Outback Style Alice Springs Chicken

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If you’re a fan of the iconic Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse, you’re in for a treat! This copycat recipe brings all the flavors you love – tender chicken, a creamy, cheesy filling, and a sweet and tangy glaze – right to your kitchen. It’s surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish!

What You’ll Need

2 large chicken breasts (≈300 g each / 10‑12 oz each) — butterflied, pocketed: We’re using large chicken breasts, butterflied to create a pocket for a generous filling. Look for breasts that are relatively even in thickness for even cooking. Butterflying involves slicing the breast horizontally almost all the way through, then opening it like a book.
100 g (3½ oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded: Mozzarella is the star of the filling, providing that signature cheesy pull. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is recommended for the best melt without becoming too greasy.
50 g (1¾ oz) smoked turkey strips (halal‑certified), cut into 1 cm pieces: This recipe uses smoked turkey as a delicious and halal-friendly substitute for bacon. The smokiness adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Ensure the turkey is cut into small pieces for even distribution within the chicken.
2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey mustard sauce: Honey mustard forms the base of both the filling and the glaze, providing a sweet and tangy flavor. Use a good quality honey mustard for the best results.
1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a sophisticated tang and complexity to the flavor profile. It complements the honey mustard beautifully.
1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey: Honey contributes to the sweetness of the glaze and balances the acidity of the vinegar and mustard.
1 teaspoon (5 ml) apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness, creating a well-rounded glaze.
1 teaspoon (5 g) smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a beautiful color and smoky flavor to the chicken. It’s a key ingredient in replicating the Outback flavor.
1 teaspoon (5 g) garlic powder: Garlic powder provides a subtle garlic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil: Olive oil is used for searing the chicken, creating a golden-brown crust.
Fresh chives, finely chopped (≈10 g / 0.35 oz): Chives add a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
1 teaspoon (5 g) toasted sesame seeds: Sesame seeds provide a subtle nutty flavor and a visual contrast to the glaze and chives. Toasting them enhances their flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:

Smoked Turkey: If you can’t find smoked turkey, you can use cooked, chopped bacon.
Mozzarella: Monterey Jack or a blend of Italian cheeses can be used in place of mozzarella.
Honey Mustard: In a pinch, you can combine equal parts honey and Dijon mustard.

Detailed Instructions for Perfect Alice Springs Chicken

Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Begin by butterflying the chicken breasts. This involves slicing them horizontally, almost all the way through, and then opening them up like a book. This creates the pocket for the delicious filling. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season generously on both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s the foundation of the flavor!
Make the Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and the diced smoked turkey strips. Add 1 tablespoon of honey mustard and ½ tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The honey mustard and Dijon add a tangy depth to the cheesy, smoky turkey filling.
Stuff the Chicken: Carefully open each butterflied chicken breast pocket. Spoon half of the cheese-turkey mixture into each pocket, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Fold the chicken breast back over the filling, effectively sealing it inside. Secure the edges with toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet, skin-side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This searing process creates a beautiful color and adds a lot of flavor. Flip the chicken breasts and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze: While the chicken is searing, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of honey mustard, ½ tablespoon of Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. The apple cider vinegar provides a lovely tang that complements the honey and mustard.
Glaze and Bake: Brush the honey mustard glaze generously over both sides of the seared chicken breasts. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Rest, Slice, and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast. Remove the toothpicks carefully. Slice each chicken breast diagonally into 1-cm thick strips. Arrange the slices on a plate, overlapping them slightly. Drizzle the remaining glaze over the chicken in a zig-zag pattern. Sprinkle with finely chopped chives and toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and added texture. Serve immediately.

Why Butterflying the Chicken is Key

Butterflying the chicken breast isn’t just about creating a pocket for the filling; it ensures even cooking. A whole chicken breast can take significantly longer to cook through, potentially leading to a dry exterior. Butterflying creates a thinner, more uniform piece of meat, allowing it to cook quickly and evenly, locking in moisture and flavor.

The Magic of Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika is the secret weapon in this recipe. It doesn’t just add color; it imparts a subtle smoky flavor that mimics the wood-fired grills often used in Outback-style cooking. Using high-quality smoked paprika will make a noticeable difference in the final result. Don’t substitute with regular paprika – the smoky notes are essential!

Choosing the Right Cheese for Melt

Mozzarella is the ideal cheese for this recipe because of its excellent melting properties. It becomes wonderfully gooey and stretchy when heated, creating a satisfying texture contrast with the chicken and turkey. Other cheeses might not melt as smoothly or offer the same flavor profile. Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella is recommended to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

Substitutions and Variations

While smoked turkey is traditional, you can substitute it with cooked, crumbled bacon if preferred. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice can work in a pinch. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and stuff the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to sear and bake the chicken just before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the chicken in a regular skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish before glazing and baking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as the honey mustard and Dijon mustard you use are certified gluten-free.

Enjoy this delicious Outback Style Alice Springs Chicken! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!