If you’re craving a delicious and hearty meal, look no further than this homemade version of Outback Steakhouse’s popular Alice Springs Chicken. Known for its flavorful blend of honey mustard, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, this dish brings the taste of the steakhouse right to your kitchen. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
- Lowry’s Seasoning Salt
- 6 turkey bacon slices
- 1/4 cup regular mustard
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (optional, as mushrooms are omitted for personal preference)
- 2 cups shredded Colby/Jack cheese
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Sprinkle and rub the chicken breasts with Lowry’s Seasoning Salt. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Bacon: While the chicken is chilling, cook the turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, but do not discard the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté the chicken breasts for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned. Transfer the seared chicken to a 9″ × 13″ casserole dish.
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the regular mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and dried onion flakes. Mix well to create the honey mustard sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread a portion of the honey mustard sauce over each piece of chicken. Layer with optional sliced mushrooms, crumbled turkey bacon, and shredded Colby/Jack cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the chicken hot, with the remaining honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Serve Hot: This dish is best enjoyed hot right out of the oven. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, adding to the overall deliciousness.
- Accompany with Sides: Pair the Alice Springs Chicken with classic sides such as steamed vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or garlic mashed potatoes to create a complete meal.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Use Leftover Honey Mustard: Serve the extra honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling over the chicken and sides. It enhances the dish’s flavor and adds a tangy twist.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain the crispy texture. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in a microwave, but the texture may not be as crispy.
- Avoid Overheating: When reheating, avoid overheating to prevent the chicken from becoming dry. Adding a splash of chicken broth or a bit of extra cheese can help keep it moist.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken remains flavorful and enjoyable even after the initial meal.
Variations :
- BBQ Alice Springs Chicken:
- Ingredients: Substitute honey mustard with barbecue sauce.
- Instructions: Spread barbecue sauce over the chicken, then layer with bacon and cheese. Bake as directed for a smoky, tangy twist on the classic recipe.
- Spicy Alice Springs Chicken:
- Ingredients: Add hot sauce or chili flakes to the honey mustard mixture for a spicy kick.
- Instructions: Mix hot sauce or chili flakes into the honey mustard sauce. Spread over the chicken, then top with bacon, mushrooms, and cheese.
- Mediterranean Alice Springs Chicken:
- Ingredients: Use feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Instructions: Replace Colby/Jack cheese with crumbled feta. Add chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken along with the bacon.
- Teriyaki Alice Springs Chicken:
- Ingredients: Use teriyaki sauce instead of honey mustard.
- Instructions: Spread teriyaki sauce over the chicken breasts. Top with crumbled bacon and cheese. Bake as directed.
- Mushroom Lover’s Alice Springs Chicken:
- Ingredients: Add extra mushrooms.
- Instructions: Sauté additional mushrooms and layer them generously over the chicken along with bacon and cheese.
- Herb-Crusted Alice Springs Chicken:
- Ingredients: Mix dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano) into the seasoning salt.
- Instructions: Rub the chicken with a mixture of seasoning salt and dried herbs before cooking. Proceed with the recipe as usual.
- Low-Carb Alice Springs Chicken:
- Ingredients: Use sugar-free honey mustard and substitute bacon with turkey bacon.
- Instructions: Follow the recipe but use a low-carb or sugar-free honey mustard sauce and lean turkey bacon for a lower-carb option.
- Cheesy Alfredo Alice Springs Chicken:
- Ingredients: Use Alfredo sauce instead of honey mustard.
- Instructions: Spread Alfredo sauce over the chicken. Top with crumbled bacon and shredded cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden.
- Italian Alice Springs Chicken:
- Ingredients: Use marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Instructions: Spread marinara sauce over the chicken and top with mozzarella cheese instead of Colby/Jack cheese. Add Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Southwestern Alice Springs Chicken:
- Ingredients: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
- Instructions: Mix black beans and corn with the bacon. Sprinkle chili powder over the chicken before adding the cheese. Bake as directed.
These variations allow you to customize the Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, adding new and exciting flavors to the classic dish.
FAQs :
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will need a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
- What if I don’t have turkey bacon?
- You can use regular bacon or bacon bits as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using thicker bacon slices.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken and toppings in advance. Assemble the dish and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to serve.
- Is it possible to make this recipe in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours, then add cheese in the last 30 minutes to melt. The bacon can be added at the end or used as a topping.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Can I substitute the honey mustard with a different sauce?
- Absolutely! You can use barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or any other sauce of your choice to change up the flavor profile.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the bacon and cheese.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
- What if I don’t like mushrooms?
- Simply omit the mushrooms from the recipe, or replace them with other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach if you prefer.
- How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the honey mustard mixture for extra heat. Alternatively, you can use a spicy cheese blend.
These FAQs should help you navigate common questions and ensure your Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken turns out perfectly every time!
This Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken recipe brings a taste of the restaurant into your home with its savory combination of honey mustard, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or just looking for a comforting meal, this recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy a delicious, steakhouse-style meal with minimal effort and maximum taste!