Alice Springs Chicken

Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat) is one of those dishes that can turn any ordinary dinner into a special occasion. If you’ve been to Outback Steakhouse, you may have savored this delicious, cheesy masterpiece topped with crispy bacon and sautéed mushrooms. It’s heavenly! While visiting the restaurant can be fun, recreating this meal at home means you can enjoy it anytime you like. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about preparing a meal that pleases your family or friends, right?

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In this blog post, I’ll guide you through every step of making this fantastic dish from the comfort of your kitchen. It’s an easy recipe that might just become your go-to for weeknight meals or even for entertaining guests. And trust me, the combination of flavors will leave everyone raving about your culinary skills. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this recipe lies in the marinating process, which fills the chicken with rich flavors, ensuring that each piece is juicy and tender. Marination allows the ingredients to intermingle, creating a delightful base for your main dish. As you layer on crispy bacon and sautéed mushrooms, you’ll notice how the textures complement each other beautifully, adding depth to this dish.

Furthermore, let’s talk about the sauce. The blend of sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and creamy mayonnaise creates a taste sensation that’s tough to resist. Together, these elements combine to deliver a culinary experience you won’t forget!

Why You’ll Love This Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat)

What’s not to love? This recipe brings the signature taste of your favorite Outback dish right into your kitchen. It’s perfect for family dinners, offering a gourmet feel while remaining incredibly approachable. The best part is that the preparation and cooking times make it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight. You can whip it up quickly and still impress everyone at the dinner table!

Ingredients

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ to 2 pounds)
• 6 slices bacon (cut in half or diced)
• 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups Colby Jack cheese (shredded)
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Preparing the Marinade

Combine Ingredients for the Marinade

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and mix together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and lemon juice until you achieve a smooth consistency. This will serve as your flavorful marinade, so don’t rush through this step!

Marinate the Chicken

Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in a large resealable zip-lock bag or a bowl. Pour half of your marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. Remember to reserve the other half for later! Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or, for the best results, overnight. This step is key for getting that rich flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

Preheat Your Oven

Before you get too far, it’s time to preheat your oven to 400°F.

Cook the Bacon

Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and let it cook until crispy. Once it’s done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up the grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the lovely bacon fat in the skillet—trust me, it adds fantastic flavor!

Sauté the Mushrooms

Using the same skillet, toss in your sliced mushrooms. Sauté them over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes or until they’re softened and slightly golden. Once done, transfer the mushrooms to a plate and set them aside—don’t forget about them!

Season and Cook the Chicken

Now, it’s time for the chicken! Take it out from the marinade and season each side with Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and paprika. In that same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook it for 5 minutes on one side, then flip it and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Assemble and Bake

Turn off the heat and let the magic happen! Top each piece of chicken with those crispy bacon slices, the sautéed mushrooms, and a generous sprinkle of shredded Colby Jack cheese. Then, carefully transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is all melty and delicious.

Garnish and Serve

Add a finishing touch by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley, if you like. Serve with the reserved honey mustard sauce on the side to dip your chicken in. Your family and friends are going to love it!

Tips for Success

• For the best flavor, marinate the chicken longer—it really makes a difference!
• Ensure your skillet is hot before adding chicken to get a good sear and flavor.
• Adjust the amount of cheese to your liking—more cheese can create an even cheesier dish!

Variations

• If you’re in the mood for something richer, consider substituting chicken breasts with thighs.
• Want to experiment? Add some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor kick.
• Different cheese varieties like mozzarella or cheddar can completely change the taste profile if you want to mix things up!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, consider pairing your Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat) with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or rice make a great accompaniment as well, giving you a complete dining experience. And if you’re feeling fancy, enjoy your meal with a chilled glass of white wine or refreshing iced tea!

FAQs

1. Can I prep this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with any cheeses you love.

3. Is it necessary to sauté the mushrooms?
While sautéing enhances their flavor, you can skip this step if you’re pressed for time.

4. What should I do with leftover Alice Springs chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying.

5. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes! Grilling gives the marinated chicken a smoky flavor that’s fantastic!

This Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat) recipe offers all the deliciousness of the restaurant favorite, right at home. Juicy, flavorful chicken topped with crispy bacon and gooey cheese makes it a dish that will surely become a family staple. Enjoy the ease of cooking while impressing your diners with this delectable delight!

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