IRRESISTIBLE ALICE SPRINGS CHICKEN

Craving that iconic, cheesy, bacon-topped chicken sensation? Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy chicken breasts smothered in honey mustard, crisp bacon, melted cheese, and sautéed mushrooms. This homemade Alice Springs Chicken recipe brings all those mouthwatering flavors right to your kitchen – prepare to be amazed at how easy it is to recreate this restaurant favorite!

Gather Your Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

For the Toppings:

• 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 slices Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese that melts well!)
• Optional: Chopped green onions, for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This helps them cook evenly!
3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point; you just want to get a nice color.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and lightly browned. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
3. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and yellow mustard until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Sometimes I like to add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Spread the honey mustard sauce evenly over the seared chicken breasts.
2. Top each chicken breast with the sautéed mushrooms and crumbled bacon.
3. Place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on top of each chicken breast.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! This is delicious with your favorite side dishes, like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Alice Springs Chicken

• Pounding the Chicken: Don’t skip this step! Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and a more tender result. If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use the bottom of a heavy skillet or rolling pin.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature (165°F).
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, or even a smoked Gouda. You can also add other toppings like caramelized onions or diced tomatoes.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken ahead of time by pounding it, seasoning it, and making the honey mustard sauce. Store everything separately in the refrigerator and assemble and bake just before serving.
• Skillet Choice: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the chicken in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish for the baking step.

Variations to Spice Things Up

• Spicy Alice Springs Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey mustard sauce or use a spicy mustard for an extra kick.
• BBQ Alice Springs Chicken: Substitute your favorite BBQ sauce for the honey mustard sauce.
• Chicken Tender Version: Cut the chicken breasts into strips before seasoning and searing to create Alice Springs Chicken tenders. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Lower Carb Option: Skip the honey mustard sauce and use a sugar-free honey substitute. Serve with low-carb side dishes like cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

What to Serve with Your Alice Springs Chicken

This dish is so versatile! Here are a few of my favorite sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy touch.
• Sweet Potato Fries: For a slightly sweet and savory combination.
• Mac and Cheese: A comforting side that everyone will love.
• Salad: A fresh green salad balances out the richness of the chicken.

Other Chicken Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a chicken lover like me, you’ll want to check out these other delicious recipes:

• For a taste of the Southwest, try Mexican Chicken. It’s bursting with flavor!
• Looking for a quick and healthy weeknight meal? The Chicken Veggie Skillet is a winner.
• For a sweet and savory delight, you can’t go wrong with Honey Garlic Chicken.
• Indulge in some comfort food with Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese, it’s a family favorite!.
• If you’re looking for another restaurant-inspired dish, try Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• And don’t forget the Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta for an amazing pasta night.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave (although the bacon might lose some of its crispness), or you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Time to Enjoy!

Now you’re armed with everything you need to create your own amazing Alice Springs Chicken at home. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy every bite, and happy cooking!