Make Alice Springs Chicken at home with this easy Outback Steakhouse copycat recipe. Bacon, cheese, and mushrooms, with a homemade honey mustard sauce – the perfect savory dinner!.
I’m a huge fan of the Alice Springs Chicken dish at Outback Steakhouse. Honey mustard marinated chicken with mushroom, melted cheese, and crispy bacon on top? Don’t mind if I do! There are a lot of copycat recipes out there for Alice Springs Chicken, but this one is the real deal. You’d think you ordered it at the restaurant! But you can make my version at home for the whole family for a fraction of the price. My kids are crazy about this dinner, it is on the regular rotation for good reason. The honey mustard sauce that was used to marinate the chicken tastes great, so make extra to dip the chicken in when you serve it. You simply can’t go wrong with this chicken recipe!.
Alice Springs Chicken is a delicious, flavorful dish that has become popular in many restaurants. But when making this at home, an important question arises – what should you serve alongside it to create a complete and balanced meal?
In this article, I’ll suggest 15 delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with Alice Springs Chicken. We’ll explore options that provide contrasting textures, flavors, and elements to complement the chicken’s rich and indulgent taste.
Overview of Alice Springs Chicken
Before we talk about which sides go with Alice Springs Chicken, let’s quickly go over what makes it unique. It usually has chicken breasts covered in a honey mustard glaze or marinade. Mushrooms cooked in butter, bacon that is crispy, and melted cheese, which is usually a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar.
What you get is a rich, sweet, savory, and decadent chicken dish that can be eaten on its own. That’s why the side dishes you serve with it should try to balance out and enhance the strong flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Alice Springs Chicken
Here are 15 side dish recommendations that pair wonderfully with Alice Springs Chicken:
1. Mashed Potatoes
Alice Springs Chicken goes well with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. They give the bacon and cheese a rich, smooth texture that goes well with them. To make them taste better, add chives or roasted garlic.
2. Baked Potato
You can add different toppings to a simple baked potato, like bacon bits, butter, sour cream, and cheese, to go with the chicken.
3. Coleslaw
The crispy, fresh texture of coleslaw paired with its tangy dressing is a nice contrast to the chicken’s richness. Try making it with a vinegar-based or creamy dressing.
4. Steamed Vegetables
Fresh steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus offer brightness and a lighter complement to the hearty chicken dish.
5. Caesar Salad
The cool, crunchy romaine lettuce with creamy caesar dressing and croutons balances the warm chicken perfectly.
6. Mac and Cheese
A cheesy, creamy mac and cheese pairing amplifies the indulgence of the melted cheese on the chicken.
7. Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs provides a pleasant base that soaks up the chicken’s delicious flavors.
8. Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or squash caramelizes their natural sweetness, pairing nicely with the honey-mustard chicken.
9. Bread
A loaf of warm bread or rolls is perfect for dipping in any leftover honey mustard sauce. Garlic bread offers extra flavor.
10. Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy, sweet potato fries complement the touch of sweetness from the chicken’s honey-mustard glaze.
11. Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a healthy, energizing side that balances the rich chicken.
12. Corn on the Cob
In summer, grilled corn on the cob makes for a fresh, sweet accompaniment.
13. Fried Okra
Crispy fried okra provides a nice crunch and Southern touch.
14. Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad with melon, berries, and citrus fruits helps cut through the chicken’s richness.
15. Dinner Rolls
Warm, soft dinner rolls are perfect for dipping in sauce and rounding out the meal.
Choosing the Best Pairings
With so many excellent options, how do you choose side dishes to serve with Alice Springs Chicken? Here are a few helpful tips:
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Aim for contrasting textures – Pair something smooth and creamy with something crunchy and fresh, like mashed potatoes and coleslaw.
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Vary the flavors – If the chicken is very rich, opt for a lighter salad or steamed veggie side. If you want more indulgence, choose a cheesy pasta or potato dish.
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Consider different cooking methods – Roasting, steaming, and frying all produce different results, so vary the cooking techniques among your sides.
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Complement the season – In summer, grilled corn and fruit salads are delightful. In winter, roasted veggies and creamy soups pair nicely.
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Satisfy preferences – Pick family favorites and foods suitable for the occasion, whether that’s a weeknight dinner or special event.
Putting It All Together
Alice Springs Chicken is already packed with flavor, so the sides you select should balance and fill out the meal. Aim for a variety of flavors, textures, colors, and cooking methods. Lean on classic pairings like mashed potatoes but also incorporate fresh options like salads and roasted vegetables.
With the right combination of side dishes, you can create a mouthwatering plate that perfectly complements the signature Alice Springs Chicken, helping to make it an even more memorable dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alice Springs Chicken Side Dishes
Here are answers to some common questions about selecting the best side dishes for Alice Springs Chicken:
What are the best vegetables to serve with it?
The best vegetables are fresh and vibrant to balance the rich chicken. Great options include green beans, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and roasted root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.
What about a pasta side dish?
Creamy and indulgent pasta dishes like mac and cheese pair wonderfully. Avoid heavy tomato sauces and instead opt for cheese-based or olive oil-dressed pasta.
Are potatoes a good pairing?
Yes, potatoes are a classic choice. Opt for mashed, baked, roasted, or fried potatoes. Sweet potato fries also complement the honey mustard glaze well.
What kind of salad works best?
A crisp green salad or Caesar salad provides freshness. Broccoli and fruit-based salads also pair well. Vinaigrette dressings cut through the chicken’s richness.
Is rice a good side for this chicken dish?
Certain rice dishes like rice pilaf work excellently, soaking up flavors and providing a pleasant base. Avoid heavily sauced or fried rice to prevent overpowering the chicken.
What breads pair well with Alice Springs Chicken?
Breads like rolls, biscuits, and cornbread are great for enjoying with any leftover sauce. Garlic bread offers especially delicious flavor pairing.
Should soups or chilis be avoided?
Thick, creamy soups can be too heavy. Broth-based soups work better. Spicy chilis may clash with the honey mustard, so avoid pairing those.
Satisfying and Balanced Meals Made Easy
With so many wonderful options, it’s easy to find delicious side dishes to complement heavenly Alice Springs Chicken. Vary textures, flavors, colors, and cooking techniques for an ideal meal. Lean on classic pairings but also experiment with new ones. The right sides can make this chicken truly unforgettable.
What is Alice Springs Chicken?
Alice Springs Chicken is one of the most popular menu items at the Outback Steakhouse Restaurant. The dish is named for the town of Alice Springs in Northern Australia. And while people normally go to Outback Steakhouse for the steaks, this rich and hearty chicken gives any steak from the restaurant a run for its money!.
- White mushrooms are mild and earthy, and they are great for sautéing and adding umami flavor.
- Adding butter to the mushrooms makes them taste better and helps them cook to a golden perfection.
- chicken breasts without bones, cut in half. Cutting them in half helps them cook faster and more evenly.
- Oil from plants is used to sear the chicken and keep it from sticking.
- Salt and pepper are classic seasonings that make all other flavors taste better.
- Paprika: Gives the chicken a little heat and a warm, smoky color.
- Cooked bacon is a tasty topping that adds texture and flavor. It is crispy and smokey.
- The mild and melty Monterey Jack cheese makes things creamy when they’re baked.
- Sharp and flavorful Cheddar cheese goes well with milder Monterey Jack cheese.
- Fresh parsley is a bright and fresh way to finish off the dish.
- Grey Poupon Dijon mustard is sour and strong, and it makes the marinade more sour.
- Honey – Naturally sweet; balances the acidity of the mustard.
- Mayonnaise – Creamy base that brings everything together.
- Lemon juice rounds out the flavors by adding a bit of zing and brightness.
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken
- First, start with the tangy honey mustard marinade. In a bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice together. This sauce can be used to marinate chicken or as a dip for it after it’s cooked. Do something about
- When the chicken is almost ready, cook the bacon and mushrooms in a pan and set them aside. Remove the chicken from the bag and discard the marinade. Heat the oil over medium heat in a frying pan that can go in the oven. A cast iron skillet works best and gives it the best flavor. For a few minutes on each side, sear the chicken. Then take the pan off the heat.
- Next, use a little of the honey mustard marinade to brush on each chicken breast that has been seared. Don’t forget to save some to put on the side later. Add salt, pepper, and paprika to the chicken, and then put two bacon slices on top of each chicken breast. Add the mushrooms that have been cooked on top, and then sprinkle cheese on top.
- The last step is to bake the dish in the oven until the chicken is fully cooked (165 degrees F) and the cheese starts to bubble. Before serving, sprinkle parsley on top of each chicken breast and serve with the rest of the honey mustard.
Another great way to enjoy this recipe is by grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying it. This gives the chicken such a delicious, smoky barbecue flavor. There should be about 6 to 7 minutes of cooking time on each side, and the chicken should be flipped once. Of course, I still top it all off with the mushrooms, bacon, and cheese and bake it as directed in the recipe.
- Spread the chicken out: even thickness is key to even cooking. If your chicken is really thick, pound it out with a meat mallet until it’s nice and even. To do this, I put the chicken in a Ziploc bag and pound the outside of the bag until the chicken is the same thickness all over.
- Put food in a cast iron skillet. I don’t know what it is about them, but they make everything taste better. Especially chicken! They can go from the stove to the oven without any problems because they are oven safe.
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the honey mustard sauce in advance. Assemble the dish just before baking to ensure optimal texture and flavor.
Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you can omit them or substitute with sautéed onions or bell peppers.
Of course, Monterey Jack and cheddar are classics, but you can try other cheeses too, like Colby Jack or mozzarella, if you like.
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as thighs may require a slightly longer cooking period to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To heat the chicken again, either put it in an oven that has already been preheated to 350°F (175°C) and heat it through, or microwave it on medium power for short periods of time.
- ▢ 2 cups sliced white mushrooms
- ▢ 2 tablespoons butter
- ▢ 4 boneless chicken breasts halved
- ▢ 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ▢ salt and pepper, to taste
- ▢ paprika, to taste
- ▢ 8 slices bacon, cooked
- ▢ 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ▢ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ▢ 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ▢ 1 cup Grey Poupon Dijon mustard
- ▢ 1 cup honey
- ▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
- ▢ 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- In a small bowl, combine all honey mustard marinade ingredients. Whip the mixture for about 30 seconds with an electric mixer.
- Put the chicken in a plastic bag that can be closed again and add about a third of the marinade. Refrigerate for about 2 hours. Chill the remaining marinade until later.
- Heat the oven to 275 degrees F. Spread the mushrooms out in a small pan and add the butter. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the mushrooms turn golden brown. Set aside. Take the chicken out of the bag and throw away the marinade after it has been marinated. Heat the oil and chicken in a frying pan that can go in the oven over medium heat. In a pan, sear the chicken for three to four minutes on each side, or until it turns golden brown. Remove pan from heat but keep chicken in the pan.
- Use a little of the honey mustard marinade to brush on each chicken breast that has been seared. Make sure to save some extra for serving on the side too. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Place two cooked bacon slices across the middle of each chicken breast. Spread the mushrooms that have been cooked over the bacon so that they cover all of it. Put ¼ cup of Monterey Jack cheese on each breast and then ¼ cup of cheddar cheese on top of each.
- The chicken breasts should be baked in a pan for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble. Sprinkle each breast with ½ teaspoon parsley before serving. Put extra honey mustard sauce in a small bowl to serve with the chicken.
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