ALICE SPRINGS CHICKEN RECIPE

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

Alice Springs Chicken is a popular dish that combines the savory flavors of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and melted cheese, all topped with a delicious honey mustard sauce. Named after a town in Australia, this dish is often associated with the famous Outback Steakhouse, but you can easily recreate it at home. Here’s a detailed recipe that serves four.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of bacon
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce

1. Mix the ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
2. Set aside: Reserve about 1/4 cup of the honey mustard sauce for basting the chicken during cooking. Cover the remaining sauce and refrigerate it until ready to serve.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Season the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board. Use a meat tenderizer or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently pound each breast to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
2. Apply the marinade: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush each piece with the reserved honey mustard sauce. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms

1. Cook the bacon: While the chicken is marinating, cook the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat until they are crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside.
2. Sauté the mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them in the bacon grease until they are soft and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Grill or Sear the Chicken

1. Cook the chicken: Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. If you don’t have a grill, you can use a regular skillet. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill or in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Brush the chicken with the reserved honey mustard sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. Prepare for assembly: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Top the chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place two slices of cooked bacon on top of each chicken breast. Evenly distribute the sautéed mushrooms over the bacon. Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Colby-Jack cheese on top.
2. Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve the Alice Springs Chicken

1. Drizzle with sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle the remaining honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast just before serving.
2. Garnish and enjoy: For added color and flavor, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. Serve the chicken hot with your favorite sides.

Suggested Sides

Alice Springs Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Steamed vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans add a fresh contrast to the dish.
• Baked potatoes: A simple baked potato, topped with butter and a sprinkle of cheese, is a hearty side option.
• Side salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken.

Tips for Success

• Even cooking: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures that they cook evenly, preventing some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked.
• Bacon crispiness: Cooking the bacon until it’s crispy adds a delightful texture contrast to the dish. If you prefer, you can crumble the bacon on top instead of using whole slices.
• Cheese selection: While Colby-Jack is a great choice for its mild flavor and meltability, you can experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella.
• Make it ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance. This makes the assembly and cooking process quicker when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Alice Springs Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in every bite. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. With its combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and gooey melted cheese, all topped with a tangy honey mustard sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.