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Alice Springs Chicken is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and a crave-worthy honey mustard sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, and the best part? You can make it right in your own kitchen, saving time and money!
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a favorite dish served at Outback Steakhouse Restaurant. Any time we eat there, someone at the table has to order it. And with a family full of different tastes—some skipping the mushrooms, others asking for extra sauce—it didn’t take long before I thought, “Why not just make it at home?”
After 30+ years of cooking for my crew, I can tell you when a recipe’s worth repeating—and this one earned a spot in our regular dinner rotation fast. I tested and tweaked it to make sure the flavors hit just right, using simple steps and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. And to be honest… who’s ever mad about melted cheese and crispy bacon on top of chicken?
Let’s face it—dining out isn’t always in the cards or the budget. This homemade version brings all those bold, comforting flavors right to your kitchen, no reservations required. It’s one of those meals that makes weeknights feel a little more special, and trust me, there’s never a bite left behind.
What Makes This Crave-Worthy!
❥ Flavor: That Sauce! Sweet, tangy, and creamy—it’s what brings the whole dish together and makes it unforgettable
❥ Comfort in Every Layer: Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and mushrooms (if you want ’em)—every bite is packed with flavor.
❥ Big Flavor, Simple Prep: All the goodness of a restaurant favorite made easy with simple, ingredients.
NikkiWhy is it Called Alice Spring Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is named after Alice Springs, a remote town in the Northern Territory of Australia. This dish was made famous by Outback Steakhouse, which is known for adding Australian-inspired names to its menu items.
While the connection to the town doesn’t go much deeper than the name, the dish itself is all about hearty, comforting flavors. It’s a standout meal whether you’re dining out or making it at home.
Alice Spring Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless—just make sure they’re an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Dijon Mustard: Gives the sauce that tangy kick and depth of flavor.
- Honey: Balances the mustard with natural sweetness.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps the sauce stick to the chicken.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce and pulls everything together.
- Bacon: Adds smoky, salty crunch and big flavor.
- Mushrooms: Soak up all that bacon flavor and add a savory bite.
- Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives you that gooey, cheesy finish.
- Seasonings: A blend of Cajun seasoning and garlic powder imparts a warm, bold flavor—just like the one you know from Outback, without being too spicy.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but adds a nice pop of color for serving.
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Make the Honey Mustard Marinade & Sauce
It’s all about the marinade!
Honey mustard is one of those things that’s so much better when made fresh at home—and it couldn’t be easier. Just combine equal parts Dijon mustard, honey, and mayo—this gives it that perfect balance of tang and sweetness. Then add a splash of fresh lemon juice and give it a good stir.
Don’t skip the lemon juice; it’s the ingredient you didn’t know you needed and really brightens up the flavor.
Once it’s mixed, set aside ⅓ cup in a covered container and pop it in the fridge. That’s your dipping sauce for serving—just like they do at Outback!
Step 2 | Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the remaining marinade over the top. Toss to coat the chicken well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you have time — the longer it soaks, the more flavorful it’ll be!
Step 3 | Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and let it sit out while your oven preheats — this helps it cook more evenly.
Step 4 | Cook the Bacon
In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great here), cook the halved bacon slices over medium-high heat until crispy.
Set the bacon aside on a paper towel-lined plate and pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease.
Step 5 | Sauté the Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the reserved bacon drippings. As they cook and release moisture, use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those golden-brown bacon bits from the bottom — that’s where the flavor lives.
Cook the mushrooms until they’re tender and golden brown, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer them to a bowl and set aside.
Step 6 | Season and Brown the Chicken
Season the marinated chicken with Creole seasoning and garlic powder on both sides.
Add the chicken to the same skillet and sear over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, just until lightly browned.
If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, now’s the time to transfer the chicken to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 7 | Assemble and Bake
Top each piece of chicken with a generous spoonful of mushrooms, followed by crispy bacon slices and a handful of Colby Jack cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
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Step 8 | Serve and Enjoy!
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm with that reserved honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping — and don’t be surprised if folks go back for seconds!
Can I Make Alice Springs Chicken On the Grill?
Actually, Outback says theirs is cooked on a wood-fired grill. You can definitely adapt my pan-seared and finished-in-oven version. Once you have marinated the chicken, I recommend bringing it to room temperature before grilling. Then, remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess honey mustard. Grill for 2-4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of your chicken.
Then, move the chicken to an ovenproof skillet or baking dish to finish in the oven. Alternatively, you can also finish it in a cast-iron or high-heat skillet on the grill.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer dark meat. They stay extra juicy and work perfectly with the toppings.
- Cheese: While Colby Jack is classic, you can use Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack for a little kick. Smoked Gouda adds a unique, rich flavor.
- Mushrooms: If mushrooms aren’t your thing, try sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or onions for a different twist. You can also leave them out entirely.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon is a lighter option that still adds a smoky crunch. For a unique spin, try crispy prosciutto.
Shortcut Ideas
- Store-Bought Sauce: Save time with your favorite honey mustard dressing instead of making it from scratch (though the homemade version is totally worth it!).
- Pre-Cooked Bacon: Pre-cooked bacon can speed things up, but keep in mind that cooking your own gives you flavorful bacon grease for sautéing the mushrooms. If you skip it, you’ll need butter or another fat to get that same richness.
- Shredded Cheese: Buy pre-shredded Colby Jack to make assembly quicker.
What to Serve with Alice Springs Chicken
Outback serves theirs with French fries, and that is certainly easy.
My family’s favorite is mashed potatoes. I have easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and a Crock Pot version of Mashed Potatoes – all are super creamy and delicious. We also like steamed broccoli with it!
Outback Alice Springs Chicken FAQs
Not really, but IT CAN BE. The honey mustard contains sweet notes that add carbs to this dish. However, you could leave it off and it would still be delicious or you could adapt it for a more carb-friendly version. Here’s a low-carb honey mustard option. If you want to marinate the chicken, double this recipe.
Low-Carb Honey Mustard Alternative
– 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
– 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
– 2 tsp Dijon
– 18 drops of liquid stevia
– 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
No worries, Mate! If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, simply transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish (such as a 9×13 casserole dish) before adding the mushrooms, bacon, and cheese. Bake as directed.
Absolutely! The honey mustard sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before serving.
To keep your chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Marinating the chicken not only adds flavor but also helps lock in moisture. If your chicken breasts are extra thin or on the thicker side, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for the best results.
Calories will depend on portion size and ingredients, but it’s typically around 600–800 calories per serving, including all the delicious toppings and sauce.
This dish is hearty and packed with protein, but it’s definitely on the indulgent side, thanks to the cheese, bacon, and honey mustard sauce. You can lighten it up by using low-fat cheese, turkey bacon, or skipping some of the toppings—but hey, it’s all about balance! Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Other delicious chicken recipes to try
- Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole
- Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
- Oven Fried Panko Crusted Chicken
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Alice Springs Chicken
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Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 6 slices of bacon - cut in half
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts - 6 breasts about ¾ inch thick
- 1 ½ teaspoons Creole seasoning - (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese - shredded or sliced (8 ounces of cheese)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions - for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Reserve ⅓ cup of the honey mustard sauce in an airtight or covered container and place it in the refrigerator until serving.
- Place chicken breasts in bowl and toss in the marinade until coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400℉. Remove chicken from the refrigerator while the oven is preheating.
- Cut the bacon in half and cook it in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until done. Remove bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet.
- Add mushrooms and saute until they have released most of their liquid. As they start to release water scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spatula to get up the browned bits from the bacon. This adds a lot of flavor to the mushrooms. Cook until they start to turn brown. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
- Season chicken with creole seasoning, and garlic powde
- Turn over and sprinkle with Creole seasoning and garlic powder. Brown the other side for about 2-3 minutes. If you don't have an ovenproof skillet, transfer the chicken to a casserole or a 9×13 baking dish for cooking.
- Divide the mushrooms evenly over the chicken. Top with bacon and cheese. Bake until the chicken is cooked through or reaches an internal temperature of 165℉, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Remove and garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve with reserved honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
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Honestly, this was even better than the restaurant version! And way less expensive! My whole family gives it a thumbs up!
Thank you so much Amy!
I never ate this all the times I went to Outback because I was always full on onion and steak but I can honestly say that after making this I wouldn’t eat there again when I can have this at home every night. The honey mustard really makes it!
It is fun to make at home and so tasty! That honey mustard puts it over the top.
I truly enjoy making restaurant favorites at home! This recipe is delicious, simple and has all my favorite flavors.
I am so glad you chose this recipe! It is one of my all time favorite chicken dishes! SOOO GOOD!!!! I love your photos!
Thank you for a delicious recipe to share. It is so so good! ❤️
Wow, what’s not to LOVE about this chicken! Great flavors and definitely one my whole family will enjoy!
Thank you so much Angela!
This is sure to be a family favorite. So moist and delicious. Perfect for weeknights too!
Nikki — I cannot wait to make this for my family! My husband loves this chicken and I am planning on surprising him with it soon!
I’ve never had this at the restaurant, but it looks like something we’d love. I can’t wait to try it!
I hope you love it as much as I do! So easy to make at home too!
My goodness this is one amazing meal! Love the cheesy, mushroom and bacon combination. Full of flavor, what’s not to love!!
I am SOLD!! This chicken recipe is one of my favorite things to order at Outback steakhouse! I haven’t been there in AGES, and now I can stay home and make it with my own ingredients. Just a perfect recipe in every way!