Sink your teeth into this mouthwatering Alice Springs Chicken, a spot-on copycat of the popular Outback Steakhouse favorite. This dish is a cheesy, savory masterpiece that brings together tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, rich honey mustard sauce, and melted cheese, all topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that satisfies every craving in one bite.
Perfect for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress guests without too much fuss, this cheesy chicken dish is simple to prepare and full of flavor. Juicy chicken breasts are first seasoned and seared to lock in flavor, then baked under a glorious blanket of cheese and bacon. Every bite is creamy, smoky, and deeply satisfying—making it a must-add to your easy dinner ideas list.
Ingredients for this Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp seasoned salt (or to taste)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese (or cheddar blend)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional for tang)
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside about ⅓ of the sauce for serving later. The rest will be used to baste the chicken while cooking. This sauce adds the perfect sweet and tangy touch that balances the smoky bacon and savory cheese.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with seasoned salt. In a large oven-safe skillet (or a regular skillet if transferring to a baking dish), heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked—just beautifully browned to lock in flavor.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Bacon
Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the reserved honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast generously. Then, crumble or lay whole strips of the cooked bacon over the top. The crispy, salty bacon adds a delicious contrast to the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Load with Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Colby Jack cheese over each chicken breast, covering them completely. The cheese will melt into the sauce and bacon, creating a gooey, irresistible topping.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling
Place the skillet or baking dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm with extra honey mustard sauce on the side, alongside mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.
Storage Instructions
To keep your Alice Springs Chicken fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. For best texture, avoid reheating in a high-power microwave without covering, as the cheese may overcook.
If you’d like to freeze it, wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: ~540 kcal
- Protein: ~48g
- Fat: ~32g
- Saturated Fat: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Sugar: ~6g
- Fiber: ~0g
- Sodium: ~780mg
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on the exact ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
### 1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well and remain extra juicy. Just adjust cooking time since thighs cook a bit quicker.
### 2. What cheese is best for this dish?
Colby Jack or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack are ideal for their meltability and mild flavor. Feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or pepper jack for extra kick.
### 3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the dish (without baking), cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Just bake when ready.
### 4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just make sure your bacon and mustard are gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels.
### 5. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Sure! Grill the chicken breasts, then top them with sauce, bacon, and cheese. Transfer to an oven-safe pan or foil tray to melt the cheese under a broiler or grill lid.
### 6. What can I serve it with?
Mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp salad are all great companions.
### 7. Can I use turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works great as a lighter alternative. Just make sure it’s crispy before adding.
### 8. What’s the best way to get crispy bacon?
Bake bacon on a wire rack over a foil-lined tray at 400°F (205°C) for 15–20 minutes. It comes out perfectly crispy every time.
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