Alice Springs Chicken
Table of Contents
The flavors of Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken are truly magical. It combines juicy grilled chicken, savory sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a tantalizing honey mustard sauce. This mix of tastes has won over diners for years.
As a home cook, I’ve been trying to make this dish at home. And let me tell you, it’s been amazing.
If you love Outback or want to try Australian cuisine, this recipe is for you. It has a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. It’s sure to impress your family and friends, making them wonder how you made it so well at home.
Introduction to Outback’s Famous Chicken Dish
Outback Steakhouse is famous for its hearty dishes, but the Alice Springs Chicken stands out. It’s a fan favorite, loved by many. This dish shows Outback’s dedication to tasty chicken for all.
History Behind the Name
The Alice Springs Chicken is named after a town in Northern Australia. It reflects Outback Steakhouse’s Australian theme. The dish’s roots are in the Australian Outback’s bold flavors and resourcefulness.
Why It’s a Restaurant Favorite
Outback Steakhouse is known for steak, but the Alice Springs Chicken is a hit. It combines tender chicken, bacon, cheese, and honey mustard sauce. This mix wins over many diners, making it a top choice.
The Alice Springs Chicken’s fame shows it’s a satisfying dish. It proves Outback’s skill in making great chicken dishes, alongside its bush tucker and steak.
Essential Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken
To make the famous grilled chicken dish from Outback Steakhouse, you need a few key ingredients. At the heart of the recipe are boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are the perfect canvas for the flavorful aussie bbq inspired marinade and toppings.
The honey mustard marinade is a signature component. It’s made with Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. This tangy-sweet mixture infuses the chicken with delicious flavor. It marinates for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 4 |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Baby Bella Mushrooms | 8 ounces |
| White Cooking Wine | 1 tablespoon |
| Crispy Bacon | 8 slices |
| Colby Jack Cheese, Shredded | 2 cups |
| Fresh Parsley | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
The dish also features sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted Colby Jack cheese. Fresh parsley adds a final touch of color and flavor. With these essential ingredients, you’re well on your way to recreating the signature grilled chicken taste of Outback Steakhouse’s beloved Alice Springs Chicken.
The Perfect Honey Mustard Marinade
The honey mustard marinade is the heart of the Alice Springs Chicken dish. It’s a mix of Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. This blend gives the chicken a tangy-sweet taste and a juicy texture. Learning to make this marinade is key to improving your bush cooking or camping recipes.
Marinade Components
To make the perfect honey mustard marinade, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Marinating Tips and Timing
Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but no more than 24 hours. This lets the flavors soak into the meat without making it tough. Overnight marinating is usually the best for flavor and tenderness.
Making Extra Sauce for Serving
Save half of the marinade for a dipping sauce. This honey mustard sauce can be made ahead and kept in the fridge. It’s a great addition to your bush cooking or camping recipes.
“The honey mustard marinade is the secret to the succulent, flavor-packed Alice Springs Chicken everyone raves about.”
Preparing Your Chicken Breasts
To get even cooking and juicy chicken, start by preparing your chicken dishes for the Alice Springs Chicken recipe. First, pound the chicken breasts to about 3/4 inch thick. This makes sure the chicken cooks evenly, avoiding dry spots.
After pounding, season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and spices like Cajun seasoning. This mix enhances the dish’s flavors and brings out the chicken’s taste.
- Pound chicken breasts to 3/4 inch thickness for even cooking.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and optional Cajun seasoning.
- Some recipes recommend halving the chicken breasts or using a meat mallet to achieve the desired thickness.
With chicken breasts prepared right, they’ll cook evenly and stay juicy. This ensures a tasty and fulfilling grilled chicken dish every time.
“The key to a perfectly cooked Alice Springs Chicken is in the preparation of the chicken breasts. Pounding them to an even thickness and seasoning them well sets the stage for a truly exceptional dish.”
Mastering the Mushroom and Bacon Elements
To make the Alice Springs Chicken better, focus on the mushrooms and bacon. These add earthy, savory, and smoky tastes. They match the chicken and honey mustard sauce perfectly.
Mushroom Sautéing Technique
Start by cleaning and slicing 8 ounces of mushrooms like button, cremini, or baby bella. Cut them into thin, even pieces. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Once the butter melts and foams, add the mushroom slices. Sauté them, stirring now and then, for 5-7 minutes. This makes them golden brown and tender.
Bacon Cooking Methods
For crispy turkey bacon, you have two ways to cook it. You can cook it in a skillet over medium heat, turning it often, until it’s crispy. This takes about 8-10 minutes.
Or, bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. Flip it halfway through. This method is easy and ensures even crispiness.
Choose thick-cut bacon for the best taste and texture. Use 1 to 2 slices per chicken breast. This adds smoky, savory flavors to the dish.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms (button, cremini, or baby bella) | 8 ounces, sliced |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Bacon (turkey or regular) | 1-2 slices per chicken breast |
Mastering sautéed mushrooms and crispy bacon takes the Alice Springs Chicken to new heights. It becomes a dish that truly captures aussie bbq and bush cooking flavors.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
Enhance your outback food experience with the famous chicken dishes from Alice Springs Chicken. This dish from Outback Steakhouse is a mix of great flavors and textures. It will make you want more. Follow this guide to make this Aussie-inspired dish at home.
- Start by searing the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side, until it’s golden brown.
- Move the seared chicken to an oven-safe dish for the next steps.
- In the same skillet, cook the sliced mushrooms until they’re tender and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Put the mushrooms over the chicken, then add crispy bacon slices.
- Place shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese on top of the chicken and bacon.
- Brush the cheese with honey mustard sauce for a tasty glaze.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken is 165°F (74°C).
When the dish is done, add fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color. Serve it hot and enjoy the mix of sweet, savory, and smoky tastes.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Marinate Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 35 minutes | 30 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes | 4 servings |
Follow this guide to make the beloved chicken dishes of Alice Springs Chicken at home. Enjoy the perfect mix of flavors and textures that make this outback food a favorite.
Cheese Selection and Melting Tips
The classic Australian cuisine dish, Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken, relies on the right cheese and melting. These steps are key to getting the dish’s signature flavor and texture.
Best Cheese Combinations
Outback Steakhouse uses Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for their Alice Springs Chicken. This mix offers creamy richness and tangy sharpness. It perfectly complements the chicken, bacon, and mushrooms.
For the best results, use freshly shredded cheese. This ensures the cheese melts well and blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
Proper Melting Techniques
- Evenly distribute the shredded cheese over the top of the assembled dish, covering the chicken, bacon, and mushrooms.
- Place the dish in the upper third of the oven to ensure the cheese melts thoroughly and starts to bubble.
- Keep a close eye on the dish during the melting process to prevent over-browning or burning of the cheese.
- The cheese should be fully melted and starting to bubble when the dish is ready to serve.
| Ingredient | Original Outback’s Alice Springs Chicken | Skinny Remake |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 756 | 264 |
| Fat (g) | 47 | 9 |
| Protein (g) | Data not available | 29 |
| Carbs (g) | Data not available | 20 |
| Sodium (mg) | Data not available | 666 |
| Sugar (g) | Data not available | 18 |
By following these tips, you can ensure the cheese in your Outback food-inspired Alice Springs Chicken dish melts perfectly. This adds a delicious and visually appealing finishing touch to this classic Australian cuisine recipe.
Cooking Methods: Stovetop to Oven
Make the iconic Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse a hit in your bush cooking or camping recipes. The secret is moving smoothly from the stovetop to the oven. This ensures the perfect mix of flavors and textures.
Begin by searing the marinated chicken breasts in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. This step locks in the juices and gives a golden-brown crust. After searing both sides for 5-7 minutes each, it’s time to add the toppings.
Place sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and shredded cheddar jack cheese on top of the chicken. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, move the chicken to a baking dish first.
Put the skillet or baking dish in a 375°F oven. Let the cheese melt and the dish come together for 15-18 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F, ensuring it’s cooked and tender.
This method is the key to making the beloved Alice Springs Chicken at home. It’s perfect for bush cooking adventures or cozy camping recipes.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 4 |
| Fresh Mushrooms, Sliced | 2 cups |
| Smoked Bacon, Cooked and Halved | 4 strips |
| Cheddar Jack Cheese, Freshly Shredded | 2 cups |
| Fresh Parsley, Chopped | 2 teaspoons |
The dish’s beauty comes from its flavors and textures. Seared chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese in the oven make a delicious bush cooking or camping recipe. It will take your taste buds on a journey to the Outback.
Alternative Grilling Method
For a summer twist, try grilling the Alice Springs Chicken instead of pan-frying. Start by letting the chicken come to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Turn it only once during grilling.
Temperature and Timing Guidelines
Grill the chicken over medium-high heat, around 400°F to 450°F. This will give it a smoky flavor and keep it juicy. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Results
To get the best results, follow these tips: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning.
Grill the chicken directly over the heat, turning it only once. This creates those beautiful grill marks. For smaller items like mushrooms or bacon, use a grill basket or tray.
After grilling, top the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. Then, finish it in the oven as the recipe says. This grilled version adds a smoky flavor while keeping the toppings and cheese melt intact.
FAQ
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a dish from Outback Steakhouse. It has marinated chicken, sautéed mushrooms, bacon, cheese, and honey mustard sauce. This recipe lets you make it at home, just like the restaurant.
Where does the name “Alice Springs Chicken” come from?
The dish is named after Alice Springs in Northern Australia. It reflects Outback Steakhouse’s Australian theme.
Why is Alice Springs Chicken such a popular menu item at Outback Steakhouse?
Despite being a steakhouse, this chicken dish is a hit. It has tender chicken, savory bacon, melted cheese, and tangy honey mustard sauce. These flavors appeal to many, making it a favorite.
What are the key ingredients in Alice Springs Chicken?
The main ingredients are chicken breasts, bacon, mushrooms, and cheese. The honey mustard sauce is made with Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
How important is the honey mustard marinade for this dish?
The honey mustard marinade is key. It’s made with Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Marinate the chicken for 2 to 24 hours for the best taste.
How should the chicken breasts be prepared for even cooking?
To cook evenly, pound the chicken to 3/4 inch thick. Season with salt, pepper, and optional Cajun seasoning before cooking.
How should the mushrooms and bacon be cooked?
Sauté the mushrooms in butter until golden. Cook the bacon until crispy, like in the oven.
What is the step-by-step cooking process for Alice Springs Chicken?
Start by searing the chicken in a skillet for 4 minutes per side. Then, place it in an oven-safe dish. Add sautéed mushrooms, bacon, and cheese on top. Brush with honey mustard sauce and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes, until the cheese melts.
What is the best way to melt the cheese on top of the chicken?
Use Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for the best melt. Shred the cheese fresh for better results. Spread it evenly over the chicken, bacon, and mushrooms. Bake in the upper third of the oven until bubbly.
Can Alice Springs Chicken be grilled instead of pan-fried?
Yes, you can grill the chicken for a summer twist. Let it come to room temperature before grilling. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side. Then, top with mushrooms, bacon, and cheese, and finish in the oven as directed.