If you’re a fan of Outback Steakhouse, you’ve probably heard of Alice Springs Chicken—a mouthwatering dish featuring juicy, marinated chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, and a drizzle of honey mustard sauce. This recipe captures the flavors of the restaurant favorite while being easy to make at home.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to recreate the perfect Alice Springs Chicken from scratch, complete with homemade honey mustard sauce and expert tips for achieving a restaurant-quality dish. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Deliciously flavorful – A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness.
Restaurant-quality at home – Skip the expensive meal and make it yourself!
Great for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.
Let’s get started on this delicious dish!
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a signature dish from Outback Steakhouse, named after the town of Alice Springs in Australia. This dish is known for its bold flavors, combining tender grilled chicken with a rich honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, mushrooms, and gooey melted cheese. The mix of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors makes it a standout meal that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
While it might look like a complex restaurant dish, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home with just a few key ingredients and steps. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to create your own version that tastes just as good—if not better—than the original.
Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken
To make Alice Springs Chicken, you’ll need a combination of fresh ingredients for the chicken, sauce, and toppings.
The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
The Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
The Toppings:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 ½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or cheddar cheese)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing mushrooms)
Optional Additions & Substitutes:
- Swap Colby Jack cheese for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
- Use turkey bacon for a healthier option.
- Add grilled onions for extra flavor.
With these ingredients in hand, we’re ready to move on to the cooking process!
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making Alice Springs Chicken. This recipe involves three main steps: preparing the honey mustard sauce, marinating the chicken, and cooking and assembling the dish.
Step 1: Preparing the Honey Mustard Sauce
The honey mustard sauce is what gives this dish its signature sweet and tangy flavor. It acts as both a marinade and a finishing drizzle.
Instructions for Honey Mustard Sauce:
- Combine the ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Adjust seasoning – Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add more honey; for extra tang, add more Dijon mustard.
- Set aside – Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the chicken.
💡 Pro Tip: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to one week. It also works as a great dip for fries, veggies, or sandwiches!
Step 2: Marinating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
To ensure the chicken is juicy and flavorful, we marinate it in the honey mustard sauce before cooking.
Marination Instructions:
- Pound the chicken – Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and lightly pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
- Season the chicken – Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Marinate – Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour in half of the prepared honey mustard sauce (reserve the rest for later).
- Refrigerate – Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
💡 Pro Tip: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be. However, avoid marinating for more than 12 hours, as the acid in the mustard can start to break down the meat too much.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken to Perfection
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to cook it. You can use a grill, stovetop skillet, or oven—whichever method you prefer.
Stovetop Method (Recommended)
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Cook the chicken – Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Grill Method
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F).
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until fully cooked.
Oven-Baked Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
💡 Pro Tip: Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices!
Step 4: Assembling and Topping the Chicken
Now comes the fun part—layering the toppings to create that signature Alice Springs Chicken experience!
Instructions for Assembling:
- Sauté the mushrooms – In a pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter, add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, and sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Layer the toppings – Place the cooked chicken in an oven-safe skillet or baking dish and top each piece with:
- 2 slices crispy bacon
- A generous scoop of sautéed mushrooms
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese (about ¼ cup per piece)
- Broil for melty goodness – Place under the oven broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
- Drizzle with honey mustard sauce – Use the reserved sauce from earlier for extra flavor.
💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have a broiler, simply cover the pan and let the cheese melt over low heat for a few minutes.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
Alice Springs Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether you’re looking for something hearty, low-carb, or light, there are plenty of options to complete your meal.
Best Side Dishes for Alice Springs Chicken
1. Classic Steakhouse Sides
If you want the full Outback Steakhouse experience, serve Alice Springs Chicken with:
- French Fries – Crispy golden fries balance the creamy cheese and honey mustard sauce.
- Baked Potato – Load it up with butter, sour cream, and chives.
- Steamed Vegetables – A mix of broccoli, carrots, and zucchini adds freshness to your plate.
2. Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Sides
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, consider these sides:
- Cauliflower Mash – A creamy, buttery alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Zucchini Noodles – Light and healthy with a mild flavor.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy, caramelized, and packed with nutrients.
3. Light & Fresh Options
Looking for something lighter? These options complement the richness of the dish:
- Side Salad – A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing balances the flavors.
- Grilled Asparagus – Adds a smoky crunch to your plate.
- Coleslaw – A tangy slaw cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon.
💡 Pro Tip: For a complete meal, serve Alice Springs Chicken with one hearty side (like fries or a baked potato) and one fresh side (like a salad or roasted veggies).
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s easily customizable to fit different dietary needs. Here are some great variations:
1. Low-Carb & Keto Alice Springs Chicken
- Skip the honey – Replace it with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
- Use turkey bacon – It has fewer carbs than traditional bacon.
- Serve with cauliflower mash – A great low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
2. Dairy-Free Alice Springs Chicken
- Omit the cheese – Replace it with a dairy-free alternative like cashew-based cheese.
- Use dairy-free mayo – Many brands offer egg-free, dairy-free mayonnaise.
3. Gluten-Free Alice Springs Chicken
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check ingredient labels (especially for mustard and bacon).
- Pair with gluten-free sides like roasted potatoes or a simple salad.
4. Spicy Alice Springs Chicken
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of Colby Jack for a spicy kick.
💡 Pro Tip: Feel free to experiment with different toppings! Try grilled onions, jalapeños, or avocado for a fun twist.
Tips for the Best Alice Springs Chicken
Want to make your Alice Springs Chicken restaurant-quality? Follow these expert tips to ensure the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and presentation.
1. Don’t Skip the Marination
Marinating the chicken in the honey mustard sauce infuses it with flavor and keeps it juicy. Even 30 minutes can make a big difference, but if you have time, let it marinate for 3-4 hours for maximum tenderness.
2. Pound the Chicken for Even Cooking
Chicken breasts can be thick and uneven, leading to inconsistent cooking. To avoid dry spots, place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and lightly pound it to an even thickness before marinating.
3. Cook on Medium Heat for Juiciness
Cooking the chicken over medium heat prevents it from drying out. High heat can burn the outside before the inside is fully cooked, while low heat may cause it to become rubbery.
4. Use Freshly Cooked Bacon
For the best flavor and crispiness, cook your bacon just before assembling the dish. Pre-cooked or microwave bacon won’t have the same crunchy texture.
5. Don’t Overload the Cheese
While cheese is delicious, adding too much can make the dish greasy. Stick to about ¼ cup per chicken breast for the perfect balance.
6. Use a Broiler for the Final Touch
After adding the toppings, place the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. This gives the cheese a golden, bubbly finish—just like at Outback Steakhouse!
💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have a broiler, you can cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt over low heat.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Alice Springs Chicken is just as delicious the next day if stored and reheated properly. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 3 months.
Best Ways to Reheat Alice Springs Chicken
1. Oven (Best Method for Even Heating)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
2. Stovetop (Quick Method)
- Heat a non-stick skillet over low-medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cover with a lid.
- Heat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Microwave (Fastest Method, but Risky)
- Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness.
- Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid overheating in the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Alice Springs Chicken at Outback?
Alice Springs Chicken is a signature dish from Outback Steakhouse, featuring grilled, marinated chicken topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, melted Colby Jack cheese, and a drizzle of honey mustard sauce. It’s a customer favorite due to its bold flavors and creamy, smoky, and tangy taste combination.
2. Is Alice Springs Chicken healthy?
Alice Springs Chicken can be high in calories due to the cheese, bacon, and honey mustard sauce, but it can be made healthier by:
- Using low-fat cheese
- Swapping turkey bacon for regular bacon
- Reducing the amount of honey mustard sauce
- Serving it with steamed vegetables or a side salad instead of fries or a baked potato
3. What is Outback Chicken on the Barbie?
“Chicken on the Barbie” is another popular grilled chicken dish at Outback Steakhouse. Unlike Alice Springs Chicken, it’s a simple, seasoned, flame-grilled chicken breast served with a side of BBQ sauce and steamed vegetables. It’s a lighter option compared to the cheese and bacon-loaded Alice Springs Chicken.
4. How many calories are in the Outback Alice Springs Chicken?
The calorie count for Alice Springs Chicken at Outback Steakhouse is approximately 770–900 calories per serving, depending on portion size and sides. The cheese, bacon, and honey mustard sauce contribute to the calorie count, but making a homemade version allows you to adjust ingredients for a lighter meal.
Conclusion
Alice Springs Chicken is the perfect homemade alternative to the popular Outback Steakhouse dish. With its juicy marinated chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, and rich honey mustard sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or special occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Plus, with the customization options available, you can tailor it to suit your dietary needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this Alice Springs Chicken recipe today and bring the flavors of Outback Steakhouse right into your own kitchen! 🍽️