If you’re looking for a restaurant-style chicken dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this homemade version of Outback Steakhouse’s Alice Springs Chicken is a perfect choice. It combines tender, marinated chicken breasts with a homemade honey mustard sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and melted Colby Jack cheese for an unforgettable meal.
Whether you’re preparing this for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe—you can serve it with a variety of sides, and it can be easily adjusted to fit different dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Enjoy the flavors of Outback Steakhouse without leaving your house.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
✔ Full of Flavor – The combination of savory chicken, honey mustard sauce, mushrooms, and melted cheese is irresistible.
✔ Versatile – Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Honey Mustard Sauce
- ½ cup prepared mustard – Provides a tangy base for the sauce.
- ¼ cup pure honey – Adds natural sweetness to balance the mustard.
- ¼ cup light corn syrup – Ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise – Enhances richness and texture.
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 4 portions)
- ½ tsp McCormick Season All (or any seasoned salt blend)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (canned or fresh)
- 3 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 2 tsp finely chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mustard, honey, corn syrup, and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or mustard as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for later use.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Rub the chicken breasts with McCormick Season All to enhance the flavor.
- Cover and let marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and sauté the sliced mushrooms until soft and browned.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- In the same skillet, heat a little oil and cook the marinated chicken over medium heat.
- Sear each side for about 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked and golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cooked chicken breasts on a baking dish.
- Spread a generous layer of honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast.
- Evenly distribute the sautéed mushrooms on top.
- Thoroughly coat each chicken breast with a generous layer of shredded Colby Jack cheese.
Step 6: Bake Until the Cheese Melts
- Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with extra honey mustard sauce on the side.
Cooking Tips
✔ Marinate for Maximum Flavor – The longer you marinate the chicken, the deeper the flavor.
✔ Use Fresh Mushrooms – Freshly sautéed mushrooms provide a better texture and taste than canned mushrooms.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to prevent drying out.
✔ Customize the Cheese – While Colby Jack is traditional, you can also use Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and cheesy chicken dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including:
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and smooth, the perfect complement to the flavorful chicken.
- Steamed Vegetables – A light, healthy side to balance the richness.
- Garlic Bread – Great for soaking up the extra honey mustard sauce.
- Rice Pilaf – A flavorful, hearty option.
Substitutions and Variations
✔ Make it Lighter – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter honey mustard sauce.
✔ Spicy Version – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce.
✔ Keto-Friendly – Replace honey with a low-carb sweetener and omit the corn syrup.
✔ Grilled Version – Instead of pan-searing, grill the chicken for a smoky flavor.
✔ Air Fryer Option – Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, then melt the cheese under the broiler.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare everything in advance, assemble the dish, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warm.
Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Yes! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack all work well in place of Colby Jack.
How Do I Reheat This Dish?
For best results, reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10-12 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~620
- Protein: ~48g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Fat: ~42g
- Sodium: ~870mg
(Note: Nutrition may vary based on portion sizes and specific brands used.)
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to this dish is the perfect balance of flavors—the savory, seasoned chicken, the creamy and slightly sweet honey mustard sauce, the earthy mushrooms, and the gooey melted cheese all come together beautifully.
By marinating the chicken, using fresh mushrooms, and baking it until the cheese is perfectly melted, you get a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Conclusion
This homemade Alice Springs Chicken recipe captures all the flavors and textures of the original Outback Steakhouse dish while allowing for customization and fresh ingredients.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness in every bite!