While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare the toppings.
Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Sauté the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add a little olive oil if needed and sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium heat until they are golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Set both the cooked bacon and mushrooms aside, as these will be used to top the chicken.
Step 4: Grill or Sear the Chicken
Now it’s time to cook the marinated chicken.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat if you prefer to cook the chicken on the stove.
Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as you want it to stay juicy and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a baking dish or oven-safe pan.
Step 5: Assemble the Alice Springs Chicken
Now that the chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble the dish.
Top each chicken breast with a layer of the sautéed mushrooms, followed by a generous sprinkling of Monterey Jack cheese and Cheddar cheese.
Add the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese, ensuring each chicken breast is fully covered.
Place the baking dish in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C), and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve with Extra Honey Mustard Sauce
Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle the reserved honey mustard sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor. The combination of the tender chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and sweet-tangy sauce is what makes this dish so irresistible.
Serve the Alice Springs Chicken hot, with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Alice Springs Chicken
Use quality cheese: For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese. It melts better and has a richer flavor.
Don’t skip the marinade: Allowing the chicken to marinate ensures that it absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the honey mustard sauce, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Customize the toppings: While the classic recipe includes mushrooms and bacon, you can also experiment with adding onions, bell peppers, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Conclusion: A Restaurant Favorite Made at Home
Making Outback Steakhouse-inspired Alice Springs Chicken at home is easier than you might think, and it’s a great way to impress your family or guests with a delicious, restaurant-quality meal. The combination of savory chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and that irresistible honey mustard sauce will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Next time you’re craving comfort food with a twist, try this recipe and enjoy the flavors of Outback Steakhouse from the comfort of your kitchen!
