Alice springs chicken outback

Have you ever found yourself craving that mouthwatering Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse, but didn’t want to leave the comfort of your home? Well, you’re in luck! Today, I’m sharing my perfected copycat recipe that brings the authentic taste of Outback right to your kitchen.

This beloved dish features perfectly seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a honey-mustard sauce that’s absolutely to die for, then topped with crispy bacon, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and optional sautéed mushrooms. The combination creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and indulgent – just like the restaurant version, but at a fraction of the cost!

Recipe

This recipe wasn’t created overnight. After discovering a similar version on Pinterest, I was fortunate enough to connect with a former Outback Steakhouse employee who shared some insider tips about their famous honey mustard sauce. With this valuable information, I spent weeks experimenting with different ingredient ratios until I finally cracked the code to that distinctive Outback flavor.

The secret? It’s all in the honey mustard sauce. While many copycat recipes get close, they often miss the specific balance that makes Outback’s version so special. Thanks to my source, I learned that the restaurant uses mayonnaise as a base, combined with honey and Dijon mustard in specific proportions that I’ve carefully recreated here.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Meat thermometer
• Baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Whisk

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a slight kick)

For the Toppings:

• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, sliced (not shredded)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. For best flavor, make this a few hours ahead or even the day before.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are very thick, pound them slightly to even out the thickness for more consistent cooking.
3. Season and Cook the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
4. If Using Mushrooms: After removing the chicken from the skillet, add the sliced mushrooms to the same pan and sauté until golden and tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
5. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast. If using mushrooms, distribute them evenly over the sauce. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over each piece, then layer with Monterey Jack cheese slices.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with the remaining honey mustard sauce on the side.

Notes

• Mushroom Option: The original Outback recipe includes mushrooms, but I’ve made them optional since not everyone is a fan. If you love mushrooms, definitely include them for the authentic experience!
• Quick Tenderizing Tip: For extra tender chicken, try this restaurant trick: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1/2 cup water. Submerge chicken breasts for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly under cold water and pat dry before cooking. This breaks down the proteins slightly, resulting in incredibly tender meat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 547
• Protein: 43g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 37g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 856mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Alice Springs Chicken?

Alice Springs Chicken is one of Outback Steakhouse’s signature dishes, featuring grilled chicken breasts topped with honey mustard sauce, bacon, melted cheese, and mushrooms. The name comes from Alice Springs, a town in Australia’s Northern Territory, aligning with the restaurant’s Australian theme.

How does Outback marinate their chicken?

Contrary to popular belief, Outback doesn’t actually marinate their chicken beforehand. Instead, they grill the chicken and then layer on the ingredients. According to my source, they use a pressure injection system with an aqueous solution to tenderize the meat quickly. My baking soda tenderizing method above replicates this effect without specialized equipment.

How to make a honey mustard sauce like Outback’s?

The key to authentic Outback honey mustard sauce is using mayonnaise as a base, combined with honey and Dijon mustard. Many recipes online miss this crucial mayo component, which gives the sauce its creamy texture and distinctive tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.

What type of mustard should I use?

Dijon mustard is best for the authentic flavor profile. If you don’t have Dijon, an old-fashioned stone-ground mustard can work as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Tips for preparing Alice Springs chicken:

• Save Time with Bacon: Cook a large batch of bacon in the oven and freeze it. Then you can quickly grab a few pieces whenever you need them.
• Cheese Tip: Use sliced rather than shredded cheese for that authentic restaurant-style melted layer.
• Mushroom Shortcut: In a pinch, drained and sliced canned mushrooms work surprisingly well.
• Complete the Meal: Serve with a microwaved baked potato topped with butter, sour cream, and chives for the full Outback experience.

More Outback Steakhouse Recipes to Try at Home

If you enjoyed this copycat recipe, you might also want to try my versions of Outback’s famous:

• Bushman Bread with honey butter
• Bloomin’ Onion with spicy dipping sauce
• Queensland Pasta with alfredo sauce and grilled chicken
• Cheesy Steakhouse Broccoli
• Outback’s Signature Dinner Rolls

Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more chicken dinner ideas? Check out these reader favorites:

• Lemon Garlic Chicken Piccata
• Cheesy Sizzling Chicken Fajitas
• Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken
• Sheet Pan Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

Enjoyed this recipe or have questions? Rate it below and leave a comment! I always love hearing your feedback and answering any cooking questions you might have.

About the Author

Alyona Demyanchuk is a home cook turned recipe developer with a passion for recreating restaurant favorites at home. After spending 15 years perfecting copycat recipes from popular chain restaurants, she now shares her secrets with home cooks worldwide through her blog and social media channels.

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