Alice Springs Outback Steakhouse Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- ½ cup mustard
- 6 slices of bacon
- ½ cup honey
- 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups grated Colby/Jack cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Sprinkle the 4 boneless chicken breasts with seasoning salt and rub it in to ensure even coating.
- Refrigerate: Cover the seasoned chicken with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the 6 slices of bacon.
- Cook Until Crispy: Fry the bacon until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Reserve the bacon grease in the skillet.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Bacon Grease: Keep the skillet with bacon grease over medium heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chilled chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook each side for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the browned chicken to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: Mix ½ cup mustard, ½ cup honey, and 2 teaspoons dried onion flakes in a small bowl until well combined.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess with more honey or mustard if desired.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Apply Honey Mustard: Spread a generous layer of the honey mustard sauce over each chicken breast.
- Add Toppings: Top each chicken breast with sliced mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and 2 cups of grated Colby/Jack cheese.
Step 6: Bake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. Serve with additional honey mustard sauce on the side if desired.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Cheese Options: Substitute Colby/Jack cheese with Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella for different flavors.
- Vegetable Variations: Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or onions along with mushrooms.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use turkey bacon for a lower-fat option, or reduced-fat or dairy-free cheese to suit dietary preferences.
- Honey Mustard Alternatives: Replace dried onion flakes with fresh chopped onions or onion powder. Try different mustards like Dijon or spicy brown to alter the sauce flavor.