Alice Springs Chicken Recipe – The Best Outback Copycat

If you’re searching for the ultimate Alice Springs Chicken recipe, look no further. This iconic dish from Outback Steakhouse is now yours to master at home. With tender grilled chicken breasts, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, melted cheese, and a homemade honey mustard sauce, this recipe captures every savory, tangy, and cheesy bite you’d expect from the restaurant favorite.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Alice Springs Chicken recipe from scratch. You’ll get a list of simple ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, variations for special diets, and even tips from pros like Gordon Ramsay. Want more comfort-food classics? Check out our Wagyu Ground Beef Recipe Guide for another restaurant-worthy meal.

What Is Alice Springs Chicken?

The Origin and Inspiration Behind Alice Springs Chicken

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe is inspired by the Outback Steakhouse menu, though the name comes from a town in Australia. It’s not actually an Aussie dish, but an American comfort food classic loaded with grilled chicken, bacon, mushrooms, cheese, and honey mustard. The combination of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors makes it unforgettable—and addictive.

Even though it sounds like something you’d need a pro chef to make, this Alice Springs Chicken recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare at home. All you need are a few simple ingredients and the right layering technique. The result? A restaurant-quality dinner without the markup.

Why It’s a Fan Favorite at Outback Steakhouse

So why do people love the Alice Springs Chicken recipe so much? It’s all about flavor and comfort. The smoky bacon and grilled chicken are rich and hearty, while the honey mustard sauce adds a sweet tang. Add in gooey melted cheese and umami-packed mushrooms, and you’ve got a protein-packed dish that checks all the right boxes.

Fans rave about how filling yet balanced it is. Plus, it’s a flexible dish—great for weeknights, dinner parties, or even meal prep. With a side of roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad, the Alice Springs Chicken recipe easily becomes a complete, satisfying meal.

Key Ingredients in Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

Main Proteins and Toppings Used in the Classic Recipe

To make an authentic Alice Springs Chicken recipe, you’ll need a few high-quality, readily available ingredients. The real magic lies in layering textures and flavors the right way. Let’s break down the essentials:

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe is flexible, but these ingredients remain the core. Some people substitute Colby Jack with a cheddar–Monterey Jack blend or even provolone for a smoother finish.

The key to a juicy chicken is searing it on high heat first before finishing in the oven. This locks in moisture while still giving it that signature char.

Secret Sauce Breakdown: What’s Really in the Honey Mustard?

A big part of what makes the Alice Springs Chicken recipe so beloved is its creamy, tangy honey mustard sauce. While Outback Steakhouse keeps their exact formula a secret, a good copycat version includes:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)

Blend everything together until smooth. You can adjust the sweetness or acidity to your taste. This homemade honey mustard also works well as a dipping sauce or salad dressing.

Some fans even take the sauce further by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to mimic that slight Outback-style kick. It’s a must-have component that ties together the flavors of bacon, mushroom, and cheese.

Step-by-Step Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

Ingredients List: What You’ll Need

Before diving into the method, gather everything you’ll need for the perfect Alice Springs Chicken recipe. These simple ingredients combine for a dish that’s rich, hearty, and loaded with flavor:

Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 1½ cups sliced mushrooms (white or cremini)
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese (or Monterey Jack/cheddar blend)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Pro Tip: Marinate your chicken in half of the honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes for extra flavor.

Full Instructions: How to Make Alice Springs Chicken at Home

This step-by-step guide ensures your Alice Springs Chicken recipe is flavorful, juicy, and just as satisfying as the restaurant version.

Step 1: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Set aside half for marinating the chicken and reserve the other half as a topping or dipping sauce.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a zip-lock bag with half the honey mustard sauce. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

While the chicken marinates, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

In the same skillet with a bit of bacon fat or olive oil, sauté the sliced mushrooms until browned and soft (about 5–7 minutes). Set aside.

Step 5: Grill or Sear the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade. In a grill pan or heavy skillet, sear the chicken breasts on both sides (about 4–5 minutes per side). They don’t need to cook through yet.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Top each breast with sautéed mushrooms, 2 strips of bacon, and a generous layer of shredded cheese. Bake for 10–15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temp) and cheese is melted.

Step 7: Serve with Sauce

Drizzle remaining honey mustard over each portion or serve it on the side. Pair with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Customizing Alice Springs Chicken to Your Taste

Healthier Ingredient Swaps and Low-Carb Options

The classic Alice Springs Chicken recipe is definitely rich, but you can tweak it to fit a cleaner, lighter diet without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re watching your carbs, calories, or fat intake, these smart swaps can help:

By using low-fat or dairy-free cheese, and swapping bacon with leaner cuts, this recipe can be modified to fit into low-carb, paleo, or even Whole30 frameworks.

For a keto-friendly version of this Alice Springs Chicken recipe, use:

• Full-fat cheese
• Sugar-free mustard
• Avocado oil mayo
• Skip the honey or use monk fruit syrup instead

These swaps cut down on carbs and sugars while preserving the creamy, savory layers that make this dish so addictive.

Gluten-Free and Keto Adaptations

Good news: the Alice Springs Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free—as long as you double-check your mustard and bacon labels for hidden gluten sources (especially flavorings and thickeners).

Here’s how to make it keto or Whole30 compliant:

• Use a compliant mustard without sugar or additives.
• Choose a compliant bacon (uncured, sugar-free).
• Skip the honey mustard drizzle or sweeten with a keto-approved syrup.

Tip: If you want a crispier finish, broil the final dish for 1–2 minutes after baking to bubble the cheese and crisp up the bacon layer.

Even with adjustments, this version of the Alice Springs Chicken recipe remains hearty, filling, and full of bold, restaurant-quality flavor.

What to Serve with Alice Springs Chicken

Best Side Dishes to Complete the Meal

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe is rich, smoky, and creamy, which means it pairs beautifully with lighter or complementary sides that balance the meal. Here are some top choices:

If you’re making a low-carb version of the Alice Springs Chicken recipe, stick to roasted vegetables or a hearty salad with vinaigrette. Try adding crushed pecans or cranberries for a flavor twist.

Bonus: Sprinkle leftover cheese and bacon bits over the sides to tie the meal together visually and flavor-wise.

Ideal Beverages and Dessert Pairings

To wash down the bold flavors of this dish, consider the following beverages:

• Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio: Light and crisp white wines balance the richness of cheese and bacon.
• Iced Herbal Tea: A refreshing, non-alcoholic pairing that cuts through fat.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon: Simple, palate-cleansing, and great for digestion.

And if you’ve got room for dessert after your Alice Springs Chicken recipe dinner, here are sweet treats that won’t overpower:

• Mini Lemon Bars – Bright citrus flavor lightens the end of the meal.
• Berries and Whipped Cream – Fresh and low-calorie with just a hint of indulgence.
• Dark Chocolate Squares – Perfect if you’re sticking to keto or low-sugar lifestyles.

Nutritional Facts and Health Considerations

Is Alice Springs Chicken Healthy or Indulgent?

The Alice Springs Chicken recipe walks the fine line between indulgent and nutritious. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken breast and healthy fats from cheese and olive oil. But it also includes calorie-dense ingredients like bacon, cheese, and a honey mustard sauce that contains sugar.

So, is it healthy?

Yes—and no. It depends on how you prepare it and what sides you pair it with. For example:

A traditional serving of Alice Springs Chicken recipe (with cheese, bacon, and honey mustard) typically ranges from 500 to 700 calories, depending on portion size and sauce quantity.

Nutrition Breakdown: Calories, Fats, Protein, and More

Here’s an estimated nutrition profile for one serving (based on 4 servings total from the full recipe):

Tip: Want to make your Alice Springs Chicken recipe lighter? Use turkey bacon, low-fat cheese, and a sugar-free honey mustard dressing. You can reduce calories by up to 150 per serving.

Even with some indulgent elements, this dish is far more balanced than many takeout meals or fast-food chicken dishes. You control the ingredients, the portions, and the add-ons.

How to Store and Reheat Alice Springs Chicken

Best Storage Practices for Leftovers

Whether you’ve made a double batch or have a couple servings left over from dinner, this Alice Springs Chicken recipe stores well and makes fantastic leftovers for lunch the next day.

To keep it tasting fresh:

• Cool completely before storing. Avoid trapping steam in your container—it makes the toppings soggy.
• Use airtight glass containers or BPA-free plastic ones.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Anything longer? Freeze it.

Tip: Store the honey mustard sauce separately if possible, especially if you plan to reheat in a microwave. This helps preserve the sauce’s flavor and consistency.

For freezing:

• Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in foil or freezer paper, then place in a freezer bag.
• Label and date—your Alice Springs Chicken recipe will stay good for up to 2 months frozen.

Reheating Tips Without Losing Moisture or Flavor

Nobody wants rubbery chicken or dried-out bacon. To reheat your Alice Springs Chicken recipe and preserve its restaurant-quality flavor, follow these simple methods:

Oven (Best Method)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place chicken in an oven-safe dish. Add a tablespoon of chicken broth or water to the bottom.
3. Cover with foil to trap steam and bake for 10–15 minutes.
4. Uncover for the last 2 minutes to re-melt the cheese.

Microwave (Quick Fix)

1. Place on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel.
3. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot throughout (usually 1.5–2 minutes).

Pro Tip: Add fresh cheese or a drizzle of fresh honey mustard before reheating to give it a freshly made finish.

This method keeps your Alice Springs Chicken recipe flavorful, tender, and just as comforting as when it was first baked.

Popular Variations and Regional Twists

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken as a Variation

Love the original Alice Springs Chicken recipe but want to change things up? One of the most popular spins is Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken. This version swaps the honey mustard sauce for a ranch-based drizzle while keeping the core ingredients: chicken, bacon, mushrooms, and melted cheese.

Here’s how it differs:

This version is ideal for those who find honey mustard too sweet or are obsessed with ranch dressing. You can even add a dash of buffalo sauce to spice it up.

What Other Restaurants Serve Similar Dishes?

While Outback Steakhouse is the original home of the Alice Springs Chicken recipe, similar dishes appear on menus across the U.S. and even in casual dining chains. Here are a few examples:

• Texas Roadhouse – Offers bacon-smothered grilled chicken with cheese and mushroom topping.
• Chili’s Grill & Bar – Their Monterey Chicken is a near-match with barbecue sauce and cheese.
• Applebee’s – Sometimes features seasonal grilled chicken with toppings like bacon and cheddar.

Many of these versions are heavier on the cheese or sauce, making homemade recipes a better option if you’re watching sodium or sugar intake.

Bonus: Try combining the Alice Springs Chicken recipe with regional BBQ sauces (like Carolina mustard or Kansas City sweet & smoky) for a unique Southern spin.

These creative variations ensure you never get bored, while still enjoying the key elements of grilled chicken, savory toppings, and mouthwatering sauces.

Copycat Cooking Tips: Outback Secrets at Home

What Does Outback Season Their Chicken With?

The grilled flavor and savory depth of the original Alice Springs Chicken recipe starts with how the chicken is seasoned before it ever hits the grill. While Outback doesn’t publish its exact spice blend, copycat chefs and foodies have narrowed it down to this savory combination:

Outback-Inspired Chicken Seasoning Mix:

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ tsp dried mustard (enhances the honey mustard later)

This spice mix delivers that perfect smoky, savory, and slightly tangy profile that pairs so well with the bacon and cheese. Rub it onto both sides of the chicken before grilling or searing to seal in bold flavor.

Pro Tip: Let your chicken rest at room temperature for 15–20 minutes after seasoning to help absorb flavors evenly and cook more consistently.

Tips from Celebrity Chefs like Gordon Ramsay

If Gordon Ramsay were making this Alice Springs Chicken recipe, what would he do differently? Based on his chicken techniques, here are a few professional upgrades:

• Use clarified butter instead of oil for extra richness and flavor in your sauté.
• Butter-baste the chicken while searing for a juicy, golden-brown crust.
• Layer seasoning, not just on the chicken—but also in the mushrooms and bacon while cooking.

Chef Ramsay also insists on resting meat after cooking to lock in moisture. After baking your assembled chicken, let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it. That way, juices redistribute instead of running out.

Finally, presentation matters. Plate your Alice Springs Chicken recipe on a bed of sautéed spinach or next to vibrant veggies for color and contrast—just like they would at a fine-dining bistro.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a fan of Outback Steakhouse or simply craving a flavorful, protein-packed dinner, this Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a must-try. It brings together juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and rich melted cheese—all tied together with a bold honey mustard sauce. Best of all? You can make it entirely at home with simple ingredients and easy steps.

With room for customization—from keto-friendly swaps to cheesy bacon ranch twists—this dish can be tailored to suit any taste or lifestyle. It’s comfort food that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. And now that you’ve mastered this recipe, why not explore even more hearty ideas? Discover great ideas like this Wagyu Ground Beef Recipe for another crave-worthy meal.

FAQs About Alice Springs Chicken Recipe