Alice Springs Chicken combines juicy chicken breasts with crispy bacon, melted cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and a sweet honey mustard sauce, bringing together flavors and textures in every bite. This Alice Springs Chicken recipe makes for an impressive yet easy dinner that feels like a restaurant dish, perfect for family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- Chicken and Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Toppings:
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Suggested Side Dishes
For a complete meal, pair Alice Springs Chicken with these sides:
- Best Nachos Breakfast: Add a flavorful, shareable element to your table.
- Simply Sandwich Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the sauce.
- Smoked Salmon Recipes Breakfast Ideas: Provides a gourmet touch to accompany this main course.
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Drizzle olive oil and massage the seasoning evenly into each chicken piece, which helps lock in flavors. Allow the chicken to marinate for 10 minutes; this ensures the seasoning penetrates well. - Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy. Honey mustard sauce is integral to this Alice Springs Chicken recipe, as it balances the savory elements of bacon, mushrooms, and cheese. - Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit more olive oil if needed and place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes per side until each side is golden brown. Cooking the chicken to a golden brown exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender is essential for the texture of this dish. - Sauté Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary, and sauté the sliced mushrooms. Cook until they become tender and browned, adding depth and an earthy flavor that complements the chicken and cheese. - Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a baking dish, arrange the cooked chicken breasts, topping each with a generous spoonful of the honey mustard sauce. Layer on the mushrooms, bacon, and both cheeses. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, creating a deliciously gooey texture. - Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and serve immediately. Alice Springs Chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips & Variations
- Extra Flavor from Marinade: Marinate the chicken in half of the honey mustard sauce for at least 1-2 hours for deeper flavor. This step adds richness and tenderizes the chicken.
- Customizing the Cheese: Use mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack for added variety. The cheese melts beautifully, adding to the Alice Springs Chicken recipe’s creamy texture.
- Making It Lighter: Swap regular bacon with turkey bacon and use reduced-fat cheese to lighten up the dish while maintaining its richness.
- Adding a Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or sauce for some heat. A hint of spice perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey mustard.
- Make It a Sandwich: Transform Alice Springs Chicken into a hearty sandwich by serving each portion on a slice of Simply Sandwich Bread for an easy meal idea.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store leftover Alice Springs Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve the texture.
- Freezing: This Alice Springs Chicken recipe can also be frozen. Place cooked chicken with sauce and toppings in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven until thoroughly heated.
Why Alice Springs Chicken is So Loved
Alice Springs Chicken combines the richness of a hearty, comforting meal with a gourmet touch. The honey mustard sauce is tangy and sweet, perfectly balancing the savory flavors of bacon and cheese, while mushrooms add an earthy note. This Alice Springs Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed hit for any gathering, ideal for making a memorable meal at home. It’s also versatile; you can adjust it based on preferences, dietary needs, or available ingredients.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 700
- Protein: 55g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 45g