Whether you’re craving the savory flavors of Outback Steakhouse’s legendary Alice Springs Chicken or just looking to try something new, this copycat recipe is perfect for you. I remember the first bite and how the creamy mushroom sauce paired perfectly with the tender chicken.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Tools and Equipment
To master the Alice Springs Chicken, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what I use in my kitchen:
- Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for prepping ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for slicing chicken breasts, vegetables, and bacon evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate measurement of ingredients for consistent results.
- Large Skillet: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet is perfect for browning the chicken and cooking the bacon.
- Tongs and Spatula: Ideal for flipping the chicken and stirring the sauce without breaking the ingredients.
- Mixing Bowls: Useful for combining sauce ingredients and marinating the chicken if desired.
- Whisk: Helps in creating a smooth and creamy sauce by eliminating lumps.
- Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring the sauce gently and preventing it from sticking.
- Oven: Optional, but handy if you prefer finishing the chicken with a crispy exterior.
- Serving Platter: For presenting your dish beautifully once it’s ready to enjoy.
Having these tools on hand will streamline your cooking process and help you achieve that restaurant-quality Alice Springs Chicken at home.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As a chef who loves planning ahead, I’ve found that prepping parts of the Alice Springs Chicken in advance can save you time on busy weeknights without compromising on flavor. Here’s how you can make this dish ahead of time:
Prepare the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toss the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cook the Bacon
- Render the Bacon
- In a large skillet, cook 6 slices of bacon over medium heat until crisp.
- Remove the bacon and let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon and store it in an airtight container. You can prepare this up to 3 days in advance.
Prepare the Mushroom Sauce
- Make the Sauce Components
- Onion and Garlic
- Finely chop 1 medium onion and 2 cloves of garlic.
- Mushrooms
- Slice 8 ounces of mushrooms.
- Combine in Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Assemble for Cooking
- Ready to Cook
- When you’re ready to prepare the dish, remove all prepped ingredients from the refrigerator.
- Follow the main recipe steps:
- Sear the marinated chicken breasts until golden.
- Cook the prepared mushroom mixture in the same skillet.
- Add the creamy sauce components and simmer.
- Stir in the crumbled bacon just before serving.
Freezing Options
If you want to make the Alice Springs Chicken even further ahead, you can freeze the marinated chicken and sauce separately:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Marinated Chicken | Freezer-safe bag/container | Up to 3 months |
| Mushroom Sauce | Freezer-safe container | Up to 2 months |
To freeze:
- Chicken: Place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze.
- Sauce: Transfer the mushroom mixture and sauce components to a freezer-safe container. Allow to cool completely before sealing and freezing.
To use from frozen:
- Thaw Overnight
- Transfer the marinated chicken and sauce components from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you plan to cook.
- Cook as Directed
- Follow the main recipe steps, cooking the chicken and sauce as usual.
Instructions
Bringing Outback Steakhouse’s iconic Alice Springs Chicken to your kitchen is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Prepare the Chicken
- Tenderize the Chicken Breasts
- Place each boneless skinless chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of ½ inch. This ensures uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
- Marinate the Chicken
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a shallow dish.
- Pour ¼ cup of the prepared mushroom sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Make the Sauce
- Cook the Bacon
- In a large skillet, cook 6 strips of bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic.
- Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the Mushrooms
- Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms to the skillet.
- Cook until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth.
- Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Let the sauce thicken for approximately 5 minutes.
- Finish the Sauce
- Stir in ¼ cup of sour cream until the sauce is smooth.
- Add the crumbled bacon back into the skillet.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm on low heat.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Skillet
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the Chicken
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off any excess sauce.
- Place the chicken in the hot skillet and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Simmer the Chicken
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- Pour the prepared mushroom sauce over the seared chicken breasts.
- Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Assemble and Serve
- Plate the Chicken
- Transfer each chicken breast to a serving plate using tongs.
- Add the Sauce
- Spoon the creamy mushroom and bacon sauce generously over each piece of chicken.
- Garnish with Parsley
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve
- Enjoy your homemade Alice Springs Chicken with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.
Serving Suggestions
When I perfect a dish like Alice Springs Chicken, I love pairing it with sides that complement its rich flavors and creamy sauce. Here are my top recommendations to make your meal unforgettable:
Classic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect canvas for the luscious mushroom sauce. I like to whip them up with a touch of garlic and a splash of cream to add depth to every bite.
Steamed Vegetables
Brighten your plate with a medley of steamed vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, and green beans add a fresh crunch that balances the dish’s richness. A sprinkle of lemon zest enhances their natural flavors.
Fluffy Rice Pilaf
A light and fluffy rice pilaf absorbs the savory sauce beautifully. I often incorporate toasted almonds and fresh herbs to give it an extra layer of texture and aroma.
Fresh Garden Salad
A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. It’s a great way to add some vibrant colors and nutrients to your meal.
Crusty Garlic Bread
Nothing beats the combination of warm, crusty garlic bread with creamy sauces. Use it to scoop up every last bit of the mushroom sauce for a satisfying experience.
Grilled Asparagus
For a touch of elegance, grilled asparagus spears drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt make a delightful side. Their smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken.
Wine Pairing
A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir elevates the meal. The buttery notes of Chardonnay complement the creamy sauce, while Pinot Noir’s fruity undertones enhance the savory elements of the dish.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme not only adds a pop of color but also infuses a subtle herbal aroma that ties all the flavors together.
By thoughtfully selecting your sides and accompaniments, you can transform the Alice Springs Chicken into a well-rounded and impressive meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tips and Tricks
Marinate for Maximum Flavor
I recommend marinating the chicken for at least two hours to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. For an even more intense taste, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
Select High-Quality Bacon
Using thick-cut, high-quality bacon enhances both the texture and flavor of the dish. Opt for nitrate-free bacon to avoid any artificial aftertastes and to achieve a crispier finish.
Perfect Your Searing Technique
Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This sears the exterior, locking in juices and creating a beautiful golden crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan by cooking the chicken in batches if necessary.
Balance the Sauce Consistently
Adjust the cream and sour cream ratios to suit your taste. For a richer sauce, increase the heavy cream. If you prefer a tangier profile, add more sour cream. Taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance.
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference
Finely chop fresh parsley to sprinkle over the finished dish. This not only adds a vibrant color contrast but also a fresh flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Prepare Components Ahead of Time
Save time by preparing the mushroom sauce and cooking the bacon the day before. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and makes the final assembly quicker.
Optimize Side Dishes
Choose side dishes that complement the creamy and savory notes of the chicken. Fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad work wonderfully to balance the meal.
Enhance with Proper Seasoning
Season each component individually. Ensure the chicken is well-seasoned before marinating and adjust the seasoning of the sauce to taste. Proper seasoning elevates the overall flavor of the dish.
Utilize the Right Tools
Invest in a good-quality skillet for even cooking and a reliable meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature. These tools help achieve consistent and professional results every time.
Store and Reheat Correctly
If you need to store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the creaminess of the sauce without overcooking the chicken.
Experiment with Add-Ins
Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the sauce. These additions can introduce new flavors and textures, making the dish your own.
Presentation Matters
Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs and serve it on warmed plates. A well-presented meal not only looks appetizing but also enhances the dining experience.
Pair with the Perfect Beverage
Select a wine that complements the creamy and savory flavors of the dish. A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir pairs beautifully, enhancing the overall meal.
Keep it Fresh
Use fresh mushrooms for the best texture and flavor in your sauce. Avoid canned mushrooms as they can make the sauce watery and detract from the dish’s richness.
By incorporating these tips and tricks, you’ll elevate your Alice Springs Chicken to restaurant-quality perfection, impressing family and friends with every bite.
Conclusion
Making Alice Springs Chicken at home has been a delightful journey for me. Every step brings back memories of enjoying this favorite dish at Outback Steakhouse. The creamy mushroom sauce and crispy bacon create a flavor combination that’s hard to beat.
I love how adaptable the recipe is, allowing me to prepare parts ahead of time which makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Plus adding my own twist with fresh herbs really makes it special. Serving it with my favorite sides and a glass of wine adds that perfect finishing touch.
I hope you enjoy recreating this tasty dish as much as I do. It’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of restaurant magic into your kitchen and share a delicious meal with loved ones.
