Alice Springs Chicken is a popular dish known for its delicious combination of grilled chicken topped with honey mustard, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. This hearty meal is inspired by the famous dish served at Outback Steakhouse and is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey mustard dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Timing
Making Alice Springs Chicken takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for cooking.
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick).
- Marinate: In a large bowl, combine the honey mustard dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sear Chicken: In the same skillet used for the bacon, add a little oil if necessary and heat over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Add Toppings: Top each chicken breast with chopped bacon, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Alice Springs Chicken (per serving, based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 45g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Tips for Customization
- Spice it Up: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a bit of heat.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or Swiss for a milder flavor.
- Grill Option: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of searing it on the stovetop.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Alice Springs Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Alice Springs Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the best of grilled chicken, savory bacon, and melted cheese. It’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- • 1/2 cup honey mustard dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- • 8 slices of bacon
- • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- • 1 teaspoon onion powder
- • 1 teaspoon paprika
- • Salt and pepper, to taste
- • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick).
- In a large bowl, combine the honey mustard dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In the same skillet used for the bacon, add a little oil if necessary and heat over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Place the seared chicken breasts in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
- Top each chicken breast with chopped bacon, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
