Name: Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup honey; 1/2 cup Dijon mustard; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (halves); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and cut in half; 2 cups button mushrooms; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 cup Monterrey Jack cheese, grated; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 167 reviews

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a dish that brings together savory, tangy, cheesy, and smoky flavors all on one plate, then you’re about to fall in love with this Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe. It’s a wonderfully comforting and flavorful meal inspired by the famous Outback Steakhouse classic, perfectly recreated at home. The succulent chicken breasts marinated in a creamy honey mustard sauce, topped with crispy bacon, golden mushrooms, and gooey melted Monterrey Jack cheese, make for an irresistible combination that’s sure to wow your family and friends.

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a smooth, thick sauce that is a warm brownish-yellow color. Inside the bowl, a metal whisk is partially submerged in the sauce, with a woman's hand gently holding the bowl on the right side. In the background, a folded gray and white striped cloth is partially visible. The scene looks calm and focused on the mixing process photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this dish right is all about balancing simple but vibrant ingredients that each play their part to make the chicken sing. From the sweet tang of honey and mustard in the marinade to the saltiness of crisp bacon and the earthiness of sautéed mushrooms, every component adds depth and texture.

Honey (½ cup): Adds a natural, sweet richness that perfectly balances the tangy mustard in the marinade.

Dijon mustard (½ cup): Brings a sharp, creamy flavor that gives the marinade its signature kick.
Mayonnaise (3 tablespoons): Provides smoothness and helps bind the marinade ingredients together.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness to lighten the sauce and tenderizes the chicken.

Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the fresh flavors.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 halves): The star of the dish — juicy and tender, soaked in the flavorful marinade.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For that perfect sear and to bring the chicken’s exterior to golden perfection.

Bacon (6 slices, cooked and halved): Crispy, smoky bacon that adds a wonderful crunch and depth.
Button mushrooms (2 cups): Earthy and tender, they complement the richness of the cheese and bacon.
Butter (1 tablespoon): Helps sauté the mushrooms with a silky richness.

Monterrey Jack cheese (1 cup, grated): Melts beautifully on top to create that ooey-gooey texture you can’t resist.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color for garnish.

How to Make Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade

Start by whisking together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small bowl until it’s perfectly smooth. Set aside half a cup of this sauce for serving later — it’s going to be your dipping star. Pour the remaining marinade into a large Ziplock bag, add your chicken breasts, and let them soak up those incredible flavors for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours if you want to prep ahead.

Step 2: Preheat and Get Ready

Next up, get your oven heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures easy cleanup and keeps your chicken from sticking as it finishes baking.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Take the chicken breasts from the marinade (let the excess drip off) and season them with salt and pepper. Place them carefully in the hot skillet, making sure you don’t overcrowd it, and sear both sides until golden brown but not fully cooked through. This locks in the juices and gives you that beautiful color and texture.

Step 4: Cook the Mushrooms

Using the same skillet, melt your butter and add the button mushrooms with a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until they soften and start to brown, releasing their earthy aroma. Once done, remove from heat — these mushrooms will have so much flavor to layer onto your chicken.

Step 5: Layer the Toppings and Bake

Place your seared chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon those buttery mushrooms over each piece, then add two halves of crispy bacon on top. Finish by generously sprinkling the grated Monterrey Jack cheese over everything. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When your chicken is out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for that burst of freshness and lovely color. Don’t forget to serve it alongside the reserved honey mustard sauce — dipping this chicken elevates the flavors to the next level.

How to Serve Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe

A close-up of a cooked chicken dish layered on a white plate with a blue rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The base layer is light golden cooked chicken, topped with a generous layer of melted cheese that is creamy white with browned spots. Scattered on top are small pieces of cooked bacon with dark brown edges and some mushroom slices, all covered by more melted cheese. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled on the top for a fresh touch. In the background, a blurred white dish holds a yellow sauce, and behind it, there is a large red tomato on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is all you need to brighten this dish visually and flavor-wise. You can also add a small drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce for guests who love a little more zing.

Side Dishes

This hearty chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for comfort. For something fresh, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. You can also never go wrong with buttery garlic bread or steamed green beans tossed with a hint of lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe on a bed of fluffy rice or even with buttery pasta to soak up every bit of sauce. For entertaining, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter with mushroom and bacon toppings, letting guests help themselves, paired with a colorful vegetable medley.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover chicken into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it ideal for a quick meal later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delicious meal longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before adding fresh parsley to keep the visual appeal intact.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating keeps the chicken moist.

FAQs

What can I substitute for Dijon mustard in this recipe?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or whole grain mustard, though the flavor will be slightly milder. Adding a touch of vinegar can help mimic that tang.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply replace the Monterrey Jack cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative, and swap the butter for a plant-based spread when cooking mushrooms.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for 24 hours?

While marinating for 24 hours allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, even one hour will give you a noticeable difference in taste. Overnight is ideal but not mandatory.

Can this recipe be made with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and tend to be a bit juicier, though cooking times may vary slightly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part. This ensures it’s juicy and safe to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines comfort food with bold flavors, all while being surprisingly simple to prepare. I encourage you to try making it at home—once you experience that perfect harmony of honey mustard, crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, and melty cheese, you’ll be hooked just like I am!

Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need

How to Make Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat Recipe