Alice Springs Chicken Recipe is the answer when you’re craving restaurant-quality flavor with homemade ease. This dish, a fan favorite thanks to Outback Steakhouse, is all about big flavor—juicy grilled chicken topped with smoky bacon, sautéed mushrooms, gooey melted cheese, and a drizzle of that crave-worthy honey mustard sauce.
In this in-depth guide, I’ll walk you through how to recreate this savory favorite at home with simple ingredients and clear, foolproof instructions. Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or a standout main course for guests, this dish checks every box.
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is one of Outback Steakhouse’s standout dishes. Named after the town of Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory, the dish reflects a hearty, satisfying approach to grilled chicken. What sets it apart is its layers of flavor—first, the chicken is marinated in a honey mustard sauce, then grilled and topped with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and a generous layer of melted cheese.
Despite its restaurant pedigree, this dish is straightforward enough for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken and Seasoning:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Toppings:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1½ cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Optional Swaps:
- Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- Turkey bacon for a lighter version
- Grilled onions or jalapeños for added kick
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
Grab a medium bowl and whisk all the sauce ingredients together until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust based on your preferences—add more honey for sweetness or more mustard for tang. Pour half into a separate container to save for serving later, and use the rest to marinate the chicken.
Make-ahead tip: This sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pound the chicken so it’s an even thickness—this helps it cook evenly. Season both sides, then pop it into a zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour over half of the honey mustard sauce to marinate. Marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
For maximum flavor, marinate for at least 2 hours. Avoid exceeding 12 hours.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Choose your preferred method:
Stovetop (Best for flavor and texture):
- Warm some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering.
- Cook the chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside.
Grill:
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until juices run clear.
Oven:
- Preheat to 375°F.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and juicy.
Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before topping.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat, letting it get nice and bubbly before adding the next ingredients. Add the mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and tender. Set aside.
Step 5: Assemble and Broil
Place the cooked chicken in an oven-safe dish. Top each breast with:
- 1–2 strips of bacon
- A scoop of mushrooms
- ¼ cup cheese
Pop it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Drizzle with reserved honey mustard sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Alice Springs Chicken is rich and savory, so pairing it with well-balanced sides enhances the meal.
Classic Options:
- Baked potatoes
- French fries
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
Low-Carb Sides:
- Cauliflower mash
- Grilled asparagus
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
Fresh Additions:
- Garden salad with vinaigrette
- Coleslaw
- Grilled zucchini
Combine one hearty side and one fresh option for a well-rounded plate.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations
Keto/Low-Carb:
- Replace honey with monk fruit sweetener or keto honey
- Use turkey bacon
- Serve with roasted vegetables or greens
Dairy-Free:
- Use dairy-free cheese and mayo alternatives
- Omit cheese if preferred
Gluten-Free:
- Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels (especially bacon and mustard)
Spicy Version:
- Add hot sauce or chili flakes to the honey mustard
- Use pepper jack cheese
Expert Tips for Success
- Marinate wisely: Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but 3–4 hours is best.
- Flatten the chicken: Helps prevent overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
- Use fresh bacon: For optimal texture and flavor.
- Broil carefully: Keep a close eye on the broiler so the cheese doesn’t burn.
- Make it a meal prep hero: It reheats beautifully, so make extra for the week.
Storing and Reheating Alice Springs Chicken Recipe: What You Need to Know
Storage:
- Store it in an airtight container in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months (wrap individually)
Reheating:
- Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes, covered
- Stovetop: On medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth
- Microwave: In 30-second bursts, covered with a damp towel
FAQs
What’s the difference between Alice Springs Chicken and Chicken on the Barbie?
Alice Springs Chicken is topped with bacon, mushrooms, cheese, and honey mustard. Chicken on the Barbie is a grilled chicken breast served simply with barbecue sauce and steamed vegetables.
Is this recipe high in calories?
It can be, due to bacon and cheese. Use lighter substitutes to reduce the calorie count.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Adjust cooking time as thighs tend to be thicker and juicier.
Conclusion
This Alice Springs Chicken Recipe delivers everything you love about the Outback Steakhouse version—with the bonus of being homemade. From the tangy honey mustard marinade to the rich layers of bacon, mushrooms, and cheese, every bite is packed with flavor and satisfaction.
Easy enough for weeknights and special enough for guests, this recipe is one you’ll come back to time and again. Try it once and watch it become a household favorite.