Easy Homemade Alice Springs Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce 2025
If you’ve ever dined at Outback Steakhouse, you might be familiar with their iconic Alice Springs Chicken — a juicy, cheesy, bacon-topped chicken breast smothered in honey mustard sauce that perfectly blends savory, smoky, and sweet flavors. Now, imagine bringing that restaurant favorite into your own kitchen, effortlessly.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to recreate this delicious dish at home. From choosing the right chicken cuts to mastering the honey mustard sauce, baking tips, serving ideas, and even some healthy and creative variations, you’ll have everything you need to impress your family and guests with this rich and comforting meal.
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is a signature dish from Outback Steakhouse known for its layered flavors: tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a luscious honey mustard sauce. Named after the town of Alice Springs in Australia, this dish has become a go-to comfort food for many.
Why Make This Recipe at Home?
- Cost-effective: Enjoy restaurant-quality chicken without the hefty price tag.
- Customizable: Control ingredients for dietary needs and flavor preferences.
- Freshness: Made to order with fresh ingredients and no preservatives.
- Fun to Cook: Simple steps that yield impressive results.
Ingredients You Will Need
To create an authentic Alice Springs Chicken at home, gather the following:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (or a mix of salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper)
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (use full-fat for creaminess or light for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey (raw or processed)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, adds brightness)
Toppings:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped or left whole
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese or a cheddar blend (mozzarella or Monterey Jack can also work)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined. Set aside about one-third of this sauce for serving later. The remaining two-thirds will baste the chicken as it cooks, locking in flavor and moisture.
2. Season and Sear the Chicken Breasts
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help achieve a good sear. Sprinkle seasoned salt evenly on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. The goal is to lock in juices — don’t cook the chicken fully at this stage.
3. Add the Honey Mustard Sauce and Bacon
Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the reserved honey mustard sauce generously over each chicken breast.
Layer the crispy bacon slices or crumbles on top of the sauced chicken. The smoky, salty bacon adds a delicious contrast to the creamy sauce.
4. Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chicken breasts. The cheese will melt into a bubbly, gooey layer when baked.
5. Bake Until Cheese is Melted and Chicken is Cooked
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish before baking.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Serve warm, accompanied by your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Perfect Alice Springs Chicken
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure chicken is safely cooked without drying out.
- Crisp Bacon Perfectly: Bake bacon on a wire rack over a foil-lined pan at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. This prevents grease buildup and gives even crispness.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Resting allows juices to redistribute for a tender bite.
- Make Sauce Ahead: Honey mustard sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated for deeper flavor.
- Try Different Cheeses: Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick, while mozzarella gives a mild stretchiness.
Variations and Substitutions
Using Chicken Thighs
Boneless, skinless thighs are juicier and more forgiving than breasts. Reduce baking time by 5 minutes.
Lighter Alternatives
Use turkey bacon and low-fat mayo to reduce fat content.
Dairy-Free Option
Use dairy-free cheese or omit cheese entirely. Serve with extra sauce for flavor.
Add Veggies
Top with sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions before baking.
Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Dinner
Alice Springs Chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or baked sweet potatoes
- Roasted or steamed green beans and broccoli
- Crisp garden salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts covered with a microwave-safe lid.
Freezing
Wrap chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and foil or freeze in containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Protein: 48 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Sugars: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on exact brands and quantities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I grill the chicken instead of searing and baking?
Yes! Grill the chicken breasts fully, then top with sauce, bacon, and cheese. Use indirect heat or a grill-safe pan with a lid to melt the cheese.
Q2: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, but verify that your bacon and Dijon mustard are gluten-free by checking labels.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead?
You can assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q4: What can I use if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
Yellow mustard can be a substitute, but flavor will be less sharp.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of savory chicken, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and sweet-tangy honey mustard creates a complex, balanced flavor profile that’s hard to resist. The cooking method ensures juicy chicken with a golden crust, while the baking step melts everything together into a comforting, indulgent meal.
Final Thoughts
Alice Springs Chicken is more than just a copycat recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors that are simple to prepare and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress and delight.
Try it with your favorite sides and customize it to your liking. With this guide, you now have everything you need to master Alice Springs Chicken in your own kitchen.
