Alice Springs Chicken is a mouthwatering hen dish that has become a fave among food enthusiasts, thanks to its impossible-to-resist combination of flavours and textures. This classic recipe, stimulated by Outback Steakhouse’s famous dish, functions perfectly with grilled hen breasts topped with melted cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and a tangy honey mustard sauce. With its origins deeply rooted inside the eating place scene, Alice Springs Chicken has won popularity past its eating place beginnings, turning into a loved domestic-cooked dish. For a detailed restaurant-style activity, check out our Outback Alice Springs Chicken Copycat Recipe for suggestions on mastering the unique flavour.
What makes this dish truly shine is the mixture of candy and savoury flavours, gentle hen, and creamy toppings, making it an incredible desire for family dinners or unique events. Unlike different chook recipes, Alice Springs Chicken offers versatility, permitting you to customise or adapt components to in-shaped nutritional alternatives. If you’re curious about the specific taste of this dish, study more in our manual on Whether Alice Springs Chicken Has a ? distinct flavour.
In this text, we’ll uncover the records of Alice Springs Chicken, ruin down the essential components, and guide you via the step-through-step practice. You’ll also find professional guidelines for perfecting the dish and interesting variations like vegan and gluten-free alternatives. Whether new to this recipe or revisiting a favourite, Alice Springs Chicken promises a wealthy, satisfying meal that’s easy to recreate in your kitchen.
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Alice Springs Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Alice Springs Chicken is a mouthwatering dish inspired by Outback Steakhouse. This recipe features tender chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a flavorful honey mustard sauce. Perfect for a restaurant-quality meal at home, it’s a family favorite that pairs well with veggies, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Toppings:
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded Cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a baking dish.
Assemble the Dish:
- Spread 1-2 tablespoons of the honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast.
- Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of crispy bacon, then sprinkle the shredded cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in 1/4 cup of the honey mustard sauce for 1-2 hours before cooking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Chicken Dishes
- Method: Pan-Seared and Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 620
- Fat: 40
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Protein: 50
Key Ingredients of Alice Springs Chicken:
Alice Springs Chicken’s components work harmoniously to create a fulfilling dish packed with flavour. This recipe uses splendid ingredients for that wealthy and extravagant flavour, even without bacon. Let’s discover every key issue:
1. Chicken Breasts:
The heart of Alice Springs Chicken is the hen breast, a lean yet flavorful reduce that works beautifully in this dish. Chicken breasts are ideal for grilling or pan-searing, allowing the juices to stay sealed inside while the outside develops a pleasant, golden-brown crust. If you opt for a more succulent and decadent choice, you may use fowl thighs, which might be higher in fat content, making them smooth and juicy.
- Substitution Tip: If you select a leaner choice, you may switch chicken breasts for turkey breasts, which might be equally lean and protein-packed.
- Nutritional Info: An ordinary four-ounce serving of grilled hen breast incorporates around 35 grams of protein and sixty-five calories.
2. Honey Mustard Sauce:
A tangy and sweet honey mustard sauce is the signature element that elevates Alice Springs Chicken. This sauce has honey, mustard, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. This sauce gives you a pleasing stability of sweetness and acidity. The creamy texture of the sauce complements the juicy chook, and at the same time, its flavour profile is robust but not overpowering.
- Substitution Tip: You could upload a tablespoon of Greek yoghurt or mayonnaise to the combination for a more decadent sauce. This will give it a barely creamy texture while keeping the sweet and tangy flavour.
- Nutritional Info: The honey mustard sauce contributes about 50 energy in step with serving. Replace the honey with a sugar-unfastened honey opportunity or stevia to decrease sugar.
3. Melted Cheese:
Melted cheese is a key part of Alice Springs Chicken. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese is used, growing a gooey and creamy topping that melts superbly over the bird. This adds richness to the dish, making it extra comforting.
- Substitution Tip: If you don’t have Monterey Jack or choose something exceptional, you may attempt Swiss, Provolone, or Mozzarella cheese. For a vegan option, use plant-based totally cheese that melts well.
- Nutritional Info: Cheese provides calories and fat but also offers calcium and protein. One ounce of cheddar cheese has about a hundred and fifteen energy and 9 grams of fat.
Four. Mushrooms:
Although not always covered in the authentic recipe, mushrooms upload an intensity of flavour that makes the dish even more scrumptious. Mushrooms bring an earthy, savoury element that pairs flawlessly with the creamy cheese and tangy honey mustard sauce.
- Substitution Tip: If you’re now not a fan of mushrooms, you may replace them with sautéed onions, bell peppers, or maybe spinach for a sparkling twist.
- Nutritional Info: Mushrooms are low in calories, high in fibre, and offer essential vitamins like vitamin D. A cup of sliced mushrooms carries around 15 energy and a couple of grams of fibre.
5. Garlic and Fresh Herbs:
Garlic is every other crucial aspect that enhances the taste of Alice Springs Chicken. It adds an aromatic, savoury observe that balances the sauce’s richness. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley also contribute an aromatic freshness, perfect for garnishing.
- Substitution Tip: You can use dried herbs if you don’t have reachable clean herbs. Just don’t forget to regulate the amount, as dried herbs are extra focused.
- Nutritional Info: Garlic is low in calories and affords antioxidants, which may help the immune system. A clove of garlic has approximately four calories.
Step-through-Step Recipe for Alice Springs Chicken:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Marinating your chook is essential to infuse it with flavour. To create a marinade, combine olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the chicken sit inside the marinade for at least half an hour or overnight. This will make sure the hen remains wet and flavorful.
- Pro Tip: For a more excellent excessive taste, try marinating the chicken with a tablespoon of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to tenderize the meat.
2. Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken:
Grilling or pan-searing, the bird offers a barely smoky taste and a golden-brown exterior. Heat your grill or skillet to medium-excessive, then cook the chicken for six minutes on each facet. The internal temperature must reach a hundred sixty five°F (seventy five°C) for the chook to be fully cooked.
- Pro Tip: For a smoky taste, grill the fowl on a charcoal grill or use a grill pan if you’re cooking indoors.
3. Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce:
Meanwhile, the fowl chefs whisk collectively honey, mustard, and a piece of apple cider vinegar to make the sauce. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to flavour. Adjust the beauty or tanginess relying on your desire.
- Pro Tip: If you want a spicier sauce, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
4. Sauté the Mushrooms:
Warm some olive oil and sauté sliced mushrooms in a separate pan over medium warmness for approximately 5-7 minutes, until they may be golden brown and tender. Add minced garlic for the ultimate minute of cooking to release its taste.
- Pro Tip: If you choose a more caramelized taste, cook dinner with the mushrooms on low warmness for an extended time, allowing the herbal sugars to develop.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cooked fowl breasts on a baking sheet. Spoon the honey mustard sauce over each piece of chook, and pinnacle with sautéed mushrooms. Add a generous quantity of cheese and broil the hen for 2-three minutes, or till the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the cheese simultaneously as broiling. It must be golden brown and barely crispy on the rims but no longer burned.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once your Alice Springs Chicken is ready, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. Serve with your favourite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp, inexperienced salad.
Variations of Alice Springs Chicken:
While the conventional Alice Springs Chicken is scrumptious on its own, there are numerous methods you could tweak the recipe to suit your dietary alternatives. Here are some versions to don’t forget:
Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts:
You could use alternative bird breasts for skinless chicken thighs if you select a juicier, more decadent bird cut. Chicken thighs have extra fats, making them more flavorful and smooth.
Vegan Alice Springs Chicken:
For a plant-based total model of Alice Springs Chicken, update the fowl with tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Marinate and prepare dinner with these plant-based proteins as you will the fowl. Use a vegan honey opportunity and vegan cheese for the best dairy-free option for the sauce.
Low-Carb Alice Springs Chicken:
If you’re on a low-carb or keto weight-reduction plan, choose a sugar-unfastened honey mustard sauce and serve the dish with low-carb aspects like roasted cauliflower, zucchini noodles, or an inexperienced salad.
Spicy Alice Springs Chicken:
If you adore a piece of heat, upload chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey mustard sauce. This variation provides a highly spiced twist that balances the wonder of the sauce.
Gluten-Free Alice Springs Chicken:
Ensure that all your elements are gluten-free, including mustard and honey. For a gluten-unfastened facet, serve Alice Springs Chicken with quinoa, rice, or gluten-loose pasta.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Alice Springs Chicken Every Time:
To ensure you get the perfect Alice Springs Chicken every time, here are a few professional cooking guidelines:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken can dry quickly, so display the internal temperature with a thermometer. The secure internal temperature for chicken is a hundred sixty five°F (75°C).
- Use a Grill Pan for Indoor Cooking: If you’re cooking indoors, a grill pan will help mimic the flavour of a grill, developing grill marks and a smoky flavour.
- Rest the Chicken Before Serving: After cooking the chook, permit it to relax for a few minutes before slicing. This facilitates the redistribution of juices in the beef at some stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I make Alice Springs Chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Alice Springs Chicken ahead of time. You can grill the chicken, prepare the honey mustard sauce, and sauté the mushrooms earlier in the day, then assemble and bake it just before serving.
What can I serve with Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a green salad. You can also serve it with a side of rice or steamed broccoli.
Can I freeze Alice Springs Chicken?
Yes, Alice Springs Chicken can be frozen. However, it’s best to freeze the chicken before adding the cheese and sauce. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat the chicken, then top with the sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly.
What type of cheese is best for Alice Springs Chicken?
The most common cheese choices for Alice Springs Chicken are cheddar and Monterey Jack. These cheeses melt well, adding creaminess and a slightly sharp flavor that complements the honey mustard sauce. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like Swiss, Provolone, or Mozzarella for a milder or more complex flavor profile.
- Pro Tip: For a more gourmet version, consider using Gruyère or Fontina, which offer a nutty, savory flavor.
How do I make Alice Springs Chicken spicy?
If you love spicy food, there are several ways to add heat to your Alice Springs Chicken:
- Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce for an extra kick.
- Top the chicken with freshly sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers before baking.
- You can also sprinkle chili flakes on the chicken before grilling or pan-searing to infuse the meat with heat.
This spicy variation adds a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fiery flavors!
Can I use a slow cooker to make Alice Springs Chicken?
Yes, you can make Alice Springs Chicken in a slow cooker! This method is especially useful if you want to simplify the cooking process. To make it in a slow cooker:
- Season the chicken breasts and place them in the slow cooker.
- Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Top with cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes in the oven to get that golden, bubbly finish.
- Pro Tip: If you’re using a slow cooker, you may want to sauté the mushrooms separately before adding them to the chicken in the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking them.
Conclusion
Alice Springs Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures. From the juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts to the gooey melted cheese and the tangy honey mustard sauce, this dish is a true showstopper. Its versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal make it an excellent addition to your dinner rotation, whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight meal or hosting guests. To enhance your preparation, consider exploring our Essential Cooking Equipment for Alice Springs Chicken for tips on the best tools to achieve flawless results.
Whether you choose to follow the classic version or experiment with creative twists like spicy or low-carb variations, Alice Springs Chicken adapts to suit all tastes and dietary preferences. Plus, if you’re curious about the story behind its name, our article Why Is It Called Alice Springs Chicken? offers an insightful look at its origins.
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