Grilled Chicken Topped with Honey Mustard, Sautéed Mushrooms, Crispy Bacon, and Melted Cheese
This famous Alice Springs Chicken is a delicious copycat of the Outback Steakhouse favorite. The original dish combines grilled chicken breast with sautéed mushrooms, crisp bacon, melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar, and honey mustard sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, tender chicken
- Sweet and tangy honey mustard
- Crispy bacon
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Plenty of melted cheese
- Restaurant-style comfort food at home
- Perfect for a family dinner
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Mustard Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
The Outback version specifically uses honey mustard sauce with sautéed mushrooms, bacon, Monterey Jack, and Cheddar.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Honey Mustard
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder.
Mix until smooth.
Cover and refrigerate while preparing the chicken.
Tip: Reserve some sauce separately for serving. Don’t use the same sauce that has touched raw chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If the chicken breasts are very thick, carefully slice them horizontally or pound them to approximately ½–¾ inch thick.
Season both sides with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Once cool enough to handle, break each slice in half.
Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms
Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
Add the butter and sliced mushrooms.
Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden and their moisture has evaporated.
Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts.
Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until nicely browned and cooked through.
The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Step 6: Assemble the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Transfer the cooked chicken to an oven-safe baking dish.
Spread a generous layer of honey mustard over each chicken breast.
Top each piece with sautéed mushrooms.
Place 2 bacon halves over each chicken breast.
Sprinkle generously with Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for approximately 5–8 minutes, just until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
For an extra-golden cheese topping, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
Step 8: Serve
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
Drizzle with additional honey mustard or serve the sauce on the side.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Alice Springs Chicken
Don’t overcook the chicken
Pounding the breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
Cook the mushrooms until dry
If the mushrooms contain too much moisture, they can make the cheese topping watery.
Use two cheeses
Monterey Jack provides excellent melting, while Cheddar adds a stronger flavor—just like the restaurant version.
Make extra honey mustard
The sauce is one of the defining flavors of this dish, so it’s worth making extra for dipping.
Delicious Variations
Spicy Alice Springs Chicken
Add cayenne pepper or a little hot sauce to the honey mustard.
BBQ Alice Springs Chicken
Brush the chicken with a thin layer of BBQ sauce before adding the mushrooms and cheese.
Jalapeño Bacon Chicken
Add thinly sliced jalapeños beneath the cheese for a spicy kick.
Extra-Cheesy
Add a little smoked Gouda or Pepper Jack along with the Monterey Jack and Cheddar.
Low-Carb Version
Simply skip the breading—this recipe is already naturally low in carbohydrates aside from the honey mustard.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Alice Springs Chicken with:
- Aussie-style fries
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted potatoes
- Steamed broccoli
- Grilled vegetables
- Green beans
- Garden salad
- Coleslaw
For the full restaurant-style experience, serve it with fries and a fresh side salad.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and the cheese is melted again.
You can also reheat individual portions in an air fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill the chicken?
Absolutely. Grill the seasoned chicken over medium-high heat until cooked through, then assemble it with the mushrooms, bacon, honey mustard, and cheese and finish in the oven until the cheese melts.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and are particularly juicy.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes. Cook the chicken, bacon, and mushrooms ahead of time. Assemble everything with the sauce and cheese shortly before baking.
What cheese does Outback use?
The current Outback menu describes Alice Springs Chicken as grilled chicken topped with Monterey Jack and Cheddar, along with sautéed mushrooms, crisp bacon, and honey mustard sauce.
Final Thoughts
Outback Steakhouse Alice Springs Chicken is the perfect combination of juicy chicken, sweet honey mustard, savory mushrooms, crispy bacon, and gooey melted cheese. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to recreate at home.
Serve it with crispy fries and vegetables for a restaurant-style dinner everyone will love.
