If you’re looking for a dish that’s as delicious as it is memorable, the Alice Springs Chicken recipe is your new go-to. Known for its tender chicken breasts smothered in a medley of flavors including honey mustard sauce, mushrooms, and crispy bacon, this dish is a standout on any dining table. The Alice Springs Chicken, inspired by the famous Australian city, offers a taste unlike any other, with each bite delivering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup honey mustard sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 slices of bacon
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
- Aluminum foil
How to Make Alice Springs Chicken Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 3–4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step ensures that your chicken retains its juiciness and develops a nice crust.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While your chicken is cooking, it’s time to prepare the bacon. In another skillet, cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they become crispy. This usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet for added flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet containing the bacon drippings. Sauté them for approximately 5 minutes or until they’re tender and golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Once your chicken, bacon, and mushrooms are ready, it’s time to assemble your dish. Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread a generous layer of honey mustard sauce over each breast. Next, top with the sautéed mushrooms, layering the crispy bacon slices over them. Finally, cover the entire dish with shredded Monterey Jack cheese for that gooey, satisfying finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20–25 minutes. The foil will trap moisture and heat, ensuring everything cooks evenly. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to melt perfectly and turn golden brown.
How to Serve Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
Serve the Alice Springs Chicken hot and garnish with some fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with sides like steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the chicken.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese for better melting and texture. For an extra kick, add a touch of cayenne pepper to the honey mustard sauce. Consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for an hour before cooking to deepen the flavors.
Pump Up the Protein: The High Protein Alice Springs Chicken
Looking to get more protein in your diet? Increase the chicken breasts to 6 and double the bacon for a hearty boost. This version not only satisfies but also fuels those on high-protein meal plans, providing ample energy for the day.
Low Carb Joy: Make It a Guilt-Free Feast
On a low-carb journey? Swap the honey mustard with a carb-free version and replace the store-bought bacon with a nitrate-free option. This low-carb Alice Springs Chicken will keep you on track without compromising on that delicious taste.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in individual portions for easy reheating, lasting up to a month.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, prepare all elements in advance, then assemble and bake before serving.
- What if I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese? Substitute with cheddar or mozzarella for a similar texture and taste.
- How can I make the sauce thicker? Add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce to thicken.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Ensure all condiments and bacon are labeled gluten-free to safely enjoy this dish.
Alice Springs Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- honey mustard sauce
- bacon
- Monterey Jack cheese
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- mushrooms
- minced garlic
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown.
- Cook bacon in a separate skillet until crispy. Remove from skillet, keeping 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings for added flavor.
- Sauté sliced mushrooms and minced garlic in the bacon drippings until tender and golden brown.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish. Cover with honey mustard sauce, then layer mushrooms and bacon on top. Finish with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to brown the cheese.