Alice Springs Chicken Recipe

Alice Springs Chicken Copycat Recipe 

Bring restaurant flavors home with this easy Alice Springs Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken, melty cheese, and veggies — a cozy dinner everyone will love.

Chicken and I seem to be besties these days. I find myself gravitating to it over and over, especially when I want to cook up something comforting but not too fussy. This week, I decided to bring a little restaurant magic into our home kitchen — and it all started with my husband’s favorite dish at Outback Steakhouse: the famous Alice Springs Chicken.

If you’ve ever had it, you know it’s a hearty, cheesy, flavorful dish that feels like a big hug on a plate. My husband is a self-proclaimed critic when it comes to his favorite meals. Let’s just say he doesn’t hold back his feedback — good or bad! I was a little nervous to try my own spin on such a beloved classic, but I’m always up for a kitchen challenge.

When I plated up my version and handed him his fork, I held my breath a bit. He took a bite, looked at me with that “I’m thinking about it” face, and finally said, "Not bad, not bad at all." In my book, that is basically a five-star review coming from him!

Why I love this dish

Besides being a crowd-pleaser, this copycat Alice Springs Chicken is actually pretty easy to pull together with basic ingredients you might already have on hand. I had a carton of white button mushrooms, a lone green pepper that needed to be used up in the fridge, and an onion from the pantry — they were dancing for joy at the possibilities, err... wait, maybe that was me. 

Plus, who can say no to melted cheese on chicken? Certainly not us!

If you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner that feels special but doesn’t require a lot of culinary skills, this is the one.

What is Alice Springs Chicken?

For those who may not be familiar, Alice Springs Chicken is an Outback Steakhouse menu favorite. The original version features a grilled chicken breast topped with sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a honey mustard sauce, usually served with a side of veggies or fries.

In my version, I decided to skip the bacon (my husband actually didn’t miss it at all) and simplify the sauce situation. He loves to dip his chicken in homemade ranch dressing anyway, so it was a win-win.

Ingredients you'll need

Here’s what I used, but feel free to make it your own:

• Chicken thighs (use as many as you need — I like thighs because they stay juicy, but chicken breasts work too)

• Shredded cheese, I chose colby jack for its creamy melt and mild flavor

• 8 oz white button mushrooms, washed and sliced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 green pepper, washed and chopped

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Olive oil, to coat the pan

Optional add-ons:

• Crispy cooked bacon slices, if you want to stay true to the restaurant version

• Homemade honey mustard or ranch dressing for dipping

How to make my Alice Springs Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Season your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder if you like. Place them in the skillet and cook until they’re browned on the outside and no longer pink inside. (Cooking times can vary depending on thickness — I do a test cut into the center of my chicken to check if they are no longer pink.)

3. In a separate skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and toss in your chopped onion and green pepper. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.

4. Add in the sliced mushrooms last since they cook quickly. Continue sautéing until everything is tender and lightly browned.

5. Once your chicken is cooked through, plate it up and top each piece with a generous spoonful of your sautéed veggie mix.

6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top while everything is still hot so it gets nice and melty.

7. Serve as is, or drizzle with your favorite sauce.

Serving suggestions

I like to serve this dish with a fresh salad or steamed veggies on the side to balance out the richness. You could also do roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even a warm piece of crusty bread to mop up any cheesy bits. 

My husband loves dipping each bite into ranch dressing (it’s basically a requirement in our house). I personally enjoy it as-is, but a honey mustard sauce would also pair beautifully and stay true to the original inspiration.

Why you’ll love this copycat Alice Springs Chicken

• Super flavorful and cheesy

• Great way to sneak in extra veggies if you have a picky eater who doesn't like vegetables like I do

• Easy to make on a busy weeknight

• Customizable — add bacon, swap in different veggies, or switch up the cheese

Tips & substitutions

• If you prefer chicken breasts, just be sure not to overcook them since they can dry out more easily than thighs.

• You can add a layer of cooked bacon under the cheese for a smokier flavor.

• For a lower-carb option, serve with a side salad or steamed green beans.

• Don’t be afraid to use what’s in your fridge — red peppers, spinach, or even zucchini would be delicious.

Would you try it?

We love chicken around here — it’s on our menu at least four to five nights a week. And when I can surprise my picky eater husband with something new that gets his stamp of approval? That’s a small victory worth celebrating.

I hope you give this easy skillet chicken recipe a try and make it your own. If you do, please let me know in the comments or send me a message — I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!

Ciao,

Cara