Are you craving a mouthwatering chicken dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further than our easy Alice Springs chicken recipe. We’ve perfected this Outback Steakhouse copycat dish, bringing the taste of Australia right to your kitchen. With its irresistible combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make Alice Springs chicken step by step. We’ll cover everything from the ingredients you’ll need, including honey for that perfect sweet glaze, to the cooking process using an oven-safe skillet. We’ll also share some serving suggestions, like pairing it with green onions for a fresh crunch. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to whip up this delicious dish like a pro.
The History of Alice Springs Chicken
Origin of the dish
Alice Springs Chicken has its roots in the culinary world of Outback Steakhouse, a popular restaurant chain known for its Australian-themed menu. I’ve always been fascinated by the stories behind our favorite dishes, and this one is no exception. While you might think this dish originated in the Australian Outback, its true origin is a bit different.
The recipe was actually created by the founders of Outback Steakhouse as part of their mission to bring a taste of Australia to diners around the world. They wanted to craft a dish that would capture the bold, hearty flavors associated with Australian cuisine. The result was a delicious combination of chicken, mushrooms, bacon, and cheese, all smothered in a tangy honey mustard sauce.
Why it’s called Alice Springs Chicken
You might be wondering, “Why Alice Springs?” Well, the name of this dish is inspired by a real place in Australia. Alice Springs is a large town located in the Northern Territory, right in the heart of the Australian Outback. It sits just below the Tropic of Capricorn and is known for its rugged beauty and unique charm.
The founders of Outback Steakhouse chose this name to evoke the spirit of adventure and the vast landscapes of the Australian interior. However, it’s important to note that the dish itself isn’t actually a traditional meal from Alice Springs. In fact, when I looked into the local cuisine of Alice Springs, I found that it’s more known for dishes featuring quail, dates, scallops, and mud crab. The Alice Springs Chicken we know and love is purely an Outback Steakhouse creation.
Outback Steakhouse’s signature recipe
Over time, Alice Springs Chicken has become one of Outback Steakhouse’s most beloved menu items. The dish features chicken breasts topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a blend of melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses. But what really makes this dish stand out is its signature honey mustard sauce.
This sauce, made with a perfect balance of honey, mustard, and mayonnaise, gives the dish its distinctive sweet and tangy flavor. It’s so popular that many people, myself included, have tried to recreate it at home. In fact, it’s one of the first dishes I attempted to make when I started exploring copycat recipes.
The complete Alice Springs Chicken dinner at Outback Steakhouse also comes with their famous Aussie Fries, adding to its appeal as a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s no wonder this dish has captured the hearts and palates of so many diners, myself included. Whether you’re enjoying it at the restaurant or trying your hand at an easy Alice Springs Chicken recipe at home, this dish truly brings a taste of Outback’s interpretation of Australian cuisine to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this easy Alice Springs chicken recipe, we’ll need a handful of key ingredients that bring together the flavors of this Outback Steakhouse copycat dish. Let’s break it down:
Chicken breast
The star of our dish is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I recommend using chicken breasts that are about ¾-inch thick. If you’re looking for a juicier alternative, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great too. Remember to season your chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance its flavor.
Honey mustard sauce components
The signature honey mustard sauce is what gives Alice Springs chicken its unique taste. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mayonnaise: Use regular or light mayonnaise, depending on your preference. This adds creaminess to the sauce.
- Honey: Regular honey works well, but for a special touch, try using spicy honey. It adds a subtle kick that pairs wonderfully with the smoky and sweet flavors of the dish.
- Dijon mustard: This gives the sauce its tangy flavor that complements the honey perfectly.
- Lemon juice: A small amount adds brightness to the sauce.
Toppings (bacon, cheese, mushrooms)
These toppings take our Alice Springs chicken to the next level:
- Bacon: Who doesn’t love bacon? You can use regular bacon or turkey bacon if you prefer.
- Cheese: Colby Jack cheese is ideal for both flavor and meltiness. Some recipes also use a mix of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor and meaty texture. Pro tip: buy pre-sliced mushrooms to save time.
Seasoning
To enhance the flavors of our easy Alice Springs chicken recipe, we’ll use:
- Seasoning salt: This adds depth to the chicken’s flavor.
- Garlic salt: A little garlic salt goes a long way in boosting the overall taste.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper is best for maximum flavor.
Optional ingredients that can elevate your dish include sliced onions for caramelization and chopped green onions for garnish. Some recipes also include a splash of white cooking wine for added depth of flavor.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re all set to create a delicious Alice Springs chicken that rivals the Outback Steakhouse original. In the next section, we’ll walk through the step-by-step cooking instructions to bring this mouthwatering dish to life.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this easy Alice Springs chicken recipe. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious Outback Steakhouse copycat dish in no time.
Preparing the honey mustard sauce
We’ll start by whipping up the signature honey mustard sauce. In a bowl, mix together ¾ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup honey, and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard until well combined. Some recipes also add a splash of lemon juice for extra tang. Set aside about half of this sauce for later use, and we’ll use the rest as a marinade.
Marinating the chicken
Pour the remaining honey mustard sauce into a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken breasts to the bag, making sure they’re evenly coated with the marinade. Pop this in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, let it marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
Cooking the chicken and toppings
While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare our toppings. First, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. You can do this in a large skillet or bake it in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Once done, set it aside.
Next, in the same skillet with some of the bacon grease, sauté the sliced mushrooms. Add a tablespoon of butter for extra richness and cook until they’re golden brown. If you’re using onions, you can sauté them along with the mushrooms.
Now, it’s time to cook the chicken. Remove it from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until it develops a golden-brown crust.
Assembling the dish
Once the chicken is seared, it’s time to layer on the toppings. First, brush some of the reserved honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast. Then, top with the sautéed mushrooms (and onions if you’re using them), followed by two half-slices of crispy bacon on each piece of chicken.
Baking to perfection
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Colby Jack cheese (or a mix of Monterey Jack and Cheddar) over the top of each chicken breast. Pop the skillet into a preheated 400°F oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped green onions over the top before serving. Don’t forget to serve with the remaining honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.
And there you have it – your very own easy Alice Springs chicken recipe, bringing a taste of Australia (or at least, Outback Steakhouse’s interpretation of it) right to your dinner table. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Now that we’ve mastered our easy Alice Springs chicken recipe, let’s explore some delicious ways to serve and pair this Outback Steakhouse copycat dish. With the right side dishes and beverages, we can transform this meal into a restaurant-quality experience right at home.
Side dish ideas
To complement our Alice Springs chicken, we have a variety of side dish options that will make our meal complete and satisfying. One classic pairing is mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of homestyle mashed potatoes perfectly balances the savory chicken and crispy bacon. For a quicker option, we can serve it with a baked potato. If we’re short on time, a microwaved baked potato works just as well and makes dinner preparation a breeze.
For those looking for healthier alternatives, steamed or roasted vegetables are excellent choices. Buttered asparagus or roasted broccoli add a nice touch of green to the plate and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken. A fresh garden salad is another light option that pairs wonderfully with our Alice Springs chicken.
If we’re in the mood for some Outback-inspired sides, we can try making lemon rice pilaf or steakhouse mac and cheese. These sides add an extra layer of indulgence to our meal and really bring that restaurant feel home.
Beverage pairings
While the factual keypoints don’t provide specific beverage recommendations, we can suggest some pairings based on the flavors of our Alice Springs chicken. A crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the honey mustard sauce nicely. For beer lovers, a light lager or wheat beer could be a refreshing choice. Non-alcoholic options like iced tea or lemonade would also pair well with this dish.
Presentation tips
To make our easy Alice Springs chicken recipe look as good as it tastes, we can take a few simple steps. First, we should drizzle the remaining honey mustard sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping. This not only adds flavor but also gives the dish a professional touch.
For a pop of color and freshness, we can garnish the plate with some chopped green onions. This adds a nice visual contrast to the golden-brown chicken and melted cheese.
When plating, we can arrange the chicken alongside our chosen side dishes. If we’re going for that classic Outback Steakhouse look, we can serve the chicken on one side of the plate with our mashed potatoes or baked potato on the other, and add a small portion of vegetables for balance.
Remember, presentation is key to creating that restaurant-quality experience at home. Taking a little extra time to arrange our plate nicely can make our homemade Alice Springs chicken feel even more special.
By following these serving suggestions and pairing ideas, we can elevate our easy Alice Springs chicken recipe from a simple meal to a dining experience that rivals any restaurant. Whether we’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this Outback Steakhouse copycat dish is sure to impress.
Conclusion
Our easy Alice Springs chicken recipe brings the taste of Outback Steakhouse right to your kitchen. This dish has a remarkable ability to transform a simple chicken breast into a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy honey mustard sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is a surefire way to elevate your dinner game. The step-by-step instructions make it simple to recreate this restaurant favorite at home, while the serving suggestions help you create a complete meal experience. So next time you’re craving something special, give this Alice Springs chicken a try – your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
What is the protein content in Alice Springs chicken? Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse contains 74 grams of protein, 12 grams of total carbohydrates, 11 grams of net carbs, 45 grams of fat, and 740 calories per serving.
What are the steps to make chicken tender and soft? To achieve tender and soft chicken, start by flattening the chicken breasts. Season them well, then heat a pan and cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for 1 minute without moving them. Flip the breasts, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let them cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the chicken to sit covered for an additional 10 minutes.
What is a simple method for beginners to cook chicken? Beginners can easily cook chicken by preheating the oven to 425°F. Place the chicken on a large-rimmed baking sheet, brush it with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast it until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F, which typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes.
Can you suggest different ways to prepare chicken? Chicken can be prepared in various ways to enhance its flavor and texture. Some methods include roasting a whole chicken, braising, poaching, frying, grilling, spatchcocking, pan frying followed by oven baking, and cooking it on a rotisserie.