Preparing a tasty meal doesn’t need to be difficult. With this easy Alice Springs Chicken recipe, you’ll see how simple it is to create a flavorful dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re a beginner or just someone looking for a new recipe to try, Alice Springs Chicken offers a combination of smoky bacon, tender chicken, creamy cheese, and a tangy honey mustard sauce that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive into the steps that will help you make this dish a family favorite.

Step by step Alice Springs Chicken recipe for beginners

What Is Alice Springs Chicken?

Alice Springs Chicken is a popular dish that combines tender grilled or baked chicken breast with a savory blend of toppings, including crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a sweet, tangy honey mustard sauce. Originally popularized by Outback Steakhouse, this dish is known for its bold flavors and satisfying combination of textures, making it a comforting meal for any occasion.

The dish is named after the iconic Australian town of Alice Springs. However, its creation and popularity have little to do with Australia. What sets Alice Springs Chicken apart is its delicious balance of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors, along with its relatively simple preparation.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Alice Springs Chicken

To begin, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Don’t worry—this recipe uses simple, easy-to-find items that won’t break the bank.

Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 strips of bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup honey mustard sauce (either purchased or homemade)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Breasts

Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare the chicken properly to ensure it cooks evenly and stays juicy. Here’s how you do it:

Flatten the Chicken Breasts: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness gently. They cook faster and more evenly as a result.
Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This simple spice enhances the chicken’s inherent taste.

Step 2: Cooking the Bacon

Next, you’ll want to prepare the bacon to add that signature smoky flavor to your dish. Follow these steps:

Cook the bacon: In a large skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. You can also bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes if you prefer a hands-off approach.
Drain the Bacon: Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to drain any excess grease. Once it has cooled slightly, crumble it into small pieces. Set it aside for later.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

Now that your chicken is seasoned and your bacon is ready, it’s time to cook the chicken. You can choose to either grill or bake the chicken, based on your preference.

Grilling the Chicken:

Set the grill’s temperature to medium-high, or about 375°F (190°C).
Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Rest the Chicken: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Keep the meat tender and juicy.

Baking the Chicken:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes per side to get a nice golden brown color. Then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before proceeding.

Step 4: Assembling the Alice Springs Chicken

After the chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble the dish. This is where the magic happens.

Add the Bacon: Place a generous amount of crumbled bacon on top of each chicken breast.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the bacon. The combination of these two cheeses provides a rich, creamy topping that melts beautifully.
Add the Sauce: Drizzle a generous amount of honey mustard sauce over the top. This adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon and creamy cheese.

Step 5: Melting the Cheese

To bring everything together, you’ll need to melt the cheese and warm up the sauce.

Bake or Broil: If you baked the chicken earlier, you can place the chicken back into the oven under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Alternatively, you can bake the chicken for 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
Pay Attention: Take caution not to scorch the cheese. It should melt perfectly, turning into a gooey, delicious layer on top of the chicken.

Step 6: Serving the Alice Springs Chicken

Now that your Alice Springs Chicken is complete, it’s time to serve it! You can garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Pair it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.

Serving Tips:

Sides: Serve with roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad with a vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.
Family-Style: You can also serve this dish family-style on a large platter, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

If you’re new to cooking, this recipe is perfect because it’s straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and the results are impressive. You’ll feel like a pro chef as you layer crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a delicious honey mustard sauce on top of perfectly cooked chicken.

Here’s why this dish is a great choice for beginners:

Easy Preparation: The steps are simple and don’t require advanced cooking techniques.
Flavorful: The combination of savory, smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors will make every bite memorable.
Customizable: You can adjust the toppings, sauces, and sides to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleaser: Alice Springs Chicken is a dish that everyone will enjoy, from kids to adults, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Tips for Perfecting Your Alice Springs Chicken

To ensure your Alice Springs Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few expert tips:

Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking or undercooking the chicken, always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Don’t Skip the Resting Step: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking. This step helps the meat retain its juices, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Adjust the Sauce: If you love a bit more sweetness or tang in your sauce, feel free to add a little extra honey or mustard to taste.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to swap the bacon for another type of protein, like turkey bacon or sausage, or try different cheese blends to suit your taste.

Alice Springs Chicken

Recipe by Chef SarahCourse: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

450

kcal

Alice Springs Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring grilled chicken topped with smoky bacon, melted cheese, and a creamy honey mustard sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner!

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 strips of bacon
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup honey mustard sauce (either purchased or homemade)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

Prep the Chicken: Set the oven temperature to 375°F, or 190°C. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and olive oil to season the chicken breasts.
Cook the Bacon: Add the bacon to a large pan and cook over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels after removing from the skillet. Crumble the bacon into little pieces when it has cooled.
Cook the Chicken: Sear the chicken breasts in the same skillet until golden brown, 3–4 minutes on each side. The chicken should be moved to a baking dish.
Assemble: Drizzle each chicken breast with a large quantity of honey mustard sauce. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and both types of cheese (cheddar and Monterey jack).
Bake: The chicken should be cooked through, and the cheese should be melted and bubbled for 20 to 25 minutes after baking in a preheated oven.
Serve: Add some fresh parsley as a garnish, then serve hot with your preferred sides.

Notes

You can substitute the honey mustard with a homemade version using equal parts honey and mustard.
For a healthier option, consider grilling the chicken instead of pan-searing it.
You may keep leftover chicken in the refrigerator for up to three days if you put it in an airtight container. For optimal results, reheat in the oven.

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Final Thoughts

Cooking Alice Springs Chicken for the first time can feel intimidating. Still, with this step-by-step guide, you’re equipped with all the knowledge you need to create a delicious and satisfying dish. From preparing the chicken to layering on the bacon, cheese, and sauce, each step brings you closer to a flavorful meal that your family will rave about.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or planning a special meal for guests, Alice Springs Chicken is a dish that brings comfort and joy to the table. So go ahead, try this simple recipe, and enjoy the process of creating something that tastes as good as it looks!

By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll be able to master the art of Alice Springs Chicken in no time. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step Alice Springs Chicken recipe for beginners

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