When it comes to satisfying dinners, it’s hard to beat the irresistible combination of flavors in Alice Springs Chicken. Inspired by the popular dish from Outback Steakhouse, this recipe is an ideal weeknight meal that brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. The savory goodness of crispy bacon, cheesy mushrooms, and tender chicken is all brought together with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze. Even better, you don’t need to turn on the oven to achieve this mouthwatering meal.
The key to creating this flavor-packed dish lies in cooking everything in one pan. First, you brown the chicken in the same pan where you cooked the bacon and mushrooms, allowing the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors. After that, a generous drizzle of honey mustard, followed by two kinds of cheese, gets melted over the top, resulting in a perfectly cooked chicken breast full of savory and sweet goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal.
- Irresistible flavor: Sweet honey mustard, crispy bacon, and cheesy mushrooms come together for an unbeatable taste.
- Quick and easy: No oven required and just 35 minutes to make!
Ingredients Overview
This simple dish uses just a few ingredients that pack a punch in terms of flavor. The smoky applewood bacon and earthy mushrooms provide a rich base, while the honey mustard glaze offers a sweet and tangy kick. The combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese adds the perfect creamy finish to this skillet-cooked chicken.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the bacon. In a large cast-iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a bowl, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
Step 2: Sauté the mushrooms. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet in a single layer and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes to ensure they brown evenly. Once golden, transfer the mushrooms to the bowl with the bacon.
Step 3: Brown the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper. Heat canola oil in the same skillet and cook the chicken for 6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Add the honey mustard. Spoon about a tablespoon of honey mustard onto each chicken breast. Top each with the mushroom-bacon mixture and evenly sprinkle Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses over the chicken.
Step 5: Melt the cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Recipe
- Honey mustard tip: Spoon the honey mustard over the chicken instead of spreading it. The heat from the chicken will allow the mustard to spread evenly while keeping as much of it on top as possible.
- Mushroom tip: Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer and avoid stirring too often to ensure even browning rather than steaming.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations, such as smoked gouda or Swiss, for a unique twist.
- Spicy option: For an extra kick, try using hot or spicy honey mustard.
Variations to Try
- Add vegetables: Try adding spinach or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
- Use different meats: This recipe works well with boneless pork chops or turkey breasts for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and bacon-mushroom topping in advance. Just assemble everything and refrigerate. When ready to cook, follow the last steps to heat and melt the cheese.
- What if I don’t have honey mustard? You can substitute regular mustard and a little honey to create your own honey mustard sauce.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Swiss cheese, gouda, or mozzarella can be used for different flavors.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
- Can I make this dish in the oven instead of on the stovetop? Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F after topping with the cheese and covering until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches 165°F.
How to Store and Reheat
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave it for 1-2 minutes.
Conclusion
This Alice Springs Chicken recipe offers a fantastic one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress. The combination of savory bacon, earthy mushrooms, and rich, melted cheese takes simple chicken breasts to the next level. Plus, the sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze ties everything together perfectly.
It’s an easy-to-make dish that doesn’t require any oven time, making it a great choice for a busy weeknight. The best part is that everything cooks in one pan, so there’s minimal cleanup involved.
Everyone will love the crispy bacon, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, and it’s versatile enough to pair with any of your favorite sides. Whether you’re cooking for the family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.
For more mouthwatering recipes like this, be sure to follow me on Pinterest at Ava Foodie! Don’t miss out on the latest and greatest dishes to make your weeknight dinners extra special.
