Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copy Cat)
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This Alice Springs Chicken recipe is loaded with flavor – juicy chicken breasts marinated in honey mustard, topped with savory mushrooms, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese. It’s a delicious copycat recipe of the Outback Steakhouse classic!
Even though Outback is known for its steak, this chicken dish is always worth ordering. The honey mustard marinade really makes it special, and the mushrooms, bacon, and cheese take it over the top. You’ll find yourself making it again and again!
If you enjoy chicken with a flavor-packed marinade, you’ll also love my Honey Lime Chicken – it uses a zesty honey and lime sauce for an easy weeknight meal.
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below. Jump to the recipe card if you wish!
Why you’ll love this
- Flavor. This recipe is an amazing combo of honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon, sauteed mushrooms and melty cheese on top of a juicy grilled chicken breast.
- Super easy to make. It has a few components, but nothing you’ll need a culinary degree for. This makes it super accessible to all home cooks!
- Family friendly. The whole fam will request this over and over!
Why is it called Alice Springs chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is named after the city of Alice Springs, which is in Australia. That said, this recipe is not exactly authentic Australian, as it was created in the USA and is one of the most popular menu items at the Outback Steakhouse!
Check out my Chicken Cordon Bleu, or my Chicken Caprese for other epic chicken breast recipes!!
What to serve with Alice Springs Chicken
Serve Alice Springs Chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted broccoli, loaded fries, or a house salad.
You could make it simple with a loaded baked potato, and any kind of veggie on the side too.
Step-by-step photos and tips and tricks are below. Jump to the full recipe card instead
Key Recipe Ingredients
Note: This highlights some ingredients. Full list is in the recipe card.
- For the Honey Mustard Marinade: You will use whole grain mustard, maple syrup, mayo and fresh lemon juice. Make a little extra (that you don’t let touch raw chicken) and serve as a sauce on the side.
- Chicken. Boneless skinless chicken breasts. While this recipe uses chicken breast, chicken thighs can also be used.
- Mushrooms. I use white button mushrooms in this recipe.
- Bacon. This is cooked bacon. Make sure you cook it until crispy before crumbling it over the chicken. This adds a delicious crunch.
- Cheese. I use Monterey Jack cheese and cheddar cheese, but Colby Jack cheese can also be used. Whatever cheese you have on hand will work.
How to make Alice Springs Chicken at home
This is a step-by-step photo guide. Full ingredients and instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
JumpGet prepped. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the mushrooms, cook the bacon, shred the cheese.
Make the marinade, and marinate the chicken
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Whisk together the mustard, maple syrup, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Reserve about half the sauce for later.
Add the chicken breasts to a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, and toss the chicken to coat each piece of chicken well.
Cover and marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the mushrooms and chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, and cook the mushrooms and cook until they are tender and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Remove the chicken from the marinade (and discard the remaining liquid).
Then, sear the chicken over medium-high heat (you want to get a nice browned surface). Flip the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. You can also grill the chicken if you prefer.
Top and bake
Transfer the chicken to a baking dish (or just use an oven safe skillet or grill pan).
Top each chicken breast with the mushrooms, bacon, and cheese. Bake the chicken in the oven for 10-15 minutes (or less) until the cheese is melty and the chicken is done. This is when the chicken reaches 165 °F in the center when tested with a digital thermometer.
Serve
Plate it up with some sides, the remaining sauce (that you set aside earlier) and a garnish of something green!
Kylee’s Notes
While 30 minutes is the minimum recommended marinating time, you can marinate the chicken for longer, even overnight, for even more flavor.
Make sure your bacon is cooked until crispy before crumbling it over the chicken. This adds a delicious crunch to the dish.
How to store leftovers
Allow any leftover Alice Springs Chicken to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or wrap tightly with aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days before reheating until piping hot.
Substitutions/Additions
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy twist. You can also sprinkle some diced jalapeños on top of the chicken before baking.
Add some caramelized onions under the cheese for an amazing flavor punch
Freezing instructions
If you want to store the chicken for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, it can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the meal, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can reheat it from frozen, but this will take longer and may result in some loss of texture.
To reheat refrigerated or thawed Alice Springs Chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Chicken Temperature
Chicken is cooked when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F when tested with a digital meat thermometer (affiliate link) in the thickest part.
FAQs
Bone-in chicken thighs can be used in place of boneless chicken breasts. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
While grain mustard adds a unique texture and flavor to the marinade, you can substitute it with Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard if needed. The flavor profile may vary slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.
More delicious chicken recipes:
- Balsamic Glazed Chicken. A simple homemade sauce is used to baste the chicken as it cooks. The result is tender chicken with a slightly sweet, and tangy taste.
- Smothered Chicken Recipe. Pure comfort food. Full of flavor, and done in about 45 minutes, this is a family friendly weeknight favorite.
- Chicken Divan. A classic casserole with broccoli, chicken, cheese and a crunchy topping. You will make this family favorite over and over!
- Lemon Butter Chicken. A quick & easy dinner, packed full of flavor. Great for a weeknight meal when you are staring at the fridge and pantry “what to make?
- ALL CHICKEN RECIPES
- ALL WEEKNIGHT RECIPES
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Alice Springs Chicken
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Get prepped
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Marinate the chicken
- Whisk together the 1/4 cup whole grain mustard, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon lemon juicein a small bowl. Set aside.
- Place the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are coated.
- Cover the dish and for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the chicken
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the 8 ounces mushrooms and cook until they are tender and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Top and bake
- Top each breast with sliced mushrooms, 4 slices cooked bacon, 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley over the chicken breasts for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Serve
- Serve the chicken with a few of your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
Video
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Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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About Kylee Ayotte
I am a born and raised New Zealander (a Kiwi), now living in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m happily married to the love of my life – a hot American boy I met while traveling the world. I’m a mama to 2 awesome little boys and love red things, rugby, cheesecake, and bacon. Mmmmm. Bacon. Meet Kylee
Can I use a different syrup or agave nectar in place of maple syrup.
Absolutely.