Description
This recipe recreates the popular Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken, a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts, savory bacon, sautéed mushrooms, a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, and melted Colby Jack cheese. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
- Lowry’s Seasoning Salt (or your preferred seasoning salt)
- 6 bacon slices
- 1/4 cup regular mustard
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
- 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (optional)
- 2 cups shredded Colby/Jack cheese
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Sprinkle and rub the chicken breasts with seasoning salt. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon: While the chicken is chilling, cook the bacon in a large skillet until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, but keep the grease in the skillet. The bacon grease will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the chicken as it cooks.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, sauté the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, or until it’s browned. Don’t overcook the chicken at this stage; you just want to brown it.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish: Place the browned chicken in a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish. This dish will go into the oven for the final baking process.
Step 5: Make the Honey Mustard: In a small bowl, mix together the mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and dried onion flakes. Whisk until well combined and smooth. This honey mustard sauce is the signature flavor of the Alice Springs Chicken.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish: Spread some of the honey mustard mixture over each piece of chicken. Be generous with the sauce, ensuring each breast is well coated. If using, layer the sliced mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese on top of the chicken.
Step 7: Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 8: Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- It’s a delicious copycat recipe of a popular restaurant dish.
- The combination of flavors is irresistible – savory, sweet, and cheesy!
- It’s relatively easy to make with simple ingredients.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- It’s customizable: add your favorite veggies or adjust the amount of honey mustard sauce to your liking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
- Pair it with a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
- Serve with a baked potato loaded with your favorite toppings.
- Accompany it with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips:
- Pounding the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and remain tender.
- Don’t overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- For a richer flavor, use thick-cut bacon.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or provolone.
- If you don’t have dried onion flakes, you can substitute with finely chopped fresh onion.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey mustard sauce.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: Approximately 500 kcal per serving
- Protein: Approximately 40g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 700mg per serving
Conclusion
This Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. With its delicious combination of flavors and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Keep in mind that they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can assemble the dish ahead of time, but wait to bake it until you’re ready to serve.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
- What can I substitute for the honey mustard sauce? If you don’t have honey mustard, you can use a combination of Dijon mustard, honey, and a touch of mayonnaise.
- Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the dish. Saute them along with the mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
