Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often stay even more tender during cooking. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through, but they'll deliver amazing flavor.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer, which should register 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be completely white with no pink remaining, and juices should run clear.

What can I substitute for the Dijon mustard?

While Dijon gives the most authentic flavor, you can substitute whole grain mustard for texture or yellow mustard for a milder flavor. Spicy brown mustard also works well if you prefer more kick. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile to your sauce.

Can I make this dish without the honey mustard marinade?

While the honey mustard marinade adds signature flavor, you could simplify by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before searing. Serve with a store-bought honey mustard sauce on the side. The dish won't be quite the same but will still be delicious with the bacon, mushroom, and cheese toppings.

Alice Springs Chicken Copycat Recipe

Name: Alice Springs Chicken Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups sliced white mushrooms; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 boneless chicken breasts, halved; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; Paprika, to taste; 8 slices bacon, cooked; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 cup Grey Poupon Dijon mustard; 1 cup honey; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon lemon juice

This mouthwatering Alice Springs Chicken is an irresistible recreation of the famous Outback Steakhouse favorite that you can now enjoy in your own kitchen! Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a blanket of melty cheese – all complemented by a homemade honey mustard sauce that’s absolutely to die for. Ready in just 30 minutes of active cooking time, this restaurant-quality dish is perfect for impressing your family on busy weeknights or guests at your next dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant Quality at Home: Get that authentic Outback Steakhouse flavor without leaving your kitchen or spending restaurant prices.
Show-Stopping Presentation: The layers of golden chicken, mushrooms, bacon, and melted cheese create a dish that looks as impressive as it tastes.
That Honey Mustard Sauce: The homemade honey mustard is the star of the show – tangy, sweet, and creamy. You’ll want to put it on everything!
Customizable: Easy to adjust based on what you have on hand or to accommodate different taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: The foundation of our dish – they cook up tender and juicy while carrying all those amazing toppings.
Mushrooms: White mushrooms add an earthy, savory element that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Butter: For sautéing the mushrooms to golden perfection, adding depth of flavor.
Bacon: Provides that irresistible smoky crunch that takes this dish to the next level.
Cheese blend: The combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar creates the perfect melt with balanced sharpness and creaminess.
Dijon mustard: The backbone of our honey mustard sauce, providing that distinctive tangy kick.
Honey: Balances the sharpness of the mustard with natural sweetness.
Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, rich base for the honey mustard sauce.
Lemon juice: Just a touch brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness.
Seasonings: Simple salt, pepper, and paprika enhance the chicken without overwhelming the other flavors.
Fresh parsley: A finishing touch that adds color and a fresh herbal note.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Try these delicious twists:

Mushroom Varieties: Swap white mushrooms for baby bellas or a wild mushroom blend for a more complex flavor.
Cheese Alternatives: Try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
Protein Swap: Use turkey cutlets, pork chops, or even portobello mushroom caps for a vegetarian version.
Heat it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the honey mustard or top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

How to Make Alice Springs Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade

Combine Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a bowl. Whip with an electric mixer for about 30 seconds until smooth and well-incorporated. This creates that signature sweet-tangy sauce that makes this dish special.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken in a resealable bag and pour in about one-third of the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for about 2 hours, allowing those flavors to penetrate the meat. Refrigerate the remaining marinade for later use.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

In a small frying pan, melt butter over medium heat and add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and release their moisture. Set aside while you prepare the chicken.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in an ovenproof frying pan over medium heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (discard used marinade) and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Keep the chicken in the pan and remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Brush each chicken breast with a little of the reserved honey mustard sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Layer each breast with 2 bacon slices, a portion of sautéed mushrooms, and top with both cheeses – ¼ cup of each per breast.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in a preheated 275°F oven for 7-10 minutes, just until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble. The low temperature ensures the chicken stays juicy while the toppings meld together.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Chicken: Take the chicken out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
Don’t Skip the Sear: This critical step locks in juices and creates flavor through caramelization before baking.
Check for Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
Save That Sauce: Make a double batch of the honey mustard sauce to use on sandwiches or salads throughout the week.
Prep Ahead: Cook the bacon and mushrooms earlier in the day to make assembly quicker at dinner time.

How to Serve

This Alice Springs Chicken shines as the star of your dinner table! Here are perfect ways to serve it:

Main Course Pairing:

Serve with a simple side like steamed asparagus, green beans, or a light salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Starch Options:

Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or a crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce.

Presentation:

Drizzle extra honey mustard sauce artfully on the plate and garnish with fresh parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop and taste even better the next day!

Freezing

While you can freeze the assembled but unbaked chicken, the texture of the mushrooms and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions at 70% power, covered with a damp paper towel.

Make-Ahead Tips

The honey mustard sauce can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You can also prep all components separately and assemble just before baking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often stay even more tender during cooking. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through, but they’ll deliver amazing flavor.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer, which should register 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be completely white with no pink remaining, and juices should run clear.
What can I substitute for the Dijon mustard?

While Dijon gives the most authentic flavor, you can substitute whole grain mustard for texture or yellow mustard for a milder flavor. Spicy brown mustard also works well if you prefer more kick. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile to your sauce.
Can I make this dish without the honey mustard marinade?

While the honey mustard marinade adds signature flavor, you could simplify by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before searing. Serve with a store-bought honey mustard sauce on the side. The dish won’t be quite the same but will still be delicious with the bacon, mushroom, and cheese toppings.

Final Thoughts

This Alice Springs Chicken brings all the magic of restaurant dining into your own kitchen with layers of flavor that make every bite a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and rich. Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply treating yourself to something special on a weeknight, this recipe delivers restaurant quality with home-cooked love. The next time you’re craving that Outback Steakhouse favorite, skip the reservation and reach for this recipe instead!

Alice Springs Chicken Copycat Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious copycat recipe for Alice Springs Chicken featuring perfectly marinated and seasoned chicken breasts topped with bacon, sauteed mushrooms, two kinds of cheese, and a homemade honey mustard sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade: In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Use an electric mixer to whip the mixture for about 30 seconds until well blended.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the halved chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour in about one-third of the honey mustard marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for about 2 hours. Reserve the remaining marinade in the refrigerator for later use.
Saute the Mushrooms: In a small frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and saute for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden brown. Set aside.
Sear the Chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag and discard the used marinade. In an ovenproof frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Place the chicken in the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove the pan from heat but leave the chicken in the pan.
Assemble the Toppings: Brush each seared chicken breast with a small amount of the reserved honey mustard marinade. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Lay 2 pieces of cooked bacon crosswise on top of each chicken breast. Evenly spoon the sauteed mushrooms over the bacon. Sprinkle ¼ cup Monterey Jack cheese onto each chicken breast, followed by ¼ cup cheddar cheese.
Bake the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 275°F. Place the pan with the prepared chicken into the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle each chicken breast with ½ teaspoon finely chopped parsley. Serve immediately with the remaining honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is evenly marinated for the best flavor.
Adjust the quantity of honey mustard sauce according to personal preference when serving.
You can prepare the honey mustard marinade a day in advance to save time.
For a smokier flavor, consider using smoked bacon or a smoked cheese variety.
This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad.