-10 minutes. Stir them occasionally until they’re tender and golden. It’s important to cook them without crowding the pan. This helps them get a rich, caramelized taste.
Bacon Preparation Methods
For the crispy bacon, you have two options. You can cook it in a skillet over medium heat, turning it often, until crispy. Or, bake it in the oven for a simpler method.
To bake, place the bacon on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Use 1-2 pieces of crispy bacon for each chicken breast. This ensures the right balance of flavors.
Learning to sauté mushrooms and prepare crispy bacon will take your Alice Springs Chicken to the next level. These toppings enhance the dish’s flavor and texture. They perfectly complement the chicken and honey mustard marinade, making your dish a hit with everyone.
Cheese Selection and Melting Techniques
The classic Alice Springs Chicken recipe uses a mix of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese for the topping. Some recipes swap in Colby Jack cheese, but Monterey Jack and Cheddar are the stars.
To make the Alice Springs Chicken, spread the shredded cheese over the chicken, mushrooms, and bacon before baking. This way, the cheese melts and bubbles up nicely. Freshly shredded cheese melts better, making the topping creamy and smooth.
For the best cheese melt, bake at 350°F. This temperature helps the cheese melt well without burning. It ensures the cheese topping is perfect with the chicken, mushrooms, and bacon.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Monterey Jack Cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
Choosing the right cheese and melting it well is key to a great Alice Springs Chicken. With Monterey Jack and Cheddar, and the right melting, you’ll wow your guests and enjoy every bite.
Professional Cooking Tips and Timing Guidelines
To make the perfect Alice Springs Chicken, pay close attention to detail and timing. First, use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety. This ensures the chicken is cooked right and prevents it from drying out.
Temperature Control
Begin by searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet or grill pan. This step gives them a golden-brown crust. Then, move the chicken to the oven to finish cooking, which takes 15-18 minutes. Adjust the time if your chicken breasts are thicker.
Doneness Testing
The whole cooking process, including searing and baking, takes about 35-40 minutes. To check if the chicken is done, use your thermometer on the thickest part. When it hits 165°F (74°C), it’s ready. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This makes the chicken moist and flavorful.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 35-40 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 165°F (74°C) |
| Resting Time | 3-5 minutes |
| Servings | 3-4 people |
By sticking to these cooking tips and timing guidelines, your Alice Springs Chicken will turn out perfectly. It will have a juicy inside and a golden-brown outside. Always keep an eye on the chicken temperature to ensure food safety and great flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dish Pairings
When you serve the delicious Alice Springs Chicken, make sure to have the honey mustard sauce ready for dipping. This dish goes well with many side dishes. It helps you make a complete and tasty meal.
For a classic pairing, serve the Alice Springs Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or soft, fluffy baked potatoes. The dish’s richness is matched by the comforting starch. Or, try steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or a crisp garden salad. They offer a refreshing contrast to the chicken.
If you want something more indulgent, try sautéed mushrooms or a fresh berry salad. For a heartier option, a blue cheese wedge salad or a warm potato gratin can make the meal even better.
Whatever side dishes you choose, the Alice Springs Chicken will be the star of the meal. Its mix of flavors and textures is irresistible. Feel free to try different combinations to find your favorite.
Conclusion
The homemade alice springs chicken recipe is a great way to make the outback steakhouse copycat dish at home. It has tender chicken, savory toppings, and a tangy honey mustard sauce. This dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
When cooking the chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s juicy and flavorful. Experiment with different cheeses or toppings to customize it to your taste. With a bit of practice, you’ll be making this Outback Steakhouse classic like a pro.
So, get your ingredients ready and start cooking. You’ll soon enjoy the delicious taste of homemade alice springs chicken. It’s like a trip to the Outback in your kitchen. Bon appétit!
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