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Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

Alice Springs Chicken is a beloved dish from Outback Steakhouse that features juicy chicken breasts marinated in a honey mustard sauce, topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. This hearty meal is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of flavors that will satisfy any appetite.

Origin of Alice Springs Chicken

Named after the town of Alice Springs in Australia, this dish reflects the Australian-inspired menu of Outback Steakhouse. The combination of flavors—sweet honey mustard, savory mushrooms, and rich cheese—has made it a staple in American casual dining since the restaurant’s inception. It embodies the spirit of hearty comfort food that is both satisfying and indulgent.

Ingredients

For the Honey Mustard Marinade:

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced)
• 6 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Method of Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Reserve about 1/3 cup of the marinade for serving later.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

3. Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-lock bag or shallow dish. Pour in the remaining marinade and seal or cover. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

4. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
5. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they are browned and tender, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
7. In the same skillet, add the marinated chicken breasts (discarding any remaining marinade). Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Once browned, layer the sautéed mushrooms over each chicken breast, followed by the chopped bacon.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

9. Top each chicken breast with shredded cheese.
10. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Serve

11. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
12. Drizzle with reserved honey mustard sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Cooking Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mushrooms and high-quality cheese will enhance the flavor of this dish.
• Adjust Marinade: Feel free to tweak the honey mustard marinade to suit your taste; add more honey for sweetness or more mustard for tang.
• Cook Bacon Until Crispy: Ensure your bacon is crispy before adding it to maintain its texture in the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Marinating Long Enough: For best flavor, allow enough time for marinating; overnight is ideal if possible.
• Overcrowding in Skillet: If your skillet is too crowded when cooking chicken, it can steam instead of sear; cook in batches if necessary.
• Skipping Temperature Check: Always check that chicken reaches a safe internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Serving Tips

Alice Springs Chicken is best served hot from the oven. Consider pairing it with:

• A side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for balance.
• Garlic bread or rolls to soak up any extra sauce.
• Additional dipping sauces like ranch or extra honey mustard on the side.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: A lean source of protein that supports muscle growth and repair.
• Mushrooms: Low in calories but high in nutrients; they provide antioxidants and vitamins.
• Honey: Offers natural sweetness along with some antioxidants; use in moderation due to its sugar content.

Why Everyone Loves This Dish

Alice Springs Chicken is loved for its hearty flavors and comforting ingredients that come together beautifully. The combination of sweet honey mustard, savory mushrooms, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates an indulgent experience that feels special yet is easy enough for any home cook to prepare. It’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests!

Interesting Facts About Alice Springs Chicken

1. Versatile Dish: You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables or cheeses based on your preferences.
2. Quick Preparation: This dish can be prepared in about an hour from start to finish.
3. Great Leftovers: Leftover Alice Springs Chicken can be enjoyed cold in salads or reheated for quick meals!

Summarized Recipe

1. Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice; reserve some for serving.
2. Marinate chicken breasts in remaining mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Sauté mushrooms in butter until browned; set aside.
4. Cook marinated chicken until golden brown; top with mushrooms and bacon.
5. Add cheese on top; bake at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through (10–15 minutes).
6. Serve with reserved sauce drizzled on top; garnish with parsley.

Alice Springs Chicken is not just food; it’s an experience filled with delightful flavors that bring joy to any meal! Enjoy this delicious recipe at your next gathering or as an easy dinner option any day!

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