Savory, juicy, and dripping with cheesy, honey-mustard goodness—this Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat brings the steakhouse right to your kitchen. Inspired by the iconic dish from Outback Steakhouse, this homemade version boasts tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, and a bubbling layer of melted cheese. All of it rests in a rich honey-mustard sauce that coats every bite with bold flavor.

It’s the kind of comfort food that’s impressive enough for dinner guests, yet easy enough for a weeknight meal. Whether you’re craving a hearty, protein-packed dinner or just need something satisfying to break the routine, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat

Better Than Takeout: Skip the wait and recreate the restaurant experience at home with simple pantry ingredients.
Loaded with Flavor: Sweet, tangy, smoky, and cheesy—all in one satisfying dish.
Quick and Easy: From stovetop to oven in under an hour, perfect for busy nights.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist gooey cheese and bacon.
Versatile: Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a crisp side salad.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (and Why They Matter)

To prepare this Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat flawlessly, having the right tools makes all the difference in texture, timing, and flavor delivery. Here’s what you need and why:

Cast Iron Skillet or Oven-Safe Pan: Ensures even searing and can go straight from stovetop to oven without losing heat.
Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Helps pound the chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking.
Tongs: Ideal for flipping the chicken without piercing the meat and letting juices escape.
Oven Mitts: Essential when transferring the skillet from stove to oven safely.
Mixing Bowl & Whisk: For blending the honey mustard sauce smoothly.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: To prep bacon, mushrooms, and garnish efficiently.

Each tool is chosen to streamline the process and keep the kitchen mess to a minimum, while ensuring professional-level results at home.

Preparation Tips

Even Thickness = Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to about ½ inch thick. This prevents undercooked centers and dry edges.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken sit in honey mustard for at least 30 minutes—or overnight—for a deeper infusion of flavor.
Cook Bacon First: Render that crispy bacon early, and use the leftover bacon fat to sauté mushrooms and sear chicken—it’s liquid gold!
Shred Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent even melting. Freshly grated cheddar is a must.
Don’t Overcook: Chicken is done at 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to avoid drying it out.

Ingredients for This Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this iconic dish at home. The ingredient list is simple, but each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor.

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (for that golden crust)

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

½ cup Dijon mustard
½ cup honey
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for a slight tang)

For the Toppings:

8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 cups shredded Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for sautéing mushrooms)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This ingredient combo results in a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, smoky, and creamy. It’s indulgent without being fussy, and the measurements make enough for 4 generous servings.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Pound chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice to create the honey mustard sauce.
Set aside ⅓ of the sauce for later, and pour the rest over the chicken in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Marinate for 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for best flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Mushrooms

In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Drain most of the bacon grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
Add butter to the pan and sauté mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until tender and golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium-high.
Remove the chicken from marinade and sear on each side for 3–4 minutes until browned (don’t overcrowd the pan). You’re not cooking it all the way through yet.
Turn off heat once all chicken is seared.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spoon some reserved honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast.
Top each piece with sautéed mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and a generous handful of shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Customize the Sauce: Adjust the honey-mustard ratio to taste. Like it sweeter? Add more honey. Prefer a tangy kick? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or more lemon juice.
Make it Low Carb: Swap out the honey for a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit syrup, and use sugar-free mayo and mustard.
Use Pre-Cooked Bacon: For a shortcut, store-bought fully cooked bacon strips work in a pinch—just crisp them up in the microwave or a pan.
Add a Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot honey over the top can spice things up beautifully.
Serving Idea: Slice the chicken before plating for a more elegant presentation, especially if serving guests.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Marinade Time: The sauce needs time to soak into the chicken—don’t rush this step or you’ll miss out on flavor depth.
Using Cold Chicken: Let the chicken sit at room temp for 15 minutes before searing to ensure even cooking.
Overcrowding the Pan: Searing too many pieces at once will steam the chicken instead of browning it—cook in batches if needed.
Burning the Garlic Powder: Garlic powder can burn easily on high heat. Don’t crank the heat too high when searing.
Overbaking: Use a meat thermometer to prevent drying out the chicken. Once it hits 165°F, pull it from the oven.

What to Serve With Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat?

This rich and savory dish pairs well with a wide range of sides—whether you’re going for comfort food vibes or a lighter, more balanced meal. Here’s a lineup of delicious companions to round out your plate.

8 Recommendations:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic partner. The honey mustard sauce and melted cheese drip perfectly over this fluffy base.

2. Steamed Broccoli

Light and crisp-tender broccoli provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken, and soaks up the sauce like a dream.

3. Buttered Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn with melted butter brings out the smoky, sweet elements of the dish—and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

4. Loaded Baked Potato

Go full steakhouse-style with a baked potato topped with sour cream, chives, and cheese. Total comfort food heaven.

5. Caesar Salad

For a fresh and crunchy side, a crisp Caesar salad with parmesan and garlic croutons balances the warm and gooey main dish.

6. Garlic Bread or Texas Toast

Wipe that skillet clean with a thick slice of warm, toasted bread. Trust us—you won’t want to leave any sauce behind.

7. Seasoned Rice Pilaf

Light and fluffy with herbs and butter, rice pilaf works beautifully under the chicken to catch every last bit of flavor.

8. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds

Tender green beans tossed with slivered almonds add a pop of color and a little crunch to your plate.

Storage Instructions

Whether you’re meal-prepping or stashing away leftovers, this Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat stores like a champ.

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Be sure to include the sauce and toppings so it stays moist and flavorful.
Freezing: Wrap individual portions in foil and place them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it, but the cheese may lose some of its texture.

Tip: If reheating in the microwave, sprinkle a few drops of water on the chicken and cover loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown based on standard ingredients for one serving of this recipe (1 chicken breast with toppings):

Calories: 550–620 kcal
Protein: 45–50g
Carbohydrates: 10–15g
Sugar: 7–10g (from honey mustard sauce)
Fat: 35–40g
Saturated Fat: 12–15g
Fiber: 0–1g
Sodium: 800–950mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on the specific cheese, bacon, and honey mustard ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and work well. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a bit longer to reach 165°F.

2. Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Yes, marinating is key. Even 30 minutes helps infuse the honey mustard flavor deep into the chicken. For a stronger flavor punch, marinate overnight.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You sure can. Prep everything up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Then bake it fresh when ready to serve.

4. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can substitute yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard. The flavor will vary slightly, but it will still taste delicious.

5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free mustard and mayonnaise, and double-check your bacon and cheese labels to ensure no hidden gluten. Serve with GF sides like mashed potatoes or rice.

6. Can I grill the chicken instead of searing it?

Yes! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that works beautifully with the honey mustard and bacon. Just transfer it to an oven-safe dish afterward to finish with toppings.

7. What cheese works best?

Colby Jack is ideal for its creamy melt and mild taste. Sharp cheddar works well too if you want a bolder, tangier flavor.

8. Can I make it without bacon?

You can, but the smoky, salty crunch of bacon really ties this dish together. For a non-pork option, try turkey bacon or a plant-based substitute.

Conclusion

This Alice Springs Chicken Outback Copycat recipe is your gateway to recreating restaurant-level flavor in your own kitchen—without the price tag or the wait. With tender marinated chicken, creamy honey mustard, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, it’s pure indulgence in every bite.

It’s versatile, comforting, and simple enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you pair it with garlic mashed potatoes or a crisp Caesar salad, this dish delivers savory satisfaction with every forkful.