Elevate Your Dinner Game with Outback Steakhouse-Inspired Alice Springs Chicken

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering dish inspired by the iconic Outback Steakhouse menu. Our Alice Springs Chicken recipe brings together tender grilled chicken breasts, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a flavorful honey mustard sauce for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or simply craving restaurant-quality fare at home, this dish is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. So, fire up the grill and get ready to savor the flavors of Outback Steakhouse in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for grilling

For the Toppings:

• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, then brush them lightly with olive oil.
3. Grill the Chicken:
   • Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Assemble the Toppings:
   • While the chicken is grilling, prepare the toppings. Crumble the cooked bacon slices and set aside. In a small bowl, mix together the shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses.
5. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
   • In another small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to taste, if desired.
6. Top the Chicken:
   • When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and place it on a serving platter or individual plates. Spread a generous dollop of the honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheese mixture.
7. Broil Until Cheese is Melted:
   • Preheat your oven’s broiler. Place the topped chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. Serve hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Grilled or Pan-Seared Chicken: If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through.
• Add Extra Toppings: Customize your Alice Springs Chicken with additional toppings such as sliced mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or jalapeño slices for a flavor-packed twist.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure that all ingredients, including the bacon and cheese, are gluten-free if you need to adhere to a gluten-free diet.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian-friendly version, you can substitute grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu for the chicken and omit the bacon.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of this dish, use sugar-free honey mustard sauce made with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Skip the honey and use a low-carb substitute or omit it altogether. Serve the chicken with a side of grilled vegetables or a crisp salad.
• Low-Carb Option: Reduce the amount of honey or use a sugar-free alternative in the honey mustard sauce. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to lower the overall carb content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless? A: Yes, bone-in chicken breasts can be used in this recipe, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.

Q: Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time? A: Absolutely! The honey mustard sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding it myself? A: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese tends to melt more evenly and has a better texture. However, pre-shredded cheese can be used if that’s what you have on hand.

Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon? A: Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative to regular bacon. Cook it until crispy and follow the recipe as directed.

Q: Can I grill the chicken indoors using a grill pan? A: Yes, if you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop to grill the chicken indoors. Make sure to preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat before cooking the chicken.

In conclusion, Outback Steakhouse-inspired Alice Springs Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and tangy honey mustard sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a taste of restaurant-quality fare at home, this dish delivers on both flavor and simplicity. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to a delicious meal that captures the essence of Outback Steakhouse in every bite!