Looking for a flavor-packed chicken dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes? The Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a restaurant favorite made famous by Outback Steakhouse, but you don’t need to dine out to enjoy it. With juicy chicken breasts, smoky bacon, tangy honey mustard, savory mushrooms, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is comfort food at its best.
In this guide, you’ll not only learn the step-by-step recipe but also discover culinary tips, healthier swaps, and serving ideas to make your version even better than the original.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Ready in 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights
- ✅ High in protein with bold flavors
- ✅ A copycat Outback Steakhouse dish made healthier at home
- ✅ Customizable for keto, gluten-free, and low-fat diets
🛒 Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken
Here’s everything you’ll need for this recipe (serves 4):
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thin-cut for faster cooking)
- 6 slices of crispy bacon (or turkey bacon for lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese (or Cheddar/Pepper Jack for variation)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika (seasoning mix)
Honey Mustard Sauce
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey (or sugar-free honey substitute for keto)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for low-fat)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for brightness)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika.
2. Sear for Flavor
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
- Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden-brown (this locks in juices through the Maillard reaction).
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust: more honey for sweetness, more mustard for tang.
4. Assemble the Dish
- Spread honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast.
- Add a layer of mushrooms (if using).
- Place crispy bacon on top.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese generously.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🔥 Pro Tips for Success
- Thin chicken = faster cooking. Use cutlets or butterfly thick breasts.
- Don’t skip searing. Browning = deep flavor + juicy meat.
- Cook bacon ahead. Oven-bake bacon while prepping chicken to save time.
- Make ahead. Assemble dish in morning, bake at night.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Pair this rich, cheesy chicken with lighter sides for balance:
- Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables (carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
- Mashed potatoes or buttered rice for a hearty option
- Garlic bread or steamed broccoli for quick weeknight sides
🥘 Variations & Substitutions
- Keto/Low-Carb: Use sugar-free honey substitute + turkey bacon.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure mustard and bacon are certified GF.
- Low-Fat: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese.
- Flavor Twist: Replace honey mustard with BBQ sauce or spicy sriracha mayo.
- Cheese Options: Try smoked Gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
(Varies by substitutions)
📖 Background: What Is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken originated at Outback Steakhouse, inspired by the Australian town Alice Springs. While the restaurant version is indulgent, making it at home lets you control the ingredients, reduce sodium, and adjust the flavors to your liking.
❓ FAQs About Alice Springs Chicken
Q: Can I make Alice Springs Chicken without bacon?
Yes—substitute with sautéed onions, roasted peppers, or turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Q: Can I meal-prep this dish?
Absolutely. Cook chicken + sauce ahead, refrigerate up to 2 days, then top with bacon/cheese and bake before serving.
Q: Is Alice Springs Chicken healthy?
It’s naturally high in protein, but you can make it healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo and turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
Q: Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes—sear chicken on the grill, then transfer to indirect heat with toppings until cheese melts.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Alice Springs Chicken recipe proves that a restaurant-quality dish doesn’t need to be complicated. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken layered with smoky bacon, tangy honey mustard, and bubbly melted cheese—a perfect family meal.
Cooking should be both enjoyable and flexible, so don’t hesitate to try the variations. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests, this dish is sure to impress.