Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat)

This Alice Springs Chicken copycat recipe brings the perfect combination of tender, marinated chicken topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese right to your table. We made this restaurant-quality dish an easy recipe for any night of the week.

 

Easy Alice Springs Chicken Recipe (Outback Copycat)

Alice Springs Chicken is one of the most popular menu items at Outback Steakhouse, but taking the whole family out to eat can really add up. Luckily, you can recreate this delicious dish at home with just a few simple ingredients. It starts with tender, honey mustard-marinated chicken breasts that are cooked to perfection. They’re then loaded up with a savory blend of toppings like smoky bacon, buttery mushrooms, and a blanket of gooey, melted cheese.

Making this copycat recipe at home not only saves money, but it also lets you enjoy those rich flavors whenever the craving hits. It’s a hearty and delicious chicken dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even for those times when you need an easy recipe for special occasions. Serve it up with your favorite sides like these Loaded Mashed Potatoes, this Stick of Butter Rice, or a cool, crisp garden salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love Our Version of Alice Springs Chicken

• Easy dinner recipe – We took extra effort to make this delicious chicken recipe as easy as possible to make. Nothing difficult or fancy going on here.
• Budget-friendly – You’ll save time and money when you make this Outback Steakhouse Restaurant copycat recipe at home.
• Family favorite – Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken is a favorite dish your family will love just as much as mine does.

Ingredients to make this Popular Outback Copycat Recipe

For the Honey Mustard Marinade

• Mayonnaise – Acts as the base of the creamy and rich honey mustard marinade.
• Honey – Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tangy mustard flavors.
• Dijon mustard – Gives the marinade a sharp, tangy flavor. You can use yellow mustard for a milder taste.
• Garlic powder – Gives the marinade extra flavor.
• Lemon juice – Freshens up the marinade with a bright, zesty kick.

For the Outback Alice Springs Chicken 

• Chicken – You’ll want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• Slices of bacon – Cut in half or diced to top the chicken. You can use turkey bacon if you prefer.
• Mushrooms – We use white button mushrooms, but you can use baby bella or any of your favorite.
• Seasonings – This recipe uses a simple blend of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and paprika.
• Butter – Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the chicken while cooking.
• Colby Jack cheese, shredded – Melts beautifully over the chicken, creating a creamy, cheesy topping.
• Fresh chopped parsley – Added as an optional garnish for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Medium-sized mixing bowl 
• Large skillet (oven safe)
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Gallon-size Ziplock bag
• Digital meat thermometer 

How to Make Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

Step One: Marinate the Chicken

• Mix mayonnaise, honey, Dijon, garlic powder, and lemon juice in a medium bowl until smooth. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place chicken in a large resealable zip-lock bag or large bowl. 
• Pour half of the marinade into the bag with the chicken and transfer to the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Save the other half of the marinade to use as a sauce on the finished dish.

Step Two: Cook the Bacon and Sauté the Mushrooms

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your pieces of bacon and cook until golden brown and crispy. Remove the cooked bacon and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate. Keep 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
• Add mushrooms to skillet and sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Transfer the sautéed mushrooms to a plate and set aside.

Step Three: Cook the Chicken

• Remove the marinated chicken from the marinade and season on both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Melt butter in a large skillet. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, flip and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side. 

Step Four: Add Topping and Finish Cooking

• Turn off the heat and evenly arrange crispy bacon slices on top of each piece of chicken. Top with sauteed mushrooms and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 8-10 minutes, or until the juicy chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese melts. 
• Garnish the top of each chicken breast with fresh chopped parsley and serve with some of the extra honey mustard sauce on the side.

How to Store This Copycat Recipe

• Allow your leftovers to cool to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a baking dish covered with foil at 350F for 10-15 minutes, or in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. 
• You can freeze leftover Alice Springs chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

 Top Tips

• Use freshly grated cheese for best results. It melts much better than pre-shredded.
• Invest in a meat thermometer. Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness and size of your chicken breasts. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temps before serving. The chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees F.
• Before marinating, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better.
• Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to achieve a nice sear and locks in juices.
• Allow the marinated chicken to come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.\
• After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.

Why is it Called Alice Springs Chicken?

Alice Springs Chicken is named after the town of Alice Springs in Australia, which is located in the heart of the Australian Outback. 

What to Serve with Alice Springs Chicken

You can serve this chicken dish with any of your favorite side dishes. Here are some great options: 

• Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus
• Baked potato, mashed potatoes, or French fries
• Creamy Cucumber Salad, Easy Broccoli Salad or a simple side salad
• Bread Sticks or Texas Roadhouse Rolls

Copycat Alice Springs Chicken Recipe Variations

• Melted cheese – Cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack can be used instead of Colby Jack. 
• Protein swaps – Chicken thighs or boneless pork chops can be used, but the flavor will differ from the Outback version that uses chicken breasts.
• Bacon alternatives – Use turkey bacon or even pancetta for a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Mushroom options – You can swap white button mushrooms for baby bella, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms.
• Spice it up – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a kick of heat.
• Herbs – Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the marinade or sprinkled on top for extra flavor.
• Toppings – Add sliced green onions, crispy fried onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.
• Vegetable add-ins – Throw in some sautéed bell peppers or onions along with the mushrooms for more texture and flavor.

Outback Copycat Alice Springs Chicken FAQs

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