Alice Springs Chicken

Alice Springs Chicken is a famously delicious dish from Outback Steakhouse, featuring grilled chicken breasts topped with honey mustard sauce, mushrooms, bacon, and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress guests. Here’s how to recreate this restaurant favorite at home.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 8 slices of bacon
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

For the Honey Mustard Marinade:

• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment:

• Grill or grill pan
• Skillet
• Baking dish

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade

1. Make the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, paprika, and salt.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Reserve about 1/4 cup of the marinade for basting and dipping. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms

1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Crumble or chop once cooled.
2. Sauté the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and cook in the bacon fat until they are golden and soft. Set aside.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
2. Baste with Marinade: During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the reserved marinade.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the grilled chicken to a baking dish. Top each chicken breast with sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and a mix of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses.
3. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with extra honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips:

• Cheese Variations: You can use other types of cheese like Mozzarella or Colby Jack if preferred.
• Serving Suggestions: Alice Springs Chicken pairs well with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple garden salad.
• Cooking in Skillet: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Just make sure to cover it to ensure it cooks through evenly.

Alice Springs Chicken offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, with each component bringing something special to the dish. It’s sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table!