Of course! The Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken is a legendary menu item for a reason. It’s a powerhouse of flavors: juicy chicken, savory mushrooms, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a sweet honey-mustard sauce.
This copycat recipe will guide you through recreating the magic at home. It’s not difficult, but has a few components, so a little organization goes a long way.
Outback Alice Springs Chicken (Copycat Recipe)
This recipe breaks down into four key parts: the marinade, the honey mustard sauce, the toppings, and the assembly.
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade:
· 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
· 1 cup Italian dressing (store-bought is fine, or see note below)
· 1 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp onion powder
· 1/2 tsp salt
· 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
· 1/2 cup mayonnaise
· 3 tablespoons honey
· 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
· 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
· 1 tsp lemon juice
· 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
For the Toppings:
· 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
· 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button)
· 2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese (or a Monterey Jack/Cheddar blend)
· 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
· 2 tbsp butter, for sautéing
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
· Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness (about ¾-inch thick). This ensures even cooking.
· In a bowl or resealable bag, combine the Italian dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, coat well, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
· Whisk all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. (This can be made a day ahead.)
Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms
· Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or break into pieces. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
· Add the butter to the skillet with the bacon grease over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they are soft, golden brown, and have released their moisture. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
· Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
· Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade.
· Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish later.
· Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until you get a nice golden-brown sear. The chicken will not be fully cooked through at this point—it will finish in the oven.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
· If you’re not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken breasts to a 9×13 baking dish.
· Layer the toppings in this order:
- Spread a generous amount of the honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast.
- Top with the sautéed mushrooms.
- Sprinkle with the crispy bacon pieces.
- Finish with a thick layer of shredded Colby-Jack cheese.
· Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve
· Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
· Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with extra honey mustard sauce on the side.
· Classic Outback Sides: This is traditionally served with garlic mashed potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables.
Pro-Tips for the Best Results:
· Don’t Skip the Marinate: This is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor and keeping it tender.
· Homemade Italian Dressing: For a fresher taste, whisk together 3/4 cup oil, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp water, 1 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
· Cheese is Key: Colby-Jack is the classic Outback choice for its perfect melt and mild flavor. Don’t use pre-shredded “cheese dusted” bags if you can avoid it; freshly shredded cheese from a block melts much better.
· Get a Good Sear: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust.
Enjoy your homemade taste of the Outback! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s absolutely worth the effort.