Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

Alice Springs Chicken is a honey-mustard smothered chicken recipe made famous by Outback. Loaded with cheese, bacon, and flavor-packed sauce, this copycat version is easy, comforting, and totally delicious.

RecipeRate
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
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This Alice Springs Chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen. Inspired by Outback’s classic, it’s a cheesy, bacon-topped dish draped in creamy honey mustard sauce truly unforgettable.Quick weeknight or a family dinner — simple, satisfying, reliable. Let’s bring bold flavor to the table with this Alice Springs Chicken recipe.

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe with bacon, cheese, and honey mustard
Outback-style Alice Springs Chicken baked fresh with cheesy bacon topping
Table of Contents

What is Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

The Story Behind the Chicken
Alice Springs Chicken was my go-to dish during those high school birthday dinners at Outback Steakhouse. There was something magical about that creamy, sweet sauce and the melted cheese bubbling over crisp bacon. It felt fancy, but familiar. Years later, making it at home has turned into a cozy ritual that never fails to satisfy just like the first bite I ever took.

Where the Name Comes From
Though inspired by Alice Springs, a small town in Australia, the dish itself is pure American comfort with Aussie branding flair. Outback Steakhouse made it famous, combining elements like mustard, honey, mushrooms, and cheese to create a fusion that feels indulgent but cozy. It’s comfort food with a steakhouse vibe and people can’t get enough.

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Alice Springs Chicken Recipe with bacon, cheese, and honey mustard

Alice Springs Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Emma & Ella
  • Total Time: 40 min
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Alice Springs Chicken is a honey-mustard smothered chicken recipe made famous by Outback. Loaded with cheese, bacon, and flavor-packed sauce, this copycat version is easy, comforting, and totally delicious.


Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken breasts (horizontally sliced in half)

6 slices of cooked bacon

2 cups Monterey Jack cheese

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 Tbsp honey

2 tsp stone-ground mustard

Salt, pepper, paprika to taste

Optional: sautéed mushrooms (1 cup)


Instructions

  1. Season chicken with salt: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear in oil until browned.
  2. Transfer to a 9×13: Transfer to a 9×13 baking dish.
  3. Mix mayo, honey, and: Mix mayo, honey, and mustard into a creamy sauce.
  4. Spread sauce over each: Spread sauce over each chicken piece.
  5. Top with cheese, bacon: Top with cheese, bacon, and optional mushrooms.
  6. Bake at 350°F for: Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes.
  7. Broil for 1–2 minutes: Broil for 1–2 minutes for bubbly cheese.
  8. Serve with extra sauce: Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Notes

To make chicken extra tender, marinate with 1½ tsp baking soda, 2 tbsp vinegar, and 1 tsp salt in cold water for 20 minutes before cooking.

  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 30 min
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Australian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 33g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 44g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Why You’ll Love This Alice Springs Chicken

Flavor-Packed Layers in Every Bite
What sets this dish apart is how every layer hits a different note. The smoky bacon and buttery cheese contrast beautifully with the sweet tang of honey mustard. Plus, you can customize it add mushrooms, switch cheeses, or turn it into a chicken casserole like our loaded version for something heartier.

Family-Approved and Foolproof
This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping. It reheats beautifully and the sauce only gets better overnight. Even picky eaters love it especially with a side of sour cream chicken enchiladas or chicken fried chicken to round out the table.

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How to Make Alice Springs Chicken

Quick Overview

Prep this Outback-inspired favorite in 40 minutes total: pan-sear, top with sauce, cheese, and bacon, then bake. It’s great for weeknights and easy to double for leftovers.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken in glass and ceramic bowls
Simple ingredients for Alice Springs Chicken laid out for easy prep
IngredientAmount
Chicken breasts (halved)4 pieces
Cooked bacon6 slices
Monterey Jack cheese2 cups
Mayonnaise1/3 cup
Honey1 Tbsp
Stone-ground mustard2 tsp
Salt, pepper, paprikaTo taste
Optional: sautéed mushrooms1 cup

Optional tip: For ultra-tender chicken, marinate with 1½ tsp baking soda, 2 tbsp vinegar, and 1 tsp salt in cold water for 20 minutes.

Step-by-Step

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear both sides in oil.
  3. Transfer chicken to baking dish.
  4. In a bowl, mix mayo, honey, and mustard. Spread sauce over chicken.
  5. Top with cheese and bacon (plus mushrooms if using).
  6. Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Serve with extra sauce on the side.

Looking for another creamy, protein-packed option? Try our creamy chicken sausage orzo for your next dinner night.

What to Serve Alice Springs Chicken With

Great Sides to Try
The rich sauce makes this chicken pair perfectly with steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, or even a light salad. You can also serve it alongside Neiman Marcus chicken casserole for a dinner party menu that wow’s.

Turn It Into a Full Meal
Slice leftovers and tuck them into wraps or layer into a sandwich. For gatherings, serve it next to buffalo chicken dip and baked mac for a comfort food night done right.

Top Tips for Perfecting Alice Springs Chicken

Get That Cheese Melt Just Right
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt. Pre-shredded varieties include anti-caking agents that affect texture. A combo of Monterey Jack and Colby Jack works beautifully. Want that bubbly golden finish? Broil the dish for 1–2 minutes before serving.

Don’t Skip the Sauce Layering
Make a little extra honey mustard sauce it’s that good. Drizzle half before baking and reserve the rest for dipping or serving. This also keeps leftovers moist. And if you’re adding mushrooms (highly recommended), sauté them first in butter or olive oil.

Craving another cheesy chicken hit? Try Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole next it’s just as comforting.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any remaining chicken to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. The flavors deepen over time, so don’t hesitate to enjoy it again.

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How to Reheat
For best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch but tends to soften the cheese topping. Planning ahead? Freeze it! Just pack in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight before baking again.

This also makes a great addition to your chicken cobbler meal prep rotation try a combo tray!

FAQs

What sauce is on Alice Springs chicken?

Alice Springs Chicken features a homemade honey mustard sauce, typically made from mayonnaise, honey, and mustard. Some variations use Dijon or stone-ground mustard, and many include extra seasoning like paprika or garlic for depth.

What goes well with Alice Springs chicken?

This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, garlic green beans, or a light salad. For a heartier meal, try it with baked mac or sour cream chicken enchiladas.

Is Alice Springs chicken healthy?

It’s a high-protein dish, great for low-carb or keto diets especially when mushrooms and sugar-free honey are used. However, it’s also high in fat and sodium due to bacon and cheese, so portioning is key.

Where does Alice Springs chicken come from?

This recipe was popularized by Outback Steakhouse and named after Alice Springs, a town in Australia. While not a traditional Aussie dish, it fuses sweet, savory, and cheesy elements with a steakhouse vibe.

Conclusion

If you’ve been dreaming of recreating the Alice Springs Chicken recipe from Outback, now’s your moment. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday night or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish always hits the spot. Try it with a fresh veggie side or make it a full Southern feast with other chicken favorites. Fire up that oven it’s time to make something unforgettable.

Don’t forget to share your creations with us on Facebook or tag us on Pinterest.

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Emma & Ella Frost
Behind the recipe

Emma & Ella Frost

Emma and Ella Frost are twin sisters and co-founders of The Cooking Twins. They test every recipe together, from easy comfort food and weeknight dinners to no-bake desserts and cheesecakes.More recipes from Emma & Ella Frost

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