What’s the secret to Outback Steakhouse’s famous Alice Springs Chicken? It starts with grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms and a rich honey mustard sauce, all coming together in a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite – Save this idea for your next homemade meal inspiration.

Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken

Introduction

Get ready to indulge in a mouth-watering dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor – Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken. This recipe is a perfect blend of creativity and simplicity, using everyday ingredients to create a truly impressive meal. The combination of grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a rich honey mustard sauce, all served on top of a bed of melted cheese and toasted bread, is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. With its ease of preparation and minimal effort required, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of savory chicken, sweet honey mustard sauce, and smoky bacon creates a perfect balance of flavors, while the use of common ingredients makes it easy to replicate at home.
• Ease of preparation: With a simple marinade and a quick cooking process, this dish can be prepared in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the presentation and flavors of this dish are sure to impress your family and friends, making it a great option for entertaining.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include chicken breasts, mushrooms, bacon, honey mustard sauce, cheese, and toasted bread. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of cooking and to ensure even cooking. For the mushrooms, button or cremini mushrooms work well, but you can also use other varieties such as shiitake or portobello for added depth of flavor. Bacon is a crucial ingredient in this recipe, providing a smoky, savory flavor that complements the chicken and mushrooms perfectly. If you can’t find honey mustard sauce, you can make your own by mixing together honey, mustard, and mayonnaise. Cheddar or mozzarella cheese works well for the melted cheese topping, and you can use any type of bread you prefer for the base.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, prepare the marinade by mixing together olive oil, honey, mustard, and your choice of herbs and spices. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
2. Step 2: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook on the preheated grill or grill pan for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, then set aside. Sauté the mushrooms in the same pan until they’re tender and lightly browned.
3. Step 3: Assemble the dish by placing a cooked chicken breast on top of a slice of toasted bread, followed by a spoonful of sautéed mushrooms, a few pieces of crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of melted cheese. Drizzle the honey mustard sauce over the top and serve immediately.
4. Step 4: To add a finishing touch, garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, and serve with your choice of sides, such as a salad or roasted vegetables.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overcrowd the grill or pan, as this can affect the cooking time and quality of the chicken. Cook the chicken breasts one or two at a time, depending on the size of your grill or pan.
• Don’t overcook the bacon, as it can become burnt and bitter. Cook it until it’s crispy, then set it aside to drain on paper towels.
• Use a variety of mushrooms for added depth of flavor and texture. Button mushrooms provide a mild flavor, while cremini or shiitake mushrooms add an earthy flavor.

Heat Control

When cooking the chicken, make sure to cook it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, especially when cooking to a specific doneness. For medium-rare, cook the chicken to 145°F (63°C), while medium should be cooked to 160°F (71°C). When cooking the bacon, cook it over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s crispy and golden brown.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the crispy bacon and toasted bread. To achieve a crispy texture, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s golden brown and crispy. For the toasted bread, cook it in a toaster or under the broiler until it’s lightly browned and crispy. You can also add some crunchy texture to the dish by sprinkling chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sesame seeds, over the top.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to cook the chicken and bacon, as these retain heat well and can achieve a nice sear on the meat.
• Don’t press down on the chicken or bacon while it’s cooking, as this can squeeze out juices and make the meat dry. Instead, let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to allow it to develop a nice crust.
• Use a variety of cheeses for added depth of flavor. Cheddar or mozzarella work well, but you can also use other varieties such as parmesan or feta for a tangy flavor.

Storage Tips

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and sauce separately, then assemble the dish just before serving.
• Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and assemble the dish as desired.
• Use a vacuum sealer or freezer bags to store the leftovers, as these can help prevent freezer burn and keep the food fresh for longer.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for gifting to friends and family, especially during the holidays or special occasions. Consider packaging the cooked chicken and sauce in a decorative jar or container, along with some crusty bread and a side of roasted vegetables. You can also add a personal touch by including a handwritten note or a small gift, such as a bottle of wine or a gourmet food item.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding some dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the marinade for added depth of flavor. You can also use different types of mustard, such as Dijon or whole-grain, for a tangy flavor.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the dish for added flavor and texture. You can also use different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a tangy flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Swap out the chicken for steak or shrimp for a different twist on the dish. You can also use different types of bread, such as ciabatta or baguette, for a crispy texture.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the chicken is dry or overcooked, try adjusting the cooking time or temperature. If the sauce is too thick, try adding a little more honey or mustard to thin it out.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find honey mustard sauce, try making your own by mixing together honey, mustard, and mayonnaise. If you don’t have bacon, try using prosciutto or pancetta for a similar flavor.
• Over/undercooking signs: Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked to a safe temperature. If the chicken is overcooked, it will be dry and tough, while undercooked chicken will be pink and juicy.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and assemble the dish as desired.
• Is it gluten-free? The honey mustard sauce may contain gluten, depending on the type of mustard used. Try using a gluten-free mustard or making your own sauce from scratch to ensure it’s gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is heated to a safe temperature.

Conclusion

Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken is a delicious and impressive dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its ease of preparation and minimal effort required, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own twist to the dish, whether it’s using different spices or ingredients or adding a personal touch to the presentation. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy the oohs and aahs as you serve up this mouth-watering dish.