Alice Springs Chicken Recipe: A Savory Delight from Down Under

 Welcome to my West Virginia kitchen where I am bringing you the tantalizing tastes of Australia with my Alice Springs Chicken Recipe.  This mouthwatering dish, inspired by the popular menu item from Outback Steakhouse, combines succulent grilled chicken with crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, melted cheese, and a creamy honey mustard sauce.

Perfect for family dinners, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your house.  I can't wait to share this one with you so...

Let's Get Started!

INGREDIENTS FOR ALICE SPRINGS CHICKEN

Before we get started, gather these ingredients to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable:

• 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, sliced in half
• 8 Slices of Bacon
• 4-6 slices of Monterey Jack Cheese 
• 1 (8 oz) container of Brown Mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 2 Tbsp Butter
• 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/4 tsp each Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Paprika
• Salt and Pepper, to taste
• Sliced Green Onions (for garnish)

FOR THE HONEY MUSTARD SAUCE:

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 cup Honey
• 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:  Cook the Bacon

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C)
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy.  Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess grease.  Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2:  Cook the Mushrooms

1. Add the butter to the same skillet you cooked the bacon in and let melt.  
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have browned and release most of their liquid. This will take about 10 minutes.

Step 3:  Make the Honey Mustard Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice.  Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

1. Trim any unsavory bits from your chicken and slice in half.
2. Season the chicken with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
3. In the same large skillet your cooked the bacon, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.  Add the chicken breasts and cook 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.

Step 5:  Assemble the Dish

1. Brush a generous amount of the honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast.
2. Layer the cooked mushrooms over the chicken breasts.
3. Cover the chicken breasts with the Colby Jack cheese.
4. Layer the crumbled bacon over the chicken breasts.

Step 6:  Bake to Perfection

1. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature is 165°F
2. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.

Step 7:  Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with the chopped green onions before serving.
2. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.  

TIPS FOR THE BEST ALICE SPRINGS CHICKEN:

• MARINATE THE CHICKEN:  For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• CHEESE VARIATIONS:  Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Gouda, cheddar, or Swiss for a unique twist.
• GRILL OPTION:  If you prefer, you can grill the chicken breasts instead of cooking then in a skillet for a smokey flavor. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

1.  Can I make Alice Springs Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and assemble the dish up to a day in advance.  Store it in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving.

2.  Can I use a jarred honey mustard sauce?

Yes, absolutely!  I personally like the Kinder's Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce.  

3.  What sides go well with Alice Springs Chicken?

Some great sides include garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

4.  Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely!  Turkey bacon is a great alternative if you're looking for a leaner option.

5.  How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.  Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Alice Springs Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Australia right to your kitchen.  With its combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, melted cheese, and honey mustard sauce, it's a recipe that promises to impress.  Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit.  Give it a try tonight!  

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~