Alice Springs Chicken

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Golden, juicy, and oozing with flavor, Alice Springs Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. This iconic dish, inspired by the original from Outback Steakhouse, features tender grilled chicken breasts topped with a luscious honey mustard sauce, a gooey layer of melted cheese, and a generous sprinkle of crispy bacon bits. The finishing touch? A dash of fresh parsley that gives it a vibrant, restaurant-quality look and feel. It’s hearty, satisfying, and impossible to resist.

This dish is perfect for those who crave a savory main course that feels indulgent but is easy to make at home. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking to impress guests, Alice Springs Chicken delivers on all fronts. The combination of smokiness from the bacon, richness from the cheese, and a hint of sweetness from the honey mustard creates a deeply satisfying balance of flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Alice Springs Chicken

• Perfectly juicy chicken breasts packed with bold flavor
• A restaurant-quality dish that’s simple to make at home
• Ideal for low-carb or keto-friendly diets
• Great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
• Customizable toppings to suit your taste

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring Alice Springs Chicken to life, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

• Cast Iron Skillet or Oven-Safe Skillet: Ideal for searing and transferring directly to the oven for finishing.
• Tongs: Helps flip the chicken cleanly without tearing the meat.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked to a safe 165°F without overcooking.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For whipping up the honey mustard sauce.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For prepping bacon and garnishes.

Each of these tools plays a key role in executing the dish smoothly and achieving that perfect sear, melt, and texture.

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Preparation Tips

Start by letting your chicken come to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before cooking—this helps it cook more evenly. Pat the breasts dry before seasoning to get a better sear and avoid excess moisture. Cook your bacon until crisp but not burnt; it should still have some flexibility so it melds well with the cheese. When layering the toppings, be generous, but don’t overload—you want a balanced bite every time. Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes out of the oven so the juices can redistribute, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.

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Ingredients for this Alice Springs Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

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Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and paprika until smooth. Set aside a portion of this sauce to use as a dipping sauce later. The rest will be used to flavor the chicken during cooking.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat the olive oil in a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

In a separate pan, cook the bacon until crispy but still slightly chewy. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.

Step 4: Layer the Toppings

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast in the skillet. Generously top each piece with shredded cheese and then sprinkle with chopped bacon.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for color and freshness. Serve hot with a side of baked potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp side salad.

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Notes

If you’re looking to enhance the flavors even further, marinate the chicken breasts in a few tablespoons of the honey mustard sauce for 1–2 hours before cooking. For a lower-sodium option, opt for low-sodium bacon and cheese. This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as the ingredients you use (especially the mustard and bacon) are verified gluten-free.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: This can make it dry. Always check with a meat thermometer.
• Using too much sauce: It can overwhelm the chicken and make the dish soggy.
• Not letting the chicken rest: Skipping this step will result in lost juices and drier meat.
• Overcrowding the skillet: This prevents proper searing. Cook in batches if needed.
• Skipping the pre-sear: It locks in flavor and creates a golden crust—don’t skip it!

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Alice Springs Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15–20 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the texture of the bacon may become less crispy.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 670mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alice Springs Chicken?

It’s a grilled chicken dish topped with honey mustard sauce, bacon, and melted cheese, inspired by Outback Steakhouse’s popular menu item.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and assemble the chicken, then refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5 extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Colby Jack is ideal, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend work well too.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can use dairy-free cheese and skip the mayonnaise in the sauce. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.

Can I freeze Alice Springs Chicken?

Yes, freeze fully cooked and cooled portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What sides go well with it?

Baked potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, steamed broccoli, or a fresh garden salad are all great choices.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Very much so! Kids usually love the combination of bacon, cheese, and a touch of sweetness from the honey mustard.

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Conclusion

Alice Springs Chicken is the kind of meal that transforms an ordinary dinner into something memorable. It’s easy to prepare, deeply flavorful, and loaded with comfort. Whether you’re recreating your favorite restaurant meal or discovering it for the first time, this dish is sure to win over everyone at the table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation.

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