Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Alice Springs Chicken Recipe: Golden, Saucy Magic

Hey chicken enthusiasts!

This alice springs chicken recipe brings bold southwestern flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Marinated tender meat delivers a perfect blend of zesty spices and creamy textures.

Southwest-inspired ingredients create a mouthwatering experience that goes beyond ordinary dinner routines.

Crispy bacon adds an unexpected crunch to complement the juicy chicken layers.

Melted cheese blankets each piece with irresistible golden goodness.

Robust seasonings promise a memorable meal that breaks through standard recipe expectations.

Let’s fire up those skillets and transform dinner into a delicious adventure!

Why Alice Springs Chicken Is A Bold Favorite

  • Craft Flavor-Packed Meal: This chicken recipe delivers incredible taste with minimal kitchen effort, combining sweet honey, tangy mustard, and savory bacon for a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families seeking delicious meals that come together fast, requiring just basic ingredients and simple preparation steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Guaranteed to satisfy multiple taste preferences with its combination of cheese, bacon, and tender chicken, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Versatile Cooking Approach: Adaptable recipe that allows home cooks to customize with different cheese types or swap protein options while maintaining the signature flavor profile.

What Goes Into Alice Springs Chicken

Chicken Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken pieces that serve as the main protein for this delicious recipe.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Honey, Dijon Mustard, Olive Oil, Soy Sauce, Minced Garlic: A flavorful combination that infuses the chicken with a rich and tangy taste profile.
Seasoning Group:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a creamy and melty layer that adds richness to the dish.
  • Crumbled Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy texture to complement the chicken.
  • Sliced Mushrooms: Introduces an earthy and savory element to the recipe.
  • Chopped Green Onions: Offers a fresh and light garnish that brings brightness to the final presentation.

Steps To Prepare Alice Springs Chicken Right

Step 1: Create Zesty Marinade

Whisk together honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl. This combination will infuse the chicken with a burst of tangy and sweet flavors.

Step 2: Season and Marinate Chicken

Sprinkle salt and black pepper over chicken breasts. Submerge the chicken in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for half an hour to allow flavor absorption.

Step 3: Prepare Cooking Station

Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Position Chicken

Carefully remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip away. Arrange the chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish, spreading them evenly.

Step 5: Initial Baking

Slide the baking dish into the oven. Cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

During the final 5 minutes of cooking, generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each chicken breast.

Step 7: Layer Delicious Toppings

Distribute toppings across the cheese-covered chicken:
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Sliced mushrooms
  • Chopped green onions

Step 8: Final Melting

Return the dish to the oven. Bake until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly blanket of deliciousness.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Remove the chicken from the oven. Allow it to rest for 3-4 minutes, letting the juices redistribute and flavors meld.

Step 10: Serve with Flair

Transfer the chicken to serving plates. Ensure each portion gets an equal share of toppings. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the dish for an extra flavor boost.

Tips To Get Alice Springs Chicken Just Right

  • Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in the honey-mustard mixture for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper, more intense flavor profiles.
  • Perfect Protein Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
  • Bacon Brilliance: Crisp bacon separately before crumbling to enhance its smoky crunch and prevent soggy toppings during baking.
  • Cheese Melting Mastery: Choose room temperature cheddar for more even melting and sprinkle in the last 3-5 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace honey with sugar-free honey alternative and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.

Fun Takes On Alice Springs Chicken

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken: Replace honey with chipotle sauce, add cayenne pepper to marinade, top with pepper jack cheese and jalapeños for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap dijon mustard for tzatziki sauce, use oregano and thyme in marinade, top with feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Asian Fusion Chicken: Substitute soy sauce with teriyaki glaze, add ginger to marinade, sprinkle sesame seeds, use mozzarella cheese, garnish with green onions and crispy wonton strips.
  • Tropical Paradise Chicken: Mix pineapple juice into marinade, top with Swiss cheese, add grilled pineapple chunks, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for a sweet island-inspired version.

Pairings That Work With Alice Springs Chicken

  • Crisp Chardonnay Companion: Select a chilled, buttery Chardonnay with light oak undertones to balance the chicken's rich, savory profile and cut through the cheese's creamy texture.
  • Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a side of honey-glazed roasted carrots and asparagus spears to mirror the dish's sweet and tangy marinade while adding nutritious vegetable contrast.
  • Fresh Herbed Quinoa Bed: Create a light quinoa base seasoned with fresh parsley, thyme, and a hint of lemon zest to provide a clean, bright foundation that enhances the chicken's complex flavors.

Best Way To Store Alice Springs Chicken

  • Place leftover Alice Springs Chicken in an airtight container, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
  • Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and store up to 2 months for best quality.
  • Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and restore original juiciness.
  • Separate chicken and toppings before storing to prevent soggy cheese and crispy bacon.

Alice Springs Chicken Questions, Answered

  • Is this recipe originally from Alice Springs, Australia?

No, the Alice Springs Chicken is actually a popular dish created by Outback Steakhouse restaurant in the United States, named after a town in Australia but not authentically from there.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly. They tend to be more tender and flavorful, though you’ll need to adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

To reduce calories, use low-fat cheese, turkey bacon, and greek yogurt in place of regular cheese and bacon. You can also use skinless chicken breasts and reduce the amount of oil in the marinade.

  • What if I don't have dijon mustard?

You can substitute with regular yellow mustard or honey mustard.

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Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Alice Springs Chicken brings Outback Steakhouse flavors right to kitchen counters with golden-brown grilled chicken smothered in honey mustard sauce. Crisp bacon, melted cheese, and sautéed mushrooms create a mouthwatering combination you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 4 pieces chicken breast
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Sauce and Marinade:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Toppings:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Whisk together honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant marinade.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then immerse them in the prepared marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish with light cooking spray.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and arrange in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Bake chicken for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete cooking.
  6. During the last 5 minutes of baking, generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each chicken breast.
  7. Simultaneously, scatter crumbled bacon, sliced mushrooms, and chopped green onions across the cheese-topped chicken.
  8. Return to oven and bake until cheese melts completely and becomes slightly golden and bubbly.
  9. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 3-4 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Plate the chicken, ensuring each portion receives an equal distribution of toppings and drizzle any remaining pan juices over the dish.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum taste absorption.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and create a lighter version of the dish.
  • Swap bacon with turkey bacon or omit for a leaner protein option suitable for health-conscious diners.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Australian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 553
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 675 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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